What is Impact Testing Machine?

We live in a world full of "Impact": mobile phones accidentally dropped on the ground, cars encountering sudden brakes, billboards teetering in typhoons... Why do some materials fall apart when dropped, while others can "withstand" huge impacts? These differences are not accidental, but are due to the different materials' ability to withstand impact (i.e., toughness or brittleness). How do scientists and engineers quantify this ability? How do they ensure that the materials we use are safe and reliable enough? The answer lies in a piece of equipment in the laboratory - an Impact Testing Machine

1. What is an Impact Testing Machine? 

Impact Testing Machine, commonly known as impact testers and drop testers, are an essential component of the packaging and transportation industry. In a world where goods traverse vast distances and endure a variety of handling conditions, the integrity of the packaging is critical.

Impact testers for transport simulation and packaging optimization are specialized equipment designed to evaluate the durability and protective properties of packaging materials under conditions that simulate real transport stresses. Such tests are essential to ensure that products are adequately protected during transport and handling, reducing the risk of damage and associated costs.

2. What test can the impact testing machine conduct?

Drop Testing:

Drop test machines can perform free fall and sudden impact from different heights and angles. This test controls the drop height of the test sample, thereby controlling the impact velocity which is proportional to the impact energy.

It can be used to:

Evaluate the ability of packaging to protect the product.

Determine the type of packaging for best performance.

Prevent product damage, minimize losses, and ensure delivery of product quality.

Inclined Impact Testing:

This test simulates the dynamic forces that packaged goods may endure throughout transport and handling operations. The test uses a carriage that pushes the test specimen down a ramp at a predetermined speed before it strikes a fixed stop.

It is used in laboratory settings for product and packaging design, transport simulation, and palletized unit load stability validation​​.

Horizontal Impact Testing:

This test provides programmable, controlled impact specifically designed to simulate the impact that packaged products may encounter during transportation, such as in rail vehicles, forklifts, and automated handling.

This test provides a greater degree of control over the shock/impact characteristics than the tilt shock test, allowing for a more accurate simulation of real-world environmental conditions.

It can be used to:

determine the ability of packaging to resist sudden impacts during transportation

ensure the safety and integrity of goods during transportation

help reduce product damage and losses, thus saving economic costs for companies.

3. How to choos an appropriate impact testing machine

Here are some things you need to pay attention to when choosing

Maximum load capacity: Heavy-duty packaging machines must be able to handle weights in excess of 100 kg without compromising safety or measurement accuracy.

Maximum package size: Some systems allow for the use of an adjustable impact platform to accommodate large or oversized packages.

Drop release mechanism and control: High-precision release systems ensure accuracy and repeatability of impact location.

Variety of drop types: Advanced machines should be able to simulate flat drops, edge drops, corner drops, and even rotational impacts for a comprehensive assessment.

Integrated measurement systems: Sensors, accelerometers, high-speed cameras, and analytical software provide detailed data to support packaging design decisions.

Certification compliance: Manufacturers must provide calibration and certification documentation that complies with international standards.