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Operational Unit: Regulatory Compliance – Omni Global Sourcing Solutions / Effective Date: 5.17.16
Document Title: Drop Test Procedure / Supersedes: New
1. Purpose:
This procedure provides instructions how to properly perform a Drop Test of finished product in its shipping packaging.
2. Scope:
Apply this procedure to packaged-products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or less when prepared for shipment.
Do Not apply this procedure to individual packaged-products that weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg) or are attached to a visible skid or pallet.
3. Definitions:
· Package – A container providing means of protection and handling of a product.
· Critical Defect – Product is damaged. Product is not 100% sellable.
· Major Defect – No damage to product. Inner packaging may be effected in a major way. Product is not 100% sellable.
· Minor Defect – No damage to product. Inner packaging may be effected in a minor way. Product 100% sellable.
· Manufacturer’s joint – The part of the package where ends of the sheet are joined together by gluing, stitching or taping (refer to figure 1).
· Six sided samples - A packaged-product that has six faces (2 sides, 2 ends, a top and a bottom).
4. Test Sample Preparation:
· Prior to testing inspect the actual package for any defects, breaks or crushing. Do not use any sample with imperfection and/or damage that will compromise the test results. If the package to be tested shows signs of previous damage choose another packaged sample for testing.
· Place the sample in the intended shipping position as indicated by the client. If sample can be positioned variably when shipping, then place the sample so that the primary shipping label is on the top face.
· Weigh package and record weight onto package
· Six sided samples
o Identify the faces of the sample according to figure 1.
o Ensure that the manufacturer’s joint is placed as shown in figure 1.
o If there are more than one manufacturer’s joint present on the sample, then choose the manufacturer’s joint, which would give the worst case scenario (weakest).
o Note which manufacturer’s joint was used as reference to ascertain faces. As a general rule, face 2 shall be the face with the reference manufacturer’s joint.
o Mark the numbers (such as 1, 2, 3 … 6) on the faces to identify faces,
o edges and corners.
o Identify corners using the numbers of three faces that meet to form that corner. I.e., corner
2-3-5 which is the corner formed by face 2, face 3 and face 5 for reference
· Non-six sided samples
The face with primary shipping label shall be face 1. Develop a similar system as specified in table 2, identify each face, edge and corner and record this on the package and report.
5. Drop Test Method:
· The sample shall be subjected to a free fall drop of heights as shown below in table 1 according to the weight of the sample.
· Six sided samples: The sample shall be subjected to a free fall drop in sequence and orientation as shown in table 2.
· Non-six sided samples
o A bottom face corner and perform drop test according to sequence 1 of table 2.
o Select the face as required in sequence 5 of table 2. Perform sequence 5 to 10 of table 2.
o Raise the sample to the appropriate drop height. The drop heights shall be verified with a tape measure from the bottom surface of the sample to the impact surface. Ensure that the face or edge of the sample is horizontal, such that when released, the test face impacts the test surface evenly.
o Release the package, and allow the sample free fall onto the impact surface.
o After the sample has been drop tested visually examine the sample and record and report if any visible damage to sample is noted.
o Evaluate the percentage of deformation at the corner by equation 1 and figure 3.
· NOTE: If there are any signs of the consumer product being damaged such as rattling then record
and report on the datasheet and continue with testing.
Table 1 - Drop height determined by weight of the packaged-product
Packaged –Product Weight / Drop HeightEqual to or greater
than / But Less Than / Free Fall
lbs. / kg / lbs. / kg / In. / mm
0 / 0 / 21 / 10 / 30 / 760
21 / 10 / 41 / 19 / 24 / 610
41 / 19 / 61 / 28 / 18 / 460
61 / 28 / 100 / 45 / 12 / 310
100 / 45 / ≤150 / 68 / 8 / 200
Table 2 - Drop sequence and orientation
Sequence # / Orientation / Specific Face, Edge or Corner1 / Corner / Most fragile face-3 corner, if not known, test 2-3-5
2 / Edge / Shortest edge radiating from the corner tested
3 / Edge / Next longest edge radiating from the corner tested
4 / Edge / Longest edge radiating from the corner tested
5 / Edge / One of the smallest faces
6 / Face / Opposite small face
7 / Face / One of the medium faces
8 / Face / Opposite medium face
9 / Face / One of the largest faces
10 / Face / Opposite large face
6. Inspection
· After all tests have been performed, open the packages and perform a visual examination. Record and
report findings on the report. NOTE: Digital images are required for any relevant observations made.
7. Reporting Criteria: Record “Pass / Fail” if any of the following failures occur:
· For carton:
o Any rupture of the shipping carton.
o Any potential hazard existing on the carton (such as a sharp edge on the buckle of the banding strap.
· For retail package:
o Any major scuffing of the retail package.
o For product:
o Any major damage on the product.
o Any break or damage which influences the functionality of the product
o Any components or hardware loosened and /or dislocated within the shipping carton.
Drop Test Procedure / 5.17.16