ASTM D5487 Drop Testing of Loaded Containers

ASTM D5487 drop testing uses shock machines to simulate drops of packages and loaded containers. As an ISTA and ISO/IEC 17025-certified laboratory, Keystone Package Testing understands the importance of simulated drop testing. We help companies meet ASTM D5487 requirements and overcome compliance challenges.

Additionally, if your package does not meet the requirements, our team identifies practical solutions. We keep you informed throughout the testing process with clear communication. Furthermore, we prepare comprehensive reports shortly after testing concludes. As a result, you receive accurate results quickly and can move your project forward with confidence.

Request a quote and find out first hand about our competitive pricing, timely process, and outstanding reputation. Have a question about simulated drop testing? Contact us and we will determine the best course of action.

Summary of ASTM D5487 Shock Machine Testing

ASTM D5487 establishes procedures for using shock machines to simulate the effects of vertical drops. Additionally, the standard evaluates loaded shipping containers, cylindrical containers, bags, pouches, and sacks.

The standard uses inch-pound units as the official measurements. It also provides SI units as mathematical conversions for reference only.

Shipping containers and interior packaging protect products during handling, transportation, and storage. However, shock remains one of the most demanding distribution hazards. Furthermore, free-fall drop testing places significant stress on the test specimen. Products may also strike the impact surface at angles other than perpendicular. Therefore, ASTM D5487 helps evaluate package performance under realistic impact conditions.

Scope of ASTM D5487 Drop of Loaded Containers Testing

An ASTM D5487 laboratory uses shock machines to generate controlled shock inputs. This process evaluates how well shipping containers, interior packaging, and contents withstand impact forces. Additionally, the test simulates free-fall drops under controlled conditions. The shock pulse frequency must be at least three times greater than the package system’s natural frequency.

Furthermore, proper fixturing plays a critical role in accurate testing. The way you secure the package can influence the test results. Therefore, laboratories typically hold packages firmly to the shock table with a cross member positioned across the top.

Finally, the test procedure and the number of specimens depend on the project objectives. Regardless of the selected procedure, laboratories strap and close each container exactly as it will be prepared for shipment.

Significance of ASTM D 5487 Shock Machine Testing

Conditioning

Prior to ASTM D5487 shock transportation testing, conditioning and samples must be clarified. The sampling and number of test specimen depend on the specific purposes and needs of this testing. When the standard is used to evaluate the package’s protection characteristics, the package is recommended to be constructed with actual contents as intended.

Regardless of which procedure is used, the container is closed or strapped in the same manner that will be used in preparing it for shipment. Generally, atmospheres for conditioning are selected using ASTM D4332.

Method A: Unstrained Testing

Standard test method A uses the movement of the specimen that is controlled so a second impact is prevented. The test is continued until the required members have been impacted.

Method B: Restrained Testing

Method B restrains the movement of the loaded container so that the shock pulse is directly transmitted to the test specimen. Similar to Method A, the specimen is examined and the test continues until the required members have been impacted.

Test Report

The information from the report includes:

• Materials used
• Spacing
• Size
• Kinds of fasteners
• Velocity change
• Free-fall drop height
• Input shock duration
• The response of the natural frequency must also be recorded.
• Description of the contents

General information within the report will include the date, location, time, and specific technician. Lastly, the report must be noted with a complete description of any fixturing used for positioning corner and edge drops.

Expert ASTM D5487 Laboratory Simulated Drop Testing

Keystone has a full scope of expertise including sterile barrier, inclined impact, and vibration. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling.

Ready to get started? Request a quote to discuss your simulated drop of loaded containers by shock machines testing needs.

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

• ASTM D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• ASTM D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• ASTM E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

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.