Vertical Compression Package Testing

Vertical Compression Package Testing

Testing vertical compression packages is a method of determining a package’s ability to protect its contents during distribution. It assesses the strength of a package under compressive force. There are two ways of doing this: as a single test or in a sequence of tests to check a package’s suitability for the distribution system.

Compliance testing is essential as poor packaging can lead to extra costs, lost customer loyalty, reduced sales, and frequent delays. Advantages of testing include cost-effective distribution, product launch assurance, increased customer satisfaction and expanded market share, and faster product to market.

The package is conditioned to simulate the distribution environment and samples are selected to represent the manufactured units. A vertical compression machine or weights and a load spreader are used to test the package, with the product being in its intended shipping posture. Force is applied until it reaches the desired value and is held for one hour, then released. Results are documented in a report that includes details such as contents description and interior measurements, materials used, fastener size, placement and closure mechanism, and more.