Automatic Drop Tester - HMI PLC Controlled As Per ASTM D5276 & IEC 60068-2

Drop Tester As Per ASTM D5276 & IEC 60068-2

An Automatic Drop Tester simulates the free-fall impact that a packaged product may experience during transportation or accidental handling. The package is positioned at a selected height and released onto a rigid impact surface. After the test, the carton, cushioning, seals and packed product are inspected for deformation, breakage, leakage or functional failure. The results help manufacturers improve packaging design and reduce transit-related damage. The HMI-PLC system reduces manual variation by controlling the lifting height and release operation.

Key Features

• HMI touchscreen with PLC control
• Stable double-column construction
• Automatic platform lifting
• Adjustable drop height from 450 mm to 1500 mm
• Drop-height accuracy of ±1 mm
• Pneumatic quick-release mechanism
• Suitable for straight and angular drops
• Supports packages weighing up to 80 kg
• Emergency stop and safety interlock
• Upper and lower travel protection
• Heavy-duty impact platform
• Powder-coated corrosion-resistant body
• Custom platform sizes and capacities available

Working Principle
The test package is manually positioned on the mounting table according to the required face, edge or corner orientation. The operator enters the desired drop height through the HMI touchscreen. The PLC automatically lifts the platform to the selected height. The pneumatic release system then removes the support quickly, allowing the package to fall freely onto the impact surface. The package and its contents are inspected after impact according to predefined acceptance criteria.

Test Applications
The Automatic Drop Tester is suitable for testing:

• Corrugated cartons
• Export packaging
• Electronic product packaging
• Home-appliance packages
• Pharmaceutical cartons
• FMCG packaging
• E-commerce shipment boxes
• Plastic containers
• Industrial component packaging
• Protective transport cases

Benefits of Using an Automatic Drop Tester
The machine helps identify weak corners, insufficient cushioning, poor sealing and inadequate internal protection before products are dispatched. Automatic height setting and controlled release improve test repeatability and reduce operator dependency. Testing can also help manufacturers compare packaging materials, optimise carton construction and reduce product returns, replacement costs and customer complaints caused by transit damage.

Applicable Test Standards
The machine can support package drop-testing procedures based on:

• ASTM D5276
• IEC 60068-2
• ISO 2248
• Relevant ISTA procedures
• Customer-specific packaging test methods

The drop height, number of impacts, package orientation and acceptance criteria should be selected according to the applicable standard or approved test protocol.

Why Choose a Drop Tester As Per ASTM D5276 & IEC 60068-2?
A double-column design offers better stability while lifting large or heavy packages. It reduces unwanted movement and supports accurate positioning before release. This configuration is particularly useful for bulky cartons, industrial packaging and test specimens with an uneven centre of gravity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the maximum package weight?
The standard machine supports packages weighing up to 80 kg. Custom capacities may also be available.

Q2. Can it perform face, edge and corner drops?
Yes. Packages can be positioned for face, edge or corner impacts according to the applicable test procedure.

Q3. Is the complete test automatic?
Package positioning is manual, while height adjustment, platform lifting and specimen release are automatically controlled.

Q4. Is an air compressor included?
The pneumatic release requires compressed air at 6-8 bar. The compressor is normally arranged by the customer unless included separately in the quotation.

Q5. Does the machine provide a pass-or-fail result?
The machine produces the controlled impact. The operator evaluates package and product damage against predefined acceptance criteria.

Q6. Can the machine be customised?
Yes. Payload capacity, platform size, drop height and safety configuration can be customised.