ASTM D6179
Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
Micom laboratories offers ASTM D6179 as part of its packaging test services . This standard gives the guidelines that are required to appraise the integrity of the container and the capacity of the contents to withstand rough handling. Indeed, those properties are assessed through the use of: drop, tip, tipover or rolling tests. Conversely, ASTM D6055 focuses on evaluating the integrity of the content and of the receptacle to endure normal handling while they are being transported on a mechanical handling equipment. Lastly, the acceptance criteria of this method are based on the ASTM D4169 standard.
Use and factors to be considered for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates:
ASTM D6179 describes different test methods that assess particular properties of the receptacle. Also, they allow the user to determine the integrity as well as the stability of the load. Furthermore, some guidance in regard to improve the design of the shipping container or of the unit load is provided by these methods. Indeed, this is due to the qualitative correlation that exists between the damages to products or packages observed during the experiment and those observed in the actual distribution.
The main factors that are to be considered for the drop test are: the angle of the drop and the weight and height of the container. The shape and weight of the receptacle are the factors that have to be taken into account for the tip, the tipover and the rolling tests.
Typical Experimental parameters for ASTM D6179 testing:
The number of specimens has to be specified, but several shipping units of a given design, if possible. Table 1 describes the usage of the different test methods and the conditions of the test atmosphere shall be in accordance with the ASTM D4332 standard.
Table I: Description of the usage of different test methods
| Test methods | Usage of test |
| A, B, C, D and E Drop test | Used to appraise the ability of a case or crate or unitized loads to resist rough handling impacts. They provide useful information in improving the design of the container. Test methods A and B are not applied to unitized loads. |
| F Tip test | Employed to determine if ?lled tall or top-heavy cases, crates, or unitized loads will tip over if they are tilted to a predetermined angle. |
| G Tip over test | Used to assess the ability of filled large shipping cases or crates to resist the impacts associated with tipover hazards. Also, it gives insights on the protection provided to the contents by the packaging and the packing methods when the case or crate is tipped over. |
| H Rolling test | Employed to determine the ability to complete, ?lled large shipping cases or crates to resist the effects of rolling. |
Other test methods related to ASTM D6179:
For additional related test methods, please see ASTM D880 , ASTM D5277.
If you have any questions about the ASTM D6179 test, we invite you to contact our material testing lab today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and help you with your custom material testing requirements.