Film Impact Test Method – Pendulum, Dart Impact Tester

Plastic films used in packaging, medical devices, and electronics must endure various forces during production, transportation, and handling. To ensure their durability, a film impact test is performed to evaluate the material’s resistance to sudden mechanical impacts. This guide outlines the test’s purpose, standard procedures, and suitable materials, focusing on widely recognized methods like the dart impact test for film and the pendulum impact test for film, as specified in ASTM D1709 and ASTM D3420.

Understanding the Purpose of the Film Impact Test

The film impact test helps determine a material’s ability to withstand puncture or tearing from an external force. For packaging and medical film applications, resistance to impact is crucial to prevent leaks, contamination, or failure during use. This test is particularly valuable for quality control professionals and R&D engineers in industries like pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and electronics.

Overview of Impact Testing Methods and Standards

Dart Impact Test for Film (ASTM D1709)

This method evaluates the impact resistance of plastic films by dropping a hemispherical dart from a specific height. The weight of the dart is adjusted to determine the minimum energy required to cause film failure. The results indicate the material’s toughness and can reflect performance under real-world impact scenarios, such as product drops or shipping damage.

Pendulum Impact Test for Film (ASTM D3420)

This method involves using a pendulum impact testing machine to strike a clamped film sample. It measures the energy absorbed by the film before rupture. This is ideal for thinner films where dynamic tearing resistance is essential, particularly for high-speed packaging applications.

Both standards specify detailed procedures, test conditions, and calculations to ensure repeatability and accuracy. At Cell Instruments, we manufacture advanced testing systems that strictly adhere to these standards to help clients maintain global compliance.

Application Materials for Film Impact Testing

Film impact testing is widely used on materials including:

• Polyethylene (PE) films
• Polypropylene (PP) films
• Multilayer barrier films
• Medical-grade polymer films
• Flexible packaging laminates

These materials are common in packaging, medical disposables, and consumer electronics where durability and protection are critical.

Why Choose Cell Instruments for Impact Testing Solutions

Cell Instruments offers both dart impact testers and pendulum impact testing machines designed to meet the specific needs of the film manufacturing and converting industry. Our instruments provide high precision, easy operation, and compliance with ASTM D1709 and ASTM D3420, ensuring trustworthy results for quality assurance and R&D purposes.

Whether you are testing for film impact resistance in food packaging or validating barrier films for pharmaceutical use, Cell Instruments delivers reliable solutions that support your production goals and compliance requirements.

The film impact test is essential for verifying the mechanical durability of plastic films. By employing standard methods such as ASTM D1709 and ASTM D3420, industries can ensure that their films perform reliably during usage and distribution. With Cell Instruments’ advanced testing systems, you gain not only accurate results but also professional support and customizable solutions for all your impact testing machine needs.