ASTM D6344 Test

Standard Test Method for Concentrated Effects on ASTM D6344 Transport Packages

The purpose of the ASTM D6344 test method is to replicate the distribution medium for the transport pack resistance filled against condensed low-level impacts. The test is recommended for fine corrugated or lighter-grade corrugated boxes or stretch packaging.

The test is performed as successful / unsuccessful from the specified criteria. During shipping, packages may experience intense effects from external sources. This test will evaluate the package on how these effects counteract its forces. The effects are intended to simulate real situations during distribution. These include, but are not limited to: adjacent load jostling on a transport vehicle, accidental impacts during loading and unloading, and impacting on conveyors or gutters. The test will ultimately assess whether the packaging can adequately protect the contents from damage.

There are five (6344) required devices for the test given by ASTM D5:

• Full Radius Cylindrical Mass (Hemispheric) Tip - a solid steel rod with a rounded end, thereby forming a hemisphere. A threaded guide bolt can be installed for positioning and support.
• Guided Free Fall - the mass of the cylindrical rod is allowed to fall freely from a tube and hit the test specimen with its round end. The bar should hit the package within 10 mm of the desired impact point. The package test surface should also be positioned perpendicular to the falling bar or tube before falling free.
• Free Fall Without Guides - The bar can be dropped without the orientation of a tube. The bar will be suspended perpendicular to the surface of the test pack and hit 10 mm inside the desired impact point.
• Pendulum - the two cords will hang the steel bar so that it can swing like a pendulum to hit the edge of a bar. When released, the pendulum should be perpendicular to the package test surface and strike 10 mm near the desired impact point.
• Conditioning Apparatus - The test sample must be adjusted to the appropriate humidity and temperature before the test begins.

The test sample should consist of packaging prepared with real ingredients. The package must be sealed for the field as it really is. The number of test samples required for the samples is determined by how many are required to accurately show performance during the distribution process.

Faces to be tested must be identified to begin testing. Generally, tests are carried out on the sides of the pack that are most likely to have a low impact on the field. Determine the desired impact point on the surfaces to be tested. Before accepting the test, determine the acceptance criteria.

If the package requires conditioning, it is best to run the tests in a conditioned atmosphere. However, if this is not possible, the test should be done immediately after the package is removed from the conditioned medium. Complete the tests from the heights that produce the desired energy at the time of impact, according to the tables in the ASTM D6344 procedure.

Once the test is complete, the test lab will evaluate whether the package meets the acceptance criteria and write a report accordingly.