ASTM D3580 Vibration Package Testing

ASTM D3580 package testing uses vibration testing to determine resonances of unpackaged products. Furthermore, the ASTM D3580 vibration test identifies resonant frequencies that may amplify vibration damage during transportation.

As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, we realize the importance of vertical linear vibration testing. However, meeting the ASTM testing requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

We have a reputation of helping customers achieve their package certifications. Keystone Package Testing partners with customers to achieve package compliance. We are in constant communication throughout the test process. Our pricing is competitive and we offer volume discounts.

Request a quote and find out first hand about our competitive pricing, timely process, and outstanding reputation. Contact us to receive more information on ASTM vibration testing.

Summary of Vertical Linear Vibration Testing

ASTM D3580 vibration integrity testing determines vibration resonances in a unit’s transportation life cycle. The test standard focuses on identifying resonances of unpackaged products and their components.

In practice, a D3580 vibration testing lab must maintain calibrated equipment and documented procedures to ensure valid resonance data.

ASTM-D3580 uses vertical linear motion at the surface on which the product is mounted to find the resonance. There are two alternative test methods. As a result, each D3580 vibration test method evaluates resonance behavior differently based on the applied excitation type.

Each D3580 vibration test method targets different resonance behaviors depending on excitation type and frequency profile. In these studies, resonance search vibration testing locates frequencies that may cause excessive response during shipment.

• Test Method A: Resonance search using sinusoidal vibration
• Test Method B: Resonance search using random vibration

Note that the two separate ASTM test methods are not equivalent. Each vibration method may produce different results. Typically, random ASTM D3580 vibration testing is a better simulation of the transport equipment. Random vibration testing is also usually quicker than conducting sine tests.

Scope of ASTM D3580 Vibration Testing

ASTM D3580 testing provides engineers with valuable design feedback. The testing parameters assess the response of products to vibration. This can be useful for product design, container design, and interior packaging design purposes. The goal is to minimize the transportation vibration inputs at critical frequencies.

By contrast, a vertical vibration resonance test focuses on identifying amplification effects rather than simulating overall transit exposure.

Studies show that transportation vibration damage most often occurs at resonance frequencies. Knowing the resonance frequency, which could be considered a fragility point, assists engineers in designing proper packaging.

Additionally, ASTM D3580 testing does not necessarily simulate vibration effects the product could encounter in its operation or in-use environment. This test standard only addresses the shipping environment.

The test lab conducts D3580 testing on a vibration table or shaker. Keystone Package Testing has four shakers capable of simulating the necessary vibration outputs.

Lastly, ASTM D3580 and Keystone recommend that at least five replicate samples be tested. Thus, the more units that are tested, the more accurate the statistical reliability.

ASTM D3580 Vibration Integrity Testing Procedures

First, the test program starts with conditioning. Conditioning can contain extreme cold, extreme heat, temperature shock, humidity, and altitude. In the absence of other requirements, the recommended conditioning temperature is 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% relative humidity.

Perform the tests in the conditioned environment or immediately upon removal from that environment. Attach the test specimen to the test surface, near the center of the apparatus. This will prevent the specimen from leaving or freely moving across the test surface.

Operators must apply sufficient intensities to vibrate the product at specific acceleration and frequency levels. These levels determine whether product resonances exist in the expected transportation environment.

Sinusoidal Vibration: Test Method A

First, sweep the frequency range from 3 to 100 Hz. Then return to the starting frequency using an automatic or manual sweep.

Next, maintain a nearly constant acceleration level. Select an acceleration level between 0.25 and 0.5 g. Starting at 3 Hz, vary the vibration frequency at a continuous logarithmic rate of 0.5 to 1 octave/min up to 100 Hz. Then return to 3 Hz.

Lastly, record any resonances of the product. Repeat the cycle if necessary.

Random Vibration: Test Method B

Start the vibration system so that the PSD levels do not overshoot the desired spectrum during startup. The test should begin at least 6 dB below full level. Then, operate at full test level for a specified time duration. The time must be long enough for the control system to stabilize and for the data to average sufficiently.

Use one of the spectra from test method ASTM D4728: Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers, a spectrum representative of the expected transportation environment, a flat broadband spectrum, or another known appropriate spectrum.

Next, monitor the amplitude, frequency data sensed on the test surface, the test specimen, and its components for any resonant vibrations. Record the frequencies of any resonances and identify the product components that are resonating. For sine testing, record both frequencies and the corresponding sweep direction.

Test the product in each of the potential shipping orientations of concern.

Test Report

Upon completion of the ASTM D3580 package test, the test lab will issue a test report. The test report will include the following information:

• A description of the test product.
• Identification of the purpose of the test.
• Information on which test method was used. The options are sine testing, random testing or both.
  • If sine testing is used, a description of the test sequence, input acceleration level, frequency range swept, and sweep rate will be included.
  • If random testing is used, a description of the test sequence, input spectrum shape, levels, frequencies, and the test duration will be included.
• A description of deviations
• A statement of the number of test replications.
• Identification of the test equipment used.
• Details of the method of conditioning.
• Results of any prior tests.
• Components that displayed resonant vibration and their corresponding frequencies.

ASTM D3580 Vibration Package Testing Laboratory

A D3580 vibration testing lab must be equipped with calibrated shakers capable of producing controlled vertical linear motion.

Additionally, we can accommodate flexible and rigid packages of all sizes, including large pallets. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to ASTM D3580 vertical linear vibration testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including temperature validation, sterile barrier, and cold chain.

Contact us and learn first hand why so many companies partner with Keystone to achieve their ASTM D5380 certification needs.

For more referenced ASTM standards and similar testing, please follow the links below:

• ASTM D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• MIL-STD 810, Method 514 Vibration

Interested in the EMC/EMI, climatic, dynamic, shielding effectiveness, or IP Code testing of a product? Follow the corresponding links or www.keystonecompliance.com for more information.