Quest Engineering Solutions is a leading provider of compression testing and many other testing services.
Packaged compression testing, as outlined in ASTM D4169 and ISTA standards, is a critical procedure designed to simulate the conditions a packaged product might encounter during transportation and warehousing. This testing replicates the pressure and weight exerted by other boxes or pallets stacked on top of the test sample, ensuring the structural integrity of the packaging and the safety of its contents.
Various failure modes can crop up as a result of excessive compressive force on pallets, parcels, or single shipping containers. For unitized pallets, which are pallets comprised of smaller boxes and typically stretch wrapped and banded, the lower boxes on the stack are usually the first to exhibit failures. For parcels or single shipping containers, excess compressive load can cause damage to tape or other closure methods, failure of corrugate or packaging materials, or internal damage. More subtle failure modes can be a result of dynamic or synergistic effects of compressive loads coupled with vibration or other environmental factors.
We have developed a useful calculator tool which can be used to determine the compression value for packaged compression testing per Schedule C of ASTM D4169-23e1 (Editorial Change 1). In the latest version of the standard, the computed compression value has increased significantly for certain sizes and densities of packages as compared to older versions of the test standard. The calculator tool allows you to enter in the required variables and determine the amount of force needed to be applied to the test sample per the test standard. Click the button below to start using the tool.
Quest has recently enhanced its testing capabilities by acquiring a state-of-the-art compression machine equipped with advanced software, allowing for more precise and varied simulations. This equipment not only meets industry standards, but also provides the flexibility to perform a wide range of compression tests, ensuring that products can withstand the rigors of shipping and storage environments. Our compression machine has the following features:
Our Compression Testing Capabilities
- Compresses samples up to 48″ x 48″ x 78″ (L x W x H)
- Achieves up to a max of 15,000 lb of force
- Performs apply & release tests, apply & hold tests
- Has ability to increase the force applied linearly over time
- Can be programmed to stop after a certain amount of displacement has been achieved
- Has the ability to produce stress/strain curves, determining the force at which the sample starts to yield to the load
We can test to the following compression testing standards
- ASTM C364 – Standard Test Method for Edgewise Compressive Strength of Sandwich Constructions
- ASTM D4169-23e1, Schedule B – Warehouse Stacking and Schedule C – Vehicle Stacking
- ASTM D642 – Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
- FEFCO-4-6,8,11,50,55 – Introduction to the development of FEFCO Testing Methods for corrugated board and boxes
- ISO 12048 – Compression and stacking tests using a compression tester of Complete, filled transport packages
- ISTA 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, ISTA-6 FedEx, and ISTA-6 Amazon series testing
- ISO-3037 – Corrugated fibreboard – Determination of edgewise crush resistance (unwaxed edge method)
- TAPPI T 804 – Compression test of fiberboard shipping containers
- TAPPI-T 811 – Edgewise compressive strength of corrugated fiberboard (short column test)
- TAPPI-T 838 – Edge crush test using neckdown
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