ASTM D642-20
Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads

Standard No.

ASTM D642-20

Release Date

2020

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D642-20

Scope

1.1 This test method covers compression tests on shipping containers (for example, boxes and drums) or components, or both. Shipping containers may be tested with or without contents. The procedure may be used for measuring the ability of the container to resist external compressive loads applied to its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners. This test method covers testing of multiple containers or unit loads, in addition to individual shipping containers, components, materials, or combination thereof. 1.2 The test method of applying load may be used to compare the characteristics of a given design of container with a standard, or to compare the characteristics of containers differing in construction. 1.3 This test method is related to TAPPI T 804. This test method fulfills the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Test Method 12048. The ISO standards may not meet the requirements for this test method. 1.4 The test may be conducted with the container loaded with contents and interior packaging in cases where the contents share the load. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D642-20 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1968 Standard Terminology Relating to Paper and Paper Products
• ASTM D4169 Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
• ASTM D4332 Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D4442 Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
• ASTM D4577 Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load*， 2023-10-01 Update
• ASTM D685 Standard Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
• ASTM D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM E122 Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With a Specified Tolerable Error, the Average for Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• ASTM E4 Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• ISO 12048 Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Compression and stacking tests using a compression tester

ASTM D642-20 history

• 2020 ASTM D642-20 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
• 2015 ASTM D642-15 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
• 2000 ASTM D642-00(2010) Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
• 2000 ASTM D642-00(2005)e1 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
• 2000 ASTM D642-00(2005) Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
• 2000 ASTM D642-00 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads