How Packaging Drop Test Helps Ensure Safe Delivery of Products

The drop test is a critical tool for ensuring that packaging can withstand the forces it is likely to encounter during shipping and handling. In this article, we will explore how packaging drop tests can help ensure your products reach their destination safely and in good condition.

What Is Packing Drop Test and Why It Matters?

Packaging drop testing is a way to test the resilience of packaging by simulating real-life scenarios of it falling onto different surfaces from varying heights. The aim is to determine how much impact the packaging can take and how high it can be dropped without causing damage to the product inside.

    Why packaging drop test is important?

1. Safe Arrival: Drop testing ensures secure product reach.
2. Packaging Evaluation: Identify existing packaging weaknesses and optimize packaging types
3. Liability Reduction: Adequate packaging prevents damage and avoids liability.
4. Cost Savings: Lower risk of products damage cuts costs.
5. Brand Protection: Protect the company’s brand reputation.
6. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with packaging and shipping regulations can be ensured.

A successful packing drop test shows that the package is well-designed and sturdy enough to withstand typical transportation hazards, ensuring safe delivery of goods to customers.

How Do You Conduct A Drop Test in Packaging?

A machine which called free-fall drop tester is designed to perform packaging drop test. This machine drops the packaging from a set height onto a hard surface, either horizontally or vertically. The packaging is inspected for any damage after each drop.

Here is a step-by-step guide for using a free fall drop tester to perform a packaging drop test:

1. Before beginning the test, ensure that the packaging to be tested meets all necessary size and weight requirements for the free fall drop tester being used.
2. Set up the free fall drop tester in a secure and stable location, making sure that it is correctly calibrated for the weight and size of the packaging being tested.
3. Prepare the packaging to be tested by ensuring that it is securely packaged and sealed according to standard industry practices.
4. Place the packaging on the designated drop platform of the free fall drop tester, ensuring that it is oriented in the correct position for the desired testing parameters.
5. Turn on the free fall drop tester and set the desired drop height and number of drops as per the testing requirements.
6. Allow the free fall drop tester to complete the desired number of drops, making sure to record the results of each drop accurately.
7. Inspect the packaging after each drop to determine the extent of any damage or deformation caused by the drop impact.
8. Analyze the results of the testing to determine whether the packaging is suitable for its intended use and make any necessary adjustments to the packaging or the testing parameters.
9. Record the test results in a comprehensive report, noting any observed failures or other relevant data.
10. Repeat the testing as necessary to ensure that the packaging meets all necessary safety and performance standards.

Factors That Affect The Drop Test

1. Type of Packaging Material – The type of packaging material (such as paper, plastic, glass, or metal) used will have an impact on the drop test.
2. Shape and Size of the Packaging – The distribution of the weight and the dimensions of the package can impact how it falls.
3. Height of the Drop – The amount of force exerted on the package will increase with the height of the drop.
4. Surface onto Which the Package is Dropped – Harder surfaces can cause more damage than softer ones.
5. Orientation of the Package – The orientation in which the package is dropped (such as flat, upright, or angled) can also impact the drop test, as it will affect the way the package hits the ground.
6. Drop Conditions – The conditions under which the package is dropped (such as temperature, humidity, or vibrations) can also have an effect on the drop test results.
7. Weight of the Package – Heavier packages will have more force upon impact and are more likely to suffer damage.
8. Number of Drops – Multiple drops can cause cumulative damage.

What Are the Standards for Packaging Drop Test?

There are several international standards for packaging drop tests, which are used to ensure the safety and durability of packaging during shipping and handling. Some of the major standards include:

1. ISO 2248:2018 – Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Vertical impact test by dropping
2. ASTM D5276 – 19 – Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
3. ISTA Series 1 – Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Tests
4. MIL-STD-810G – Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests
5. IEC 60068-2-31 – Environmental testing – Part 2-31: Tests – Test Ec: Rough handling shocks, primarily for equipment-type specimens
6. TAPPI T813 – Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall

It’s important to note that these standards provide guidelines for testing the performance of corrugated boxes during transport and handling. The actual testing requirements may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the packaging and shipping industry.

What Is Height for Drop Test in Packaging?

Drop Test Height  (ISTA)
Metric		English
Package weight	Drop Height	Package weight	Drop Height
1-20 lb	30 in	1-9 kg	76
21-40 lb	24 in	10-18 kg	61
41-60 lb	18 in	19-27 kg	46
60-100 lb	12 in	28-45 kg	30
101-150 lb	8 in	46-68 kg	20