ASTM D6055 Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Shipping Cases and Crates

Scope:

ASTM D6055 contains six test methods that measure the integrity and stability of unitized loads and large cases and crates that are subjected to typical mechanical load handling equipment such as fork trucks, clamps trucks, spade lifts, and pull packs. All the test methods are not useful for all product containers and loads. They are mostly applicable to pull pack, clamp truck, and spade lift type material handling equipment.

Test Procedure:

The following are the six test methods incorporated in ASTM D6055:

Test Method A (Fork truck handling): This method is used for testing the capacity of the shipping unit to resist repeated handling. 

Test Methods B (Spade lift test): This method utilizes space lift attachments to determine the ability of the handling flap case or shipping unit to resist repeated lifting and handling. 

Test Method C (Clamp handling test): In this method, hydraulic clamp attachments are used for lifting in order to measure the capacity of the shipping unit to withstand squeeze clamp handling consisting of repeated side compression and lifting. 

Test Method D (Push-Pull handling test): This method is used for testing the capacity of a unitized load on a slip-sheet to withstand repeated handling. 

Test Method E (Grab hook test): This method is used to measure the ability of the shipping unit to resist the horizontal pressures of grab hooks.

Test Method F (Sling tests): This method is used to determine the ability of the shipping unit to withstand the compression of slings. The lifting is done by wire ropes, cables, or woven fiber slings.

Results: 

The end results of the ASTM D6055 tests are reported as the minimum number of handling, the humidity, the platen size, the temperature, and the total force applied.