ASTM D1709-24 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D1709-24 — Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method. This standard specifies procedures to determine the impact energy (expressed as the dart mass at a fixed drop height that produces 50% specimen failure) for plastic films using a free-falling hemispherical dart.

Abstract

ASTM D1709-24 describes two test methods (Method A and Method B) and associated techniques (staircase and an alternative group technique) for measuring the impact resistance of plastic films by dropping a hemispherical dart onto a clamped specimen. Results are reported as the impact failure weight (the dart mass that yields 50% failure). The procedures include apparatus geometry, specimen preparation, conditioning, test sequencing and statistical analysis to determine the failure point.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: September 1, 2024 (designated D1709-24).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.140.10 — Films and sheets (plastic film testing/packaging materials).
• Edition / version: D1709-24 (2024 revision).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (typical published PDF length for this designation).

Scope

These test methods cover the determination of the energy required to cause failure of plastic film under impact by a free-falling dart. Two test methods are specified: Method A (38.10 ± 0.13 mm hemispherical dart head, dropped ≈0.66 m) for lower-impact films, and Method B (50.80 ± 0.13 mm hemispherical dart head, dropped ≈1.52 m) for higher-impact ranges. The measurement objective is the impact failure weight corresponding to 50% failure of specimens tested; both a staircase (Bruceton) procedure and an alternative grouped sampling technique are described. Conditioning, specimen dimensions and clamping requirements are included to ensure reproducibility.

Key topics and requirements

• Two methods (A and B) defined by dart-head diameter and drop height, with typical applicability ranges: Method A ~50 g to ~6 kg; Method B ~0.3 kg to ~6 kg.
• Apparatus geometry and dart-head finish requirements to avoid artificial stress concentrators.
• Test techniques: standard staircase (Bruceton) method and an alternative group/test-series method for estimating the 50% failure weight.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning (commonly 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 10% RH for a minimum conditioning period) and recommended specimen size and clamping procedures.
• Reporting: impact failure weight (mass), number of specimens tested, test method used, environmental conditions, and any deviations from apparatus or procedure.

Typical use and users

Used by plastic film manufacturers, quality control laboratories, packaging engineers, R&D teams, and test houses to quantify and compare impact resistance (toughness) of films for transport packaging, liners, sacks, agricultural films, and other flexible-film applications. The method is widely used for production control, material comparison and product development.

Related standards

Closely related and often cross-referenced standards include ISO 7765-1 (impact resistance by free-falling dart — staircase methods), ASTM D882 (tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting/film), ASTM D1922 (tear resistance of film), and other film-impact or energy-absorption test methods such as ASTM D4272. These documents are used together depending on the material property set being evaluated.

Keywords

falling dart, dart impact, impact resistance, plastic film, film toughness, staircase method, free-falling dart, ASTM D1709, film testing, packaging materials

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1709-24 is a 2024 ASTM standard that specifies test methods for measuring the impact resistance of plastic film using a free-falling hemispherical dart; results are reported as the dart mass that produces 50% specimen failure.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two principal test methods (Method A and Method B) defined by dart-head diameter and drop height, the staircase and alternative group techniques for determining the 50% failure point, apparatus and specimen preparation, conditioning, test execution and reporting requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Film and flexible packaging manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, R&D and quality assurance teams use D1709 for material selection, comparative testing and production quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of its designation D1709-24, this is the current active ASTM designation (published September 1, 2024). Users should confirm they have the latest editorial changes or reapprovals from ASTM International before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone test-method designation within ASTM's D (Materials: Plastics) series but is commonly used alongside related film standards (for example ISO 7765-1, ASTM D882, ASTM D1922) when characterizing film properties.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include falling dart, dart impact, impact resistance, plastic film, film toughness, staircase method, free-falling dart, and impact failure weight.