ASTM_D_5331_-_03_2009_e1.pdf

Designation:D533103(Reapproved 2009)1Standard Test Method forEvaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized LoadsSecured with Stretch Wrap Films1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5331;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1NOTEParagraphs 3.2.2 and 7.2 were editorially corrected in March 2009.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers evaluation and comparison ofthe ability of unitizing films to survive various methods ofmechanical handling.1.2 The test method described is applicable to commonmeans of material handling,including the following:forklift,push/pull,clamp truck,crane,and spade lift-type handlingsystems.1.3 The test levels may be varied to reflect known levels ofintensity accurately for the specific unit load under testing.1.4 The methodology of performing the mechanical han-dling tests is described in detail in Test Methods D6055 andTest Methods D6179.This test method will describe onlysample preparation and evaluation in the special case ofevaluating the performance of stretch film for load unitizing.1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-mentsD4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-tainers and SystemsD6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of UnitizedLoads and Large Shipping Cases and CratesD6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loadsand Large Shipping Cases and Crates3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsGeneral definitions for packaging and dis-tribution environments are found in Terminology D996.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 large shipping case or cratefor the purposes of thistest method,a shipping container constructed of any material,and of such size and weight,to require mechanical handling.Acase or crate of this type may weigh from 100 lb(45 kg)tomany tons and measure proportionally.The case or crate maybe secured to or carried by a base or pallet.Frame membersmay be provided for rigidity throughout the container.3.2.2 spade lift attachmenta lift truck attachment used fortop handling products packaged in interlocking flange cartons(IFC)or folded cap or folded flap style cartons.3.2.3 unitized loadfor the purposes of this test method,consisting of a number of packages(two or more)wrapped orbanded together as a shipping unit.When unitized,thesepackages typically weigh more than 100 lb(45 kg).Theunitized method may be shrink wrapping,banding,strapping,taping,or gluing.Abase consisting of a pallet or slip sheet mayor may not be used.4.Significance and Use4.1 This test method is intended for use primarily as ameans of comparing the performance of unitizing films.It canalso be used to compare the effectiveness of different wrapcycles with the same wrapping materials.No direct correlationbetween these test results and actual field performance hasbeen established.4.2 This test method simulates mechanical handling antici-pated during all distribution phases.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 onPackaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizingand Unitizing of Loads.Current edition approved March 15,2009.Published March 2009.Originallyapproved in 1992.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5331 03.DOI:10.1520/D5331-03R09E01.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 4.3 This test method leaves open to the discretion of the userthe establishment of test levels and numbers of cycles consti-tuting the test,so that the user might tailor the test to simulatea particular distribution environment.The section on mechani-cal handling over 100 pounds(45 kg)in Practice D4169 mayprovide some guidance in this regard.5.Apparatus5.1 Load Wrapping ApparatusA machine or apparatus towrap the test load.The wrap application method is preferablyas near as possible to that used in an actual production situation(stretch wrapper or manual wrapping unit).5.2 Mechanical Handling Apparatus Refer to Section 5 ofTest M