Bridge Impact Testing (Package Testing)

Bridge Impact Testing

Bridge impact testing is a procedure used to evaluate the capability of a package to withstand impact near its center when only supported at its ends. The aim is to deliver the same kinetic energy at the point of impact and consequently reduce the potential for damage.

This type of testing is essential as packages containing mixed sizes are sometimes shipped and their cross-section needs to be tested to ensure it can withstand impacts. Without this, companies can suffer an annual loss of up to $1 billion due to transportation damage.

Testing and certifying packages decrease these costs, as well as shorten the time from product to market, increase assurance in product launch, reduce product loss and damage, improve client satisfaction, and increase market share.

Read more: What Exactly Is A Bridge Impact Test?

ASTM D5265-compliant bridge impact testing can be done using a free-fall drop tester or equipment for simulating mechanical impact testing. Samples from a lot should be selected and the package can be loaded with either real or fake materials. Then, the package must be conditioned using ASTM Method D4332.

Video 01: Bridge Impact Test

For Process A, the package is positioned on the drop test apparatus’ test floor and the impactor is dropped from a predetermined height onto the small cross-section of the package. In Process B, the package is placed on the S.M.I.T.E. (Simulated Mechanical Impact Testing Equipment) table and the impactor is dropped from a machine height to produce a specified impact velocity.

The report usually includes information such as the impactor’s weight, the technique used for preparing the container, the fall height, description of the contents under test, the size of the package being tested, and the results of each specimen’s tests, date, and time of the test, and the name of the test engineer.