ASTM D6179 is a series of standard test methods that covers testing the integrity of unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates, as well as the ability of the contents to endure rough handling. It organizes its procedures by simulated hazard and states that procedures A and B generally do not apply to unitized loads. ASTM D6179 covers the following:
- Material type: Unitized loads and large shipping cases and crates, filled with their contents.
- Purpose: Test load integrity, stability, and content protection during rough handling.
- Properties measured:
- Integrity and stability of the container or unitized load after each hazard.
- Ability of the contents to resist damage from rough handling.
- Damage to the container, closures, and contents.
- Method: Laboratory test that simulates handling hazards in distribution. The container is loaded with its contents and put through drop tests (Methods A to E), a tip test (F), a tipover test (G), and a rolling test (H), as applicable. It is inspected after each hazard.
- Result: Pass/fail judgment of load and container integrity and content damage after each hazard, recorded in the test report. It helps improve packaging design.
- Test limitations: Not all test methods apply to all products, containers, and loads. Methods A and B are generally not applicable to unitized loads.
- Environmental conditions: Tests are normally run at ambient laboratory conditions unless the test plan specifies otherwise. If the test plan requires it, the container is conditioned beforehand, typically by reference to ASTM D4332 (conditioning containers and packages). Confirm the exact conditions in D6179.
- Applications: Packaging Design Validation, Distribution Testing, and Damage Mitigation for heavy or large shipments.
What are the Uses of ASTM D6179 Testing?
ASTM D6179 testing assesses the integrity and stability of a load and guides improvements to container design if it is found to be deficient. Any damage seen during testing is at least qualitatively correlated with actual damage due to distribution handling. This standard-
- Measures how well a case, crate, or unitized load withstands rough handling impacts.
- Identifies top-heavy loads that tip over at a predetermined tilt angle.
- Evaluates tipover impacts and the protection that packaging gives the contents.
- Assesses the effects of rolling on complete, filled large containers.
- Identifies design defects that can be addressed by design engineers prior to shipping.
- Supports distribution testing programs along with related handling procedures.
What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D6179?
ASTM D6179 is used for unitized loads and for large shipping cases and crates of wood, plywood, fiberboard, plastic, or metal. Typically, containers are filled with the actual contents or simulated loads representing the contents. Before beginning a test program, the analyst selects the appropriate methods because both Methods A and B are generally not applicable to unitized loads, and not all methods are applicable to all containers or products.
Why is ASTM D6179 Important?
ASTM D6179 simulates the rough handling heavy shipments endure during distribution, allowing packaging engineers to identify vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. Each hazard can cause different failures, and the standard includes separate procedures for drop, tip, tipover, and rolling. The results inform design modifications that minimize product damage, claim costs, and worker safety risks when handling heavy loads. The standard is used to ensure that a manufacturer and shippers validate that the container and packing methods will protect the product throughout the distribution process.
