Shock Testing

Packages and products must be evaluated for their ability to withstand hazards of transportation.

DDL shock testing services replicate real-life shock environments to determine the package or product’s level of fragility.

Shock occurs to a package or product when there is a change in velocity. When the package is dropped, the velocity immediately changes, therefore inducing shock.

During shock testing, accelerometers are placed on the critical components of the package or product. The test specimen is then dropped from a pre-determined height according to the ASTM Standard D3332. Drop shock testing assesses how well the package is protecting the product inside or the fragility and durability of the product.

Package Testing

Shock testing is performed on a package to determine how well it protects the product. Shock testing results help the manufacturer re-design packaging.

Sample Size - Only 1 package is required but DDL recommends testing 2-3 packages.

Shock Testing

Product Testing

The product is taken through 2 critical parameters (acceleration and velocity) to assess its fragility. The product is subjected to varying degrees of acceleration and velocity. Acceleration/Velocity is gradually increased by a pre-determined amount until the product fails.

Sample Size - The sample size can vary from 3-4 products to 20 – 25 products (depending on the value of the product)

Commonly used industry standards for shock testing include:

Shock Testing

Shock test setup for measuring the acceleration of a safety restraint buckle.

STM Standard D4169
Practice for Performance Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
This method is used to predict the performance of new or redesigned packages when distributed by any mode of transport. Packages are subjected to a test plan of anticipated hazard elements (simulated by an ASTM standard) encountered in the distribution environment. A series of tests are conducted in sequence with the packaging unopened for inspection until completion of testing. The package is then opened and evaluated on its performance. The package will fail unless both the contents and the package have emerged from the testing in an acceptable condition according to standardization criteria.

ISTA 2a
Partial Simulation Performance Test
This method challenges the capability of the package and the product to withstand transport hazards. It is used on packaged-products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or less. ISTA 2a requires that the following shock testing services be performed:

Drop Shock Testing - height varies with packaged-product weight
Alternative Incline (Conbur) - impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight
Alternative Horizontal Impact – impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight

DDL has the capability to perform shock testing up to 600G’s and can handle as short as 2M's for a half-sine shock pulse.

For more information on any of DDL's testing services, contact us today or call 1-800-229-4235.