Testing your crating or packaging solution

Creating a custom packaging solution for industrial applications starts with engineering expertise and the technology to create the solution.      Packnet’s vast array of fabrication capability includes CNC routing, water Jet cutting, die cutting, plastic welding, panel cutting, adhesive bonding,   riveting and more.  Along with the technologies, Packnet has expertise in a variety of materials vital in creating these custom solutions.   These include dozens of different types of foam, corrugated plastic sheets, corrugated fiberboard, OSB, plywood, various types of wood paneling, ISPM 15 compliant wooden crates and pallets and other products such as soft sided cases and Gemstar hard sided cases.

Custom engineered and fabricated solution often involves testing to insure that the packaging is protecting the product as intended.  Also many customers require tests to prove compliance to specifications.  The following are just a few of the tests that Packnet may perform on a packaging solution:

Rotational Edge Drop, Rotational Corner Drop, and Rotational Flat Drop:  These tests simulate impacts on various parts of the container, ideally simulating conditions experienced during loading and unloading of containers from various transport and storage areas.   These tests can determine strength of the package itself as well as its ability to protect or cushion the product.   Applicable Test methods:  ASTM D6179, ASTM D4169, ISTA.

Vibration and Shock Testing:  This test simulates longer term conditions during transport.  Vibration and shock can be experienced during truck, rail, ocean vessel or air transport.   Applicable test methods:  ASTM D999

Compression Testing:  This test simulates the stresses that a package or container may experience when other containers are stacked on top of it during storage or transport.  Applicable test methods:  ASTM D4577

Temperature and Humidity Cycling:  This test simulates the type of environmental stresses a package may see during shipment and storage in various climate conditions.   Applicable test methods:  ASTM D4332.

UV Exposure Testing:  This test is for determining how well plastic containers can maintain its properties through long term exposure to outdoor or indoor UV radiation.  Applicable test methods:  ASTM D4329

Salt Fog Corrosion Testing:   This test simulates salt conditions normally experienced during ocean transport as well as storage in corrosive environments.  Applicable test methods ASTM B117

Determining the proper tests and test conditions depends on a number of things including end customer specifications, expected transportation conditions as well as sensitivity, size and weight of the package.  Packnet has experience and expertise in determining a variety of transport, handling and storage conditions and can work with you to determine the proper testing for your product.   Packnet works with a number of qualified test facilities that can certify compliance to given specifications.

Added options during testing include doing shock, vibration and environmental recording during testing.   The measurements can give you a helpful benchmark for ongoing shipping and handling monitoring.  ShockWatch has a number of products that are ideal for these applications.   See our ShockWatch impact and environmental recording  page for more information.