ASTM D6055 Mechanical Handling of Utilized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates

Get Certified ASTM D6055 Mechanical Handling Testing

ASTM D6055 testing helps evaluate shipping units for suitability for mechanical handling using user-specified load-handling equipment. The methods can provide information about load integrity and stability and can help identify deficiencies that may require improvements to the shipping-unit design. Technicians select the applicable handling method based on the shipping configuration and anticipated handling equipment. Engineers and analysts then evaluate the condition of the shipping unit and contents following the specified handling sequence.

• Material Type: Unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates.
• Purpose: Evaluation of shipping-unit integrity and ability to withstand normal mechanical handling.
• Property Measured: Load integrity, stability, handling resistance, and observed package or product damage.
• Method: Mechanical handling using applicable forklift, spade lift, clamp, push-pull, grabhook, or sling operations.
• Result: Observed condition, damage, stability, and integrity of the shipping unit and contents after handling.
• Test Limitations: Not all test methods apply to all products, containers, and loads; individual drums and palletized drums are outside the stated scope.
• Environmental Conditions: Testing is performed under the specified or agreed conditioning and handling conditions applicable to the shipping unit.
• Applications: Packaging design evaluation, shipping-unit qualification, distribution testing, quality control, and mechanical-handling assessment.

What are the uses of ASTM D6055 testing?

ASTM D6055 testing evaluates how a shipping unit responds to handling operations commonly encountered during distribution. The methods can be performed using the actual handling equipment intended for the load or other standard user-specified handling equipment. The testing helps identify weaknesses in packaging and load-unit design before distribution. Damage observed during testing can also provide qualitative information about damage that may occur in actual distribution handling systems. The test helps to:

• Mechanical Handling Evaluation: Determines whether the shipping unit withstands applicable handling operations.
• Load Integrity Assessment: Evaluates whether the load remains intact during handling.
• Stability Evaluation: Identifies movement, instability, or loss of load integrity.
• Packaging Design Improvement: Helps identify deficiencies that may require design changes.
• Equipment Compatibility: Evaluates suitability for specified material-handling equipment.
• Distribution Assessment: Provides information relevant to normal distribution handling.
• Quality Control: Supports verification of shipping-unit performance.

Which Materials Can Be Tested According to ASTM D6055?

ASTM D6055 is intended for unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates that require mechanical handling during distribution. The test methods can be selected according to the handling equipment and configuration applicable to the shipping unit. Technicians prepare representative, fully configured shipping units for the selected mechanical handling procedure. The method applies to:

• Unitized Loads: Loads assembled into a single handling unit.
• Large Shipping Cases: Large packaged units designed for mechanical handling.
• Large Shipping Crates: Crated shipping units subjected to handling operations.
• Packaged Contents: Products contained within the tested shipping unit.
• Slip-Sheet Loads: Unitized loads intended for push-pull handling.

Why is ASTM D6055 Testing Important?

Mechanical handling can subject shipping units to lifting, squeezing, pulling, compression, and other forces. ASTM D6055 provides defined procedures for evaluating the ability of unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates to withstand these handling operations. The results help users determine load integrity and stability and can provide guidance for improving shipping-unit design when deficiencies are identified. ASTM also indicates that damage observed during testing may correlate qualitatively with damage occurring in actual distribution handling systems.

ASTM D6055 Testing Process and Data Collection

Technicians first identify the shipping unit, contents, handling construct, and mechanical handling method. Before testing, they examine and record the shipping unit, which covers the size, load state, packaging structure, and visible defects. The mechanical handling operation that is to be carried out is then performed by the handling equipment selected. Depending on the method, this can include repeated fork-truck handling, spade lifting, hydraulic clamp handling, push-pull handling on a slip-sheet, grabhook lifting, or sling lifting. After the handling sequence, technicians inspect the shipping unit and contents. Analysts record package damage, deformation, load movement, loss of stability, handling-component damage, and other relevant observations. Engineers use these findings to evaluate shipping-unit integrity and identify opportunities to improve packaging or load design.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

The results from ASTM D6055 are subject to change due to different load configurations, load conditions, handling equipment, attachment set-up, and load stability. Technicians need to ensure that the shipping unit they are testing is representative of the shipping configuration. When the handling equipment is positioned incorrectly, it can create conditions that are not reflective of the intended mechanical handling operation. Any pre-existing package damage, package movement, package deformation, or abnormalities due to equipment should also be recorded to affect interpretation.

• The laboratory reports the shipping-unit dimensions in mm, overall load mass in kg, and records the observed mechanical handling results according to the applicable procedure.
• The technician records shipping-unit length, width, and height in mm, load configuration, packaging condition, handling attachment, handling sequence, and initial physical condition.
• The analyst documents observed deformation, package damage, load movement, loss of stability, handling-component damage, and condition of the contents following mechanical handling.
• Analysts record shipping-unit identification, preparation details, equipment configuration, pre-test inspection, handling conditions, post-test inspection, and other required test information.
• Engineers compare the observed mechanical handling results among shipping-unit designs to support packaging qualification, load-unit design, equipment compatibility, distribution performance, and improvements in shipping protection.

Link to ASTM D6055