ASTM D642

Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

ASTM D642 is a standard test method for determining the compressive resistance of shipping containers, components, and unit loads. ASTM D642 is used to perform compression tests on shipping containers such as boxes and drums, components, or both. Micom offers ASTM D642 testing as part of its Package testing services.

Shipping containers may be tested with or without content. The procedure may be used to measure the ability of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to its package faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners. It covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers as well as components, materials, or combinations thereof.

ASTM D642 test method is related to TAPPI T804, which is similar for fixed platen machines but does not recognize swivel platen machines. This test method fulfills the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the requirements for this test method.

ASTM D642 is called up in many ISTA testing standards as well as in ASTM D4169.

ASTM D642 Uses and Factors to Be Considered

Compressive resistance is one of the properties used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers, components, and unit loads to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during storage and distribution.

Compressive resistance may be determined with either fixed or swiveled platen type testing machines. However, a fixed-head compression machine is required to perform edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner orientations on test specimens (see Note 2). Also, unit loads are generally tested only in the top-to-bottom orientation.

NOTE 2—Fixed-platen machines generally cause specimens to fail at their strongest point, while swivel-platen machines cause specimens to fail at their weakest point as the swiveled platen is allowed to move to the weakest point of the container.

Other Test Methods Related to ASTM D642

For additional related test methods to ASTM D642, we invite you to read more about ISTA Testing,  Package Testing, ASTM Packaging, and ASTM D4169. In addition, for testing packaging components, we invite you to explore  Tappi Testing and  Material Testing.

If you have any questions about ASTM D642, we invite you to contact us today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and help you with your packaging testing requirements.