Film Pendulum Impact Tester

Understanding a material’s ability to withstand sudden shock or puncture is essential for ensuring durability in real-world applications. The film pendulum impact tester plays a vital role in quantifying this characteristic, especially for plastic films, laminates, and flexible packaging materials. By following standardized methods such as ASTM D3420, this testing approach provides valuable insights into the impact resistance of plastic film under controlled conditions.

At Cell Instruments, the PIT-01 Pendulum Impact Tester is designed to meet this demand. It delivers precise energy measurement, reproducibility, and compliance with international ASTM standards for impact testing of plastics, supporting both research and quality assurance.

ASTM D3420 and Spencer Impact Test: Recognized Standards in Pendulum Shock Testing

The ASTM D3420 standard outlines the methodology for measuring pendulum impact resistance of plastic film, using a hemispherical impactor to strike the test sample. The spencer impact test, often referenced interchangeably, uses a similar swinging pendulum design to simulate sudden impact on thin materials.

Both methods calculate the energy absorbed during impact, providing a quantitative assessment of the film’s toughness. These tests are essential when evaluating packaging films used in high-risk environments such as food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.

Moreover, compliance with ASTM standards for impact testing of plastics ensures data integrity and supports regulatory documentation for product validation.

Applications of Pendulum Impact Resistance Test in Industry

The film impact resistance test is widely used across industries that rely on durable, high-performance film structures. Common applications include:

• Flexible Packaging: Assessing whether medical or food-grade packaging can resist puncture during transport.
• Printing & Paper: Measuring the tear strength of laminated and coated paper substrates.
• Automotive & Aerospace: Testing composite films and membranes used in interiors and insulation.
• Construction: Evaluating building wrap, foils, and vapor barriers for resistance to mechanical insult.

Each of these applications demands precision and repeatability—requirements that are fully addressed by automated pendulum impact testing equipment such as the PIT-01.

Working Principle of the Film Pendulum Impact Testing Process

During a pendulum shock test, the sample is clamped securely, typically using pneumatic fixtures for consistency. A pendulum swings from a known height, and its impact energy is transferred to the specimen through a calibrated head.

The energy absorbed is calculated based on the reduction in pendulum swing angle after impact. This energy reflects the sample’s toughness—a crucial metric for packaging engineers and R&D professionals seeking to optimize materials for performance and safety.

The PIT-01 Pendulum Impact Tester supports multiple impact heads (Ø25.4, Ø19, and Ø12.7 mm) and energy levels up to 5 J, allowing users to tailor testing based on sample type and expected performance thresholds.

Why Choose Cell Instruments’ PIT-01 for Film Impact Resistance Test?

When performing pendulum impact resistance test, consistency is key. Manual testers often suffer from operator variability, leading to fluctuating data. The PIT-01, with its PLC-controlled pneumatic clamping, automatic pendulum release, and touchscreen interface, ensures each test starts under the same conditions and records data accurately to 0.001 J resolution.

Its key features include:

• Automatic data collection and analysis with max/min/average outputs
• Built-in micro-printer for instant reporting
• Adjustable specimen clamps for various sample sizes
• Software compatibility for data export and long-term monitoring

Pendulum Impact Tester

Whether you are conducting internal product development or third-party quality validation, the PIT-01 is your reliable partner for film pendulum impact testing.

Conclusion: Improve Material Toughness Testing with Confidence

The demand for materials that can endure stress and shock has never been greater. By adopting a reliable, standards-compliant film pendulum impact tester, engineers and QC professionals gain a clear view of how materials behave under real-world impact conditions.

For industries where safety, shelf-life, or packaging integrity is non-negotiable, Cell Instruments’ PIT-01 Pendulum Impact Tester offers precision, repeatability, and compliance—all in one solution.

Contact Cell Instruments Co., Ltd. today to discover how our solutions can enhance your testing capabilities across packaging, medical, and industrial sectors.