ASTM D5276

Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall

ASTM D5276 is a drop test of loaded containers by free fall. This test method establishes the procedures required to carry out a free-fall drop test for shipping containers weighing less than 50 kg (110 lbs). Micom offers ASTM D5276 testing as part of its Packaging testing services.

Factors to Be Considered in a Drop Test

ASTM D5276 Shock Drop - Micom Laboratories ASTM D5276 testing is used to simulate drops that can occur while a loaded container, e.g.: a cardboard box is being handled during distribution.  ASTM D5276 is strictly a test method; one cannot use this test method without combining it with a given set of requirements. The test by itself does not have any drop height requirements.

This test method, therefore, has to be combined with other technical documents such as an ISTA testing standard. These technical documents will dictate test parameters such as drop height and drop orientation and whether all drops need to be done on one single sample or not.  For example, the ISTA 3A standard for regular shape packages requires a total of 17 drops to de carried out in different orientations on the same.

The ASTM D5276 test method is called up in test methods including ISTA 1A, ISTA 2A, ASTM D4169 and TP 14850.

Typical Experimental Parameters for ASTM D5276 Testing

  • Number of Samples: 3 unless otherwise specified
  • Sample conditioning: must be defined
  • Drop height: must be defined
  • Drop orientation: must be defined
  • Number of drops: must be defined
  • Conditioning and testing Temperature: Ambient unless otherwise specified
  • Conditioning and testing relative humidity: Ambient unless otherwise specified

ASTM D5276 Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall – Test #1

The following video shows the ASTM D5276 testing the ability of a container and its inner packing to protect its contents during the sudden shock resulting from a free-fall drop impact.

ASTM D5276 Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall – Test 2

The video below also shows the ASTM D5276 applied to a container to evaluate its ability to withstand a sudden shock resulting from a free-fall drop impact.

Other Related Test Methods

For additional test methods related to ASTM D5276, we invite you to read more on Transit testing, ISTA testing, ASTM D4169, ISTA 1A, and ISTA 2A.

If you have any questions about packaging testing including the ASTM D5276 Test, we invite you to contact our material testing lab. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you with your packaging test requirements.