ASTM D775-80 (1986) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Drop Test for Loaded Boxes — Method D775-80 (reapproved 1986). This test method specifies procedures to evaluate the ability of a loaded box (shipping container and interior packing materials) to withstand shock from drops and to indicate the box’s ability to protect its contents under handling and distribution conditions.

Abstract

ASTM D775-80(1986) describes four drop-test procedures for loaded boxes and gives apparatus, conditioning, drop-orientation, and acceptance-guidance to simulate handling shocks and to observe progressive failure or content damage. The method was reapproved in 1986 and later withdrawn/superseded as packaging test methodology evolved.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (withdrawn 1993; replaced by later drop-test methods).
• Publication date: Original designation D775-80 (1980); reapproved 1986.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 55.180.40 — Complete, filled transport packages.
• Edition / version: D775-80 (Reapproved 1986).
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

This test method covers four procedures for drop testing of loaded boxes to measure the ability of the package and its interior packing to protect contents from sudden shock induced by drops. It is intended especially for boxes that are normally handled manually but also offers guidance when larger packages are better tested by other, related test methods. The method specifies apparatus and conditioning requirements, permitted drop orientations, and calibration/test-unit suggestions.

Key topics and requirements

• Four drop procedures covering flat-face, edge, corner and other specified drop orientations and sequences.
• Apparatus requirements: release mechanism that does not impart rotational/side forces, rigid level dropping surface anchored to a mass at least 50 times the test unit, and control of orientation within allowed tolerances.
• Specification of drop heights and accurate control of drop heights for repeatable shock energy.
• Conditioning of test specimens for humidity and temperature prior to testing (references to relevant conditioning standards).
• Use of a calibration/test unit and guidance on sample size and progressive-failure observation.

Typical use and users

Used historically by packaging engineers, package design and test laboratories, manufacturers of corrugated boxes and protective packaging, third-party test houses, and supply-chain/shipping quality teams to assess manual-handling drop performance and compare package designs.

Related standards

Replaced/superseded by later ASTM drop-test methods (notably ASTM D5276 series for free-fall drop testing). Related/neighboring standards include ASTM D880 (incline impact), ASTM D997 (drop test for cylindrical containers), ASTM D1083 (mechanical handling of unitized loads), ISO packaging test standards (e.g., ISO 2206), and other ASTM packaging test methods.

Keywords

drop test, loaded boxes, packaging test method, handling shock, ASTM D775, free-fall, impact testing, package qualification.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D775-80(1986) is a Standard Test Method titled "Method for Drop Test for Loaded Boxes" that defines procedures and apparatus requirements to drop loaded boxes in controlled ways to evaluate package performance under handling shocks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers four procedures for drop testing loaded boxes (various orientations), apparatus and dropping-surface requirements, conditioning of specimens, and guidance on calibration units and observation of progressive failure.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging engineers, box and pack design teams, test laboratories, manufacturers, shippers and quality assurance personnel historically used this method to evaluate and compare box performance under drop conditions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D775-80 was reapproved in 1986 but later withdrawn (1993) and is considered superseded; more recent ASTM drop-test methods (for example the D5276 series) are the currently maintained standards for drop testing loaded containers.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belonged to the ASTM packaging committee's body of test methods (Committee D10) and sits alongside other packaging impact and handling standards (D880, D997, etc.). Later consolidated or successor drop-test guidance is found in the D5276 family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Drop test, loaded boxes, packaging, impact, free-fall, handling, ASTM D775, packaging qualification.