ASTM D999 Test

Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of ASTM D999 Shipping Containers

The scope of the ASTM-D999 package test covers vibration testing of filled shipping containers. These tests evaluate the performance of a container. The package testing of this standard takes into account the inner packaging and closure means. 

The test sample consists of a container filled with inner packaging and actual content. As long as any defect is recorded before the test, the contents may use stained or rejected products. Whenever possible, five or more repeatable tests should be performed to increase the statistical reliability of the data obtained. Exposure to vibration can affect the shipping container, inner packaging, contents, and closure means. The test in ASTM D999 allows an analysis of the interaction of these components.

This packaging test standard is suitable for testing containers of any form, material, type, inner packaging design, closure tools, size and weight.

The ASTM-D-999 test includes four methods:

• A1: Repetitive shock test (vertical motion): These tests are suitable for the testing of separate containers unlimited in the bed of a vehicle. These tests are suitable for containers exposed to repetitive shocks due to enlargement of vibrations in unit loads or stacks.
• A2: Repetitive shock test (rolling motion); This method is similar to the A1 method. The difference is the vibration movement. Although there are similarities, the results of these two methods may not be related.
• B: Single container resonance test: This method is ideal for protecting individual containers and their inner packaging from vibration. The vibration is caused by transportation, and the focus is on resonance responses.
• C: Crawler load, unit load or vertical resonance test: This method focuses on the resonance frequency of palletized loads and loads loaded in multiple units. The aim is to determine whether the container power is sufficient to withstand dynamic loads when stacked.

Why is it important to test vibration? Shipping containers are constantly subjected to dynamic pressures caused by vibrations. Vibration resonances can be excessive and lead to packaging and product failure. It is important to identify critical frequencies and packet voltages to minimize this damage.

A completed ASTM D999 test report should include:

• Identification and identification of test samples, including container, inner packaging and product (giving size, weight and other relevant details).
• If Method C is used for unit C loads, the unit load and the height of the stack and the unitization method used.
• The purpose of the test and applicable performance characteristics, if any.
• Sequence of test methods and test densities, frequencies and times used. Whether random or swept sine input is used to determine resonance frequencies.
• If random, the spectrum used.
• Verification of compliance with the test method or identification of any deviations.
• The number of repeats of each test.
• Description of the apparatus and instrumentation used, including the date of the last calibration.
• Detailed descriptions and photos of the fixture used in the test.
• Test results.
• Descriptions and photographs of damage or deterioration in containers or their contents as a result of tests.
• Whether the damage created in the lab test replicates the actual field damage in the container and the content.
• All observations that can assist in the correct interpretation of all resonant responses and results or lead to improvements in the design of the container, inner packaging or product.
• A statement of whether the samples meet the requirements of the applicable specification.
• For A1 and A2 Methods, adjustments to the test frequency during testing.