Overview
EN 22248:1992 (ISO 2248:1985) specifies a method for performing a vertical impact (drop) test on complete, filled transport packages. The test reproduces a free-fall vertical impact onto a rigid plane to evaluate a package’s ability to withstand distribution hazards that include vertical drops. The standard sets the principle, apparatus requirements, package preparation, conditioning, test procedure and reporting requirements. An annex defines the predetermined attitudes (faces, edges, corners) for different package shapes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Raise the filled test package and release it to strike a rigid, horizontal impact surface after a free fall. Atmospheric conditions, drop height and package attitude are predetermined.
- Apparatus:
- Lifting arrangement that does not damage the package.
- Means to hold the package in the predetermined attitude prior to release.
- Release mechanism ensuring an unobstructed fall.
- Impact surface: horizontal, flat and massive (note: the surface normally should have a mass at least 50× the heaviest package, flatness within 2 mm, and rigidity such that it deforms no more than 0.1 mm when 10 kg is applied to 100 mm2).
- Package preparation: Use intended contents or simulated/dummy contents that closely match the physical properties and dimensions of the real contents. Close the package as for normal distribution.
- Conditioning: Condition packages in accordance with ISO 2233 (environmental conditioning) and, where critical, perform the test in the same atmosphere.
- Procedure tolerances:
- Drop height must be within +/– tolerance (height held within +2% of predetermined drop height as defined from lowest package point to impact surface).
- Impact velocity should be within ±1% of free-fall velocity.
- Predetermined attitude (face/edge/corner) must be held within specified angular tolerances; the annex details identification and orientation rules for parallelepipeds, cylinders, sacks and miscellaneous shapes.
- Test report: Must document reference to the standard, number of replicates, package description and dimensions, contents (or dummy-item details), gross mass, conditioning details, test attitudes, drop height, apparatus, deviations, results, date and tester signature.
Applications and users
- Packaging engineers and designers validating protective packaging performance.
- Test laboratories performing type or acceptance testing.
- Manufacturers, shippers and logistics providers verifying packaging resilience for distribution.
- Quality assurance teams using drop tests for production control and design verification.
- Regulatory or procurement authorities specifying minimum handling/transport performance.
Related standards
- ISO 2248:1985 (original international text)
- ISO 2206 - identification of package parts for testing
- ISO 2233 - conditioning of complete, filled transport packages
- ISO 2266 - package identification conventions
Keywords: packaging standard, vertical impact test, drop test, EN 22248, ISO 2248, transport packages, package testing, drop height, impact surface, conditioning, packaging durability.
