Understanding the ASTM Standard for Impact Test

The ASTM standard for impact test is essential for evaluating how materials respond to sudden mechanical forces. It helps manufacturers and quality control professionals determine a material’s resistance to cracking, puncturing, or tearing when subjected to dynamic loads. Impact testing is especially crucial in the packaging, medical, pharmaceutical, and film industries, where material integrity directly affects product safety and performance.

Among the many ASTM standards, ASTM D1709 oraz ASTM D3420 are the most frequently used to assess impact test for film materials, ensuring consistent and reliable quality evaluations.

ASTM D1709: Free-Falling Dart Impact Test for Plastic Film

ASTM D1709 measures the energy required to cause failure in plastic film and sheet materials using a falling dart method. In this test, a hemispherical dart is dropped from a fixed height onto a clamped film specimen to determine the impact resistance by identifying the weight that causes failure 50% of the time.

Test Process:

• A film sample is placed across a circular opening and securely clamped.
• A dart of known mass and shape is released from a specified height.
• The dart impacts the center of the film.
• Pass/fail results are recorded and statistically analyzed to find the 50% failure weight.

This test is widely used in flexible packaging, agricultural films, and medical device packaging, where puncture resistance is critical to performance.

ASTM D3420: Pendulum Impact Resistance Test for Film

ASTM D3420 evaluates impact resistance using a pendulum method, which provides a different mechanical profile than the falling dart. This test measures the energy absorbed by a film or sheeting sample when struck by a pendulum-driven striker.

Test Process:

• A sample is clamped vertically.
• A pendulum swings and impacts the sample at a specified point.
• The energy absorbed is recorded from the pendulum’s swing arc reduction.

This method offers more controlled energy input and is ideal for analyzing comparative toughness between different film grades or formulations.

Application Materials for Impact Testing

Impact testing under ASTM standards applies to a broad range of flexible and semi-rigid materials, including:

• Plastic films and sheets (PE, PET, PVC)
• Multilayer laminates
• Medical packaging films
• Food and pharmaceutical pouches
• Textiles and coated fabrics

At Cell Instruments, we offer precision-engineered testing instruments that comply fully with both ASTM D1709 and ASTM D3420, helping manufacturers across packaging, food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics ensure compliance and optimize material performance.

Why Choose Impacttesting.net?

Impacttesting.net specializes in providing high-performance impact testers and material testing solutions that align with ASTM standard for impact test. Whether you’re evaluating barrier films or developing innovative packaging, our advanced systems support customized testing, automation, and reliable data acquisition, improving both quality control and R&D efficiency.

Adhering to the ASTM standard for impact test ensures the mechanical durability of film and flexible packaging materials under real-world conditions. By implementing ASTM D1709 oraz ASTM D3420, quality assurance professionals can make informed decisions to prevent failure and ensure customer satisfaction. Choose Cell Instruments to empower your material testing with precision and confidence.