ASTM D6344 Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages

    What is ASTM D6344?   

    ASTM D6344 describes a standard test method to measure the resistance to concentrated low-level impacts of a filled transport package such as containers, crates, and pallets, as would be used in the distribution environment. This test method requires a concentrated impact to test a filled transport package, either by guided free fall, non-guided free fall, or pendulum. The test measures the resistance of packaging to outside forces such as the adjacent freight pushing and shoving against the package, accidental bumping during loading or unloading, and impacts on conveyors or chutes during sorting. ASTM D6344 (Standard Test Method for Concentrated Impacts to Transport Packages)  is used in laboratories to achieve a pass/fail result using previously determined acceptance criteria and to measure the amount of energy dissipated by the package during impact. The test aids package designers to assess package protection and to check for adequate package clearance or package support. 

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    Get Certified ASTM D6344 Testing for Reliable Package Performance 

    Certification ensures accurate evaluation of packaging resistance to concentrated impacts. This test method evaluates the force of concentrated impact on the packaging, assisting engineers in designing a package that is resistant to such impacts. Controlled impact testing is used to select packaging materials, to design new packages, to ensure quality control, and to compare packaging products for transportation applications. 

    What is the Scope of ASTM D6344? 

    ASTM D6344 provides guidelines and tools for the evaluation of the response of filled transport packages to low-level concentrated impacts commonly experienced in the distribution environment. The test is best suited to packages like thin fluted/lighter grade corrugated boxes and stretch-wrapped packages. The test result is a pass/fail result based on the acceptance criteria set earlier and a record of the energy dissipated by the entire filled transport package in the low-level concentrated impact.

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    The scope of ASTM D6344 includes:

    • Materials: Filled transport boxes, thin fluted/lightweight corrugated boxes, stretch-wrapped packaging.
    • Testing: Low-level impact resistance of packaging in a distribution environment.
    • Property measured: Pass/fail determination based on acceptance criteria; energy dissipated by the package during impact.
    • Method: Filled transport package, guided falling, non-guided falling, pendulum method; record of energy dissipated.
    • Result: Determination of pass or fail and record of the dissipation of energy.
    • Test Limitations: User establishes appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices.
    • Environmental conditions: Proper conditioning to appropriate humidity and temperature before testing is recommended.
    • Applications: Assess the ability to withstand impact from adjacent freight, bumps at loading and unloading, and impact at conveyor sorting; measure the protection of the contents; measure clearance/support between package wall and contents.

    What are the Uses of ASTM D6344 Testing?

    The ASTM D6344 test is used in the laboratory to assess transport packaging impact resistance. Engineers then use the findings to assess package designs and how they withstand impacts during distribution. This standard:

    • Evaluates the ability of the packaging to resist a high concentration of impact
    • Represents forces that are likely to be experienced in transport and handling
    • Analyzes the capacity of packaging to safeguard the product
    • Supports package design for validation
    • Helps to compare packaging materials
    • Helps keep packaging production to the highest standard
    • Helps to identify clearance/support between package wall and contents 

    What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D6344? 

    ASTM D6344 applies to complete filled transport packages. The test is best suited for packages like thin-fluted/lighter-grade corrugated or stretch-wrapped packaging. Before the start of the testing program, an analyst should determine the package type, test method (guided free-fall, non-guided free-fall, or pendulum), and the acceptance criteria. 

    Why is ASTM D6344 Important? 

    ASTM D6344 sets the standardized conditions for controlled impact assessment of packaging resistance to concentrated impacts. Impacts during distribution damage packages and their contents. The results help engineers to compare packaging materials and to decide if a package design will perform well during distribution. 

    ASTM D6344 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide

    ASTM D6344 requires a concentrated impact test apparatus capable of providing controlled impacts and capturing energy dissipated. Representative samples of complete filled transport packages are prepared in laboratories for testing. 

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    Sample and Specimen DetailsRepresentative samples of complete filled transport packages are tested in the laboratories and prepared for concentrated impact testing. 
    Specimen PreparationTechnicians prepare, condition, and measure the packages before testing and record their initial condition. 
    Specimen DimensionsTechnicians select package dimensions based on the product being tested. The standard applies to various package sizes. 
    InstrumentationThe test uses a concentrated impact test apparatus with guided free-fall, non-guided free-fall, or pendulum methods, and energy recording equipment. 

    Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM D6344 

    This test standard tests filled transport packages under controlled, concentrated impacts. Technicians set the required impact parameters, and the apparatus completes the test. The ASTM D6344 test methods include the following test procedure: 

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    Package Setup Technicians place the filled transport package in the test position according to standard requirements 
    Concentrated Impact Application Technicians apply a concentrated low-level impact to the package using the test apparatus. They may use guided free-fall, non-guided free-fall, or pendulum methods. The impact simulates those encountered in the distribution environment  
    Impact Measurement The system records the energy dissipated by the filled transport package during the impact. 
    Pass/Fail Determination Technicians determine pass/fail based on acceptance criteria previously established for the package 
    Result Reporting Laboratories report the pass/fail determination and the energy dissipated during impact. 

    ASTM D6344  Testing Process and Data Collection

    The analyst selects representative, fully filled transport packages and specifies the impact test method and acceptance criteria. Next, the technicians condition the packages and make a note of the initial condition. The operator then sets up the packages in the test position. Technicians apply the controlled impact using the selected method. Finally, technicians decide pass/fail according to predetermined criteria and document the amount of energy dissipated. Analysts compare the results with the acceptance criteria and record the data. 

    The image depicts a concentrated impact test apparatus delivering a controlled impact to a transport package according to ASTM D6344.
    Caption: ASTM D6344 Concentrated Impact Testing of Transport Packages

    Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

    Accurate ASTM D6344 results require stable impact conditions and a consistent test setup. The impact response can be influenced by the positioning of specimens and variable impact methods. Technicians need to check the test apparatus and measurement systems before testing. When laboratories prepare and test packages in the same manner, the results of their impacts are reliable.

    ASTM D6344 Analysis Results and Interpretation

    The report summarizes the results observed in the package after concentrated impact testing. The test packages are evaluated in comparison to the acceptance criteria selected by the laboratories.

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    • The laboratory reports the pass or fail result and documents the conditions of impact during the test.
    • The analyst notes the energy dissipated by the fully packed transport pack on impact.
    • The purpose of the report is to compare the tested packages against the acceptance criteria and record the results of the test, but not to give an overall value of the package.
    • These results help to validate packages, verify quality, and meet specification requirements. 

    Link to ASTM D6344

    FAQ

    Why is ASTM D6344 important?
    ASTM D6344 is significant because it establishes controlled impact settings for determining the resistance of transport packages to concentrated low-level impacts in the distribution environment.
    ASTM D6344 is the standard test procedure for administering concentrated impacts to completely packed transport packages and evaluating pass/fail based on previously stated acceptance criteria.
    ASTM D6344 determines pass/fail based on previously stated acceptance criteria and records the energy released by the package during impact.

    Updated on September 9, 2026

    Dr Ruchika Yogesh
    About Author
    Dr Ruchika Yogesh
    Dr. Ruchika Yogesh is an entrepreneur, science and AI/ML enthusiast, medicinal chemistry subject matter expert (SME), scientific/medical copyeditor, and an independent researcher.
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