The inclined impact test is one of the main tests to be carried out in order to achieve optimized packaging and secure goods during transport.
Through a certain impact laboratory equipment, it is possible to test the protective capacity of the packaging when faced with shocks and impacts during the distribution cycle. In addition, the test enables compliance with the impact test standards of organizations such as ASTM, ISO or ISTA.
It is therefore an essential packaging test, which allows companies to minimize damage to their product during the distribution cycle and to optimize the use of their resources.
Who may need inclined impact testing methods
An impact laboratory equipment allows to simulate, under controlled conditions, the impacts that the goods will receive during handling and transport operations.
Through such machinery, it is possible to reproduce the tests following different packaging configurations, comparing the effects of different designs, different cushioning and filling materials or types of cardboard.
In this way, it is possible to design a protective packaging appropriate to the distribution cycle and validate in practice those projects that work in theory.
Generally, this process is carried out through the work of two teams:
- The design department, which develops various solutions for transport packaging, according to the appropriate shapes, materials and product layout.
- The testing team, which performs the inclined impact test, thus complementing the design work.
Investment in impact laboratory equipment is justified for companies with sufficient manufacturing volume to benefit from the savings associated with optimal packaging.
Optimizing packaging through impact testing methods involves using the right amounts of materials to create a protective package, which means that it has a direct impact on reducing costs.
Other companies that may benefit from acquiring impact laboratory equipment are certified laboratories, which will be able to offer their services to third parties, as well as research laboratories or packaging specialists.
What is an Inclined Impact Test
The inclined impact test is a test that simulates the impacts and blows suffered by the goods during handling and transport.
Thus, the inclined impact test evaluates the ability of packaging systems to withstand horizontal impacts or crushing forces.
A load can be subjected to these efforts in situations such as these:
- A commodity travels in the box of a truck and the vehicle brakes suddenly. In this case, the goods could move and hit a surface or be crushed by the movement of other loads.
- A commodity is impacted or crushed when handled by a forklift operator.
Inclined Impact Test Standards
There are a number of international transport standards and regulations that include the inclined impact test as part of their protocols.
Thus, freight transport companies must comply with the following impact test standards:
- ASTM D4169-16 Standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and systems
- ISTA Procedures 1A, B, C, E, G, H; 2A, B, C; 3B, E, K; 4 Series; 6-FEDEX-B; 6-SAMSCLUB, 6-AMAZON.COM
How to develop an inclined impact test step by step
The various standards propose their own procedures for carrying out an inclined impact test. In this way, there is no single procedure for carrying out this test.
As an example, we could consider the procedure proposed by the ISTA 6-SAMSCLUB regulation, which is carried out only with packages that comply with certain characteristics.
According to this method, the package should be centered on the impact trolley of the impact laboratory equipment.
The face of the package to be tested must be flush with the front of the trolley. This way, the different sides of the package are impacted according to what is indicated in the standard.
So, the regulations specify:
- The number of times the test should be performed
- Which sides of the packaging are to be tested
- In what order the procedure is to be carried out
- The minimum impact speed
The impact testing machine specifications and the other specific regulations for each standard will indicate how to perform this test.
Impact laboratory equipment for inclination tests
Impact laboratory equipment comprises specific machinery used to perform the inclined impact test.
In the case of the Safe Load Testing Technologies equipment, it consists of a platform through which acceleration is performed and of a flat, metal impact surface with high rigidity.
The impact testing machine specifications take into account the force of gravity to reach the speed required for the inclined impact test and the test sample travels over the machine structure, which has an inclination of 10º.
In order to carry out the procedure, the operator must select the speed to be reached during the test by positioning the trigger mechanism on a calibrated ruler.
In addition, different elements simulating different threats to the load during transport (barriers, corners or forks of a forklift) can be placed on the impact surface through a matrix of holes.
Why you should choose Safe Load TT
Impact laboratory equipment has certain advantages:
- It has been built to carry out the international protocols ASTM D880, ASTM D4003 and ISO 2244.
- It has a user-friendly design: it allows for high operator intuitiveness and simple and inexpensive maintenance.
In this sense, it has a touch screen and a modern and accessible interface, and it is programmed to take care of the operator’s usability.
- At Safe Load Testing Technologies, we offer personalized attention to our customers, always looking for custom equipment design and turnkey delivery.
In addition, we provide after-sales service and training around our teams to accompany our customers through all phases of the project.
Would you like to know more about the inclined impact test and our equipment?
Get in contact with us and we’ll help you find the solution your business needs.