ASTM D5276-19 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5276-19 (reapproved 2023) — Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall. This test method specifies procedures and apparatus for performing free‑fall drop tests on loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, bags and sacks to evaluate the ability of a container and its inner packaging to protect contents from sudden shock due to drops during handling and distribution.

Abstract

This standard defines the free‑fall drop test procedure used to assess how complete, filled transport packages behave when subjected to vertical-impact drop events. It covers sample selection and conditioning, required test apparatus and impact surfaces, orientation and sequence of drops (faces, edges, corners), determination of drop heights, failure criteria, and reporting. The method is intended for manually handled packages (generally ≤110 lb / 50 kg) and is used for performance evaluation and comparative testing of package designs.

General information

• Status: Published, current edition reapproved in 2023.
• Publication date: Approved Oct 1, 2023 (published October 2023, reapproval of the D5276‑19 edition).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 55.180.10 (General purpose containers).
• Edition / version: D5276‑19 (reapproved 2023) — designation shown as D5276‑19(2023).
• Number of pages: 13 pages (current edition).

Scope

This test method covers procedures for drop testing loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by the free‑fall method, including guidance on orientations (faces, edges, corners), test sequence, conditioning, and reporting of results. For containers not exceeding 110 lb (50 kg) the method fulfills the requirements of ISO 2206:1987 and ISO 2248:1985. The standard also describes apparatus requirements (release mechanisms, impact surfaces, lifting devices) and recommended conditioning practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of specimen types covered: rectangular boxes, cylindrical containers, bags and sacks.
• Apparatus requirements: free‑fall release mechanism that does not impart sideways or rotational forces, rigid impact surface (concrete, stone, or steel plate anchored to a massive base), and safe lifting devices.
• Drop orientations and positioning tolerances for faces, edges and corners (angle tolerances on impact orientation).
• Determination of drop height measured from bottom face/edge/corner to impact surface; provisions for fixed and variable height testing and incremental height procedures.
• Conditioning recommendations (reference to Practice D4332) and special conditioning or pretests where required.
• Sampling guidance (minimum specimen counts where no sampling plan is specified) and criteria for acceptance/testing (see Practice D4169 for additional guidance).
• Failure criteria and required reporting items (description of specimen, drop heights, number of drops, conditioning method, moisture content where relevant, and description of any hazards used such as a 4 × 4 timber).
• Annex material: identification of members (faces/edges/corners) and optional cyclical test sequences for comparative evaluations.

Typical use and users

Used by packaging engineers, laboratory technicians, quality control and assurance teams, third‑party test laboratories, logistics and distribution specialists, and product designers to: confirm transport packaging performance, compare alternative packaging designs, support packaging selection for distribution, and validate packaging for handling hazards encountered in supply chains. The method is commonly applied in pre‑shipment testing, failure analysis, and as part of a packaging test program alongside vibration and stacking tests.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside and used with: ASTM D4169 (Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems), ASTM D4332 (Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components), ASTM D6055 (Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads), ISO 2206:1987 (identification of parts when testing), ISO 2248:1985 (vertical impact test by dropping), and other packaging‑performance standards such as ASTM D999 (vibration testing).

Keywords

drop test, free fall, loaded containers, packaging test, boxes, drums, sacks, bags, impact, packaging performance, ASTM D5276, ISO 2206, ISO 2248

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5276 is a test method that specifies how to perform free‑fall drop testing of filled transport packages to evaluate container and inner‑packaging performance under sudden shock from drops.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for selecting specimens, conditioning, apparatus and impact surface requirements, drop orientations and heights, failure criteria, sampling, and required test reporting for boxes, cylindrical containers, bags, and sacks (generally for packages ≤110 lb / 50 kg).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging engineers, test laboratories, QA/QC teams, manufacturers, and logistics professionals use it to validate and compare packaging performance and to support shipment and handling risk assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5276‑19 edition was reapproved in 2023 and is the current published/reapproved edition as of October 2023 (designated D5276‑19(2023)). It supersedes older reapproved and withdrawn editions; users should apply the 2019 text as reapproved in 2023 unless a newer revision is issued.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. D5276 is part of ASTM Committee D10 (Packaging) test methods and is commonly used in combination with other packaging performance standards and practices such as D4169 and D4332 as part of a complete packaging evaluation program.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Drop test, free fall, loaded containers, packaging performance, impact, boxes, sacks, bags, ASTM D5276.