__________`` V.O.O.P.Z Logistical Packaging. ______* * " ________*`` ____

Thursday, January 11, 2007

PACKAGING TESTS

Testing the different types of packages play a vital role in ensuring that the packages are all build to withstand the constant shifting, handling and storing activities that take place. The packages are put through a series of tests which simulates the possible situations that the packages will go through. There are different standard set for the packaging tests. Some examples are American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) and National Safety Transit Association (NSTA). The following are the common packaging tests.

Primary Tests

1. Vibration Test

This test requires the operator to determine the acceleration needed to cause the whole package to leave the surface of the shaker platform. This is accomplished by increasing the acceleration of the shaker platform until the package separates far enough to allow a thin and tapered piece of material (metal or wood) that is of about 1/16-inch of thickness to slide between the package and the table surface. Once the frequency of the test is determined, the test continues for another hour.

Vibration Tester

2. Dropping Test

The complete package is released from the required drop height. Sample is dropped once in each of the five different orientations, e.g. dropping the package with the right side of the package facing down. Drop height of the test is determined by the assigned Packaging Group and the relative density of the filler used.

Drop Tester with package Drop Tester

3. Horizontal Impact Test

This test is done to determine the ability of a package to withstand laboratory simulated horizontal impact forces. In this test, the package is being placed on a platform and a machine with a machine arm will impose an impact on the package. The strength of the machine arm is determined by the assigned Packaging Group and controlled by the person doing the test.

Different types of Impact Tester

4. Test of Exposure to Temperature and Moisture

This test is done to determine if the packages are able to withstand the different temperature and moisture exposure. The package will be placed inside the container where it will allow the tester to control the different level of moisture and the temperature level.

Temperature and Moisture Tester

5. Rough Handling Test

There are a lot of different kinds of tests found under this category. For example the cushioning test which determine if the package’s cushion is able to withstand the transmission of shock and vibration, shock test which determine the capability of the package to withstand shock and friction test that determine the capability of the package to withstand friction. Stacking test is also being conducted to ensure that the packaging is able to be stacked together to a certain height.

Machines used for the various tests

6. Compression Test

This test determines the capability of the package to be compressed. The packages are placed on the platform and being compressed using a strength that is found in the assigned Packaging Group.

Machines used to conduct compression test

Additional Tests

Other tests that the packages may need to go through include:

Oxygen Permeability Test: It is testing of the level of oxygen that will be allowed in to the package, usually for packages that contains blood, fishes and etc.
Hydrostatic Pressure/Vacuum Test: This test is only for packages that contain any forms of liquid and is going to be shipped using air transports, e.g. blood samples.
Bursting Test: A test to determine the burst strength of the package.
Radioactive Test: This test is used for packages that needs protection against radioactive rays.
Accelerated Aging Test: A test that determines how long the package can protect the product.

In conclusion, there are many other tests that may need to be included during the testing of the packaging, depending on the types of protection that the product needs.

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