Drop Tester

What Does a Drop Tester Measure?

A Drop Tester does not directly measure a numerical property such as compression strength or tensile strength. Instead, it evaluates the condition of the package and product after a controlled impact.

The test can reveal:

• Crushing or tearing of corrugated boxes
• Collapse of package corners and edges
• Opening of tapes, seals or flaps
• Failure of glued, stitched or stapled joints
• Movement of the product inside the carton
• Compression or displacement of cushioning
• Cracking, denting or breakage of the product
• Leakage from bottles, containers or pouches
• Functional failure of electronic or mechanical products

The observations help determine whether the packaging system is suitable for its expected distribution conditions.

Working Principle of a Drop Tester
The complete packaged specimen is placed on the support platform in the required test orientation. The platform is raised to the selected height using the machine’s lifting arrangement. Once the package is positioned correctly, the release mechanism opens and allows the specimen to fall freely onto the impact base. The package should fall without receiving any additional downward force that could affect the result. After the drop, the operator examines:

• Outer carton condition
• Closures and joints
• Internal cushioning
• Product position
• Physical damage
• Leakage or deformation
• Functional performance

The test can then be repeated on other faces, edges or corners according to the selected standard or internal quality procedure.

Face, Edge and Corner Drop Testing

Face Drop
A face drop applies impact across one complete surface of the package. It is useful for evaluating carton panels, bottom closures, internal cushioning and the distribution of impact force.

Edge Drop
An edge drop concentrates impact along the meeting line of two package faces. It helps identify weak joints, inadequate reinforcement and localised board crushing.

Corner Drop
A corner drop creates a concentrated impact at the point where three package surfaces meet. It is useful because package corners are often damaged during manual handling and transportation.

Testing different orientations provides a more complete understanding of package performance than testing only the base or flat surface.

Why Is Drop Testing Important?
A package may appear strong during visual inspection but still fail when exposed to a sudden impact. Problems such as insufficient cushioning, poor sealing, excessive internal space or weak corners may only become visible after testing.
Drop testing helps manufacturers:

• Improve packaging design
• Select suitable cushioning materials
• Compare carton constructions
• Reduce transit damage
• Prevent product movement inside the package
• Verify closures and seals
• Reduce returns and replacement costs
• Establish packaging acceptance criteria
• Support quality control and product development

The test also helps avoid unnecessary over-packaging. Instead of increasing material without evidence, engineers can identify the actual point of failure and improve only the required area.

Key Features

• Suitable for complete packaged-product testing
• Adjustable drop height from 300 mm to 1800 mm
• Maximum standard load capacity up to 60 kg
• Supports face, edge and corner drop tests
• Motorized height-adjustment system
• Controlled package-release arrangement
• Single-flap or twin-flap platform options
• Standard platform size of 800 × 800 mm
• Rigid impact base for repeatable testing
• Suitable for laboratory and production use
• Custom platform and load configurations available
• Pneumatic model or pneumatic release option available on request

Motorized and Pneumatic Models

Motorized Drop Tester
The motorized model uses a powered lifting arrangement to raise the platform to the required drop height. It is suitable for routine laboratory and production testing where packages of different sizes need to be positioned at varying heights.

The motorized arrangement reduces manual lifting effort and supports controlled height adjustment.

Pneumatic Drop Tester
A pneumatic configuration uses compressed air for operating the range

• Face, edge and corner testing requirements
• Number of tests performed per day
• Need for motorized or pneumatic operation
• Availability of compressed air
• Applicable testing standard
• Required platform size
• Future testing requirements

Providing these details helps in selecting the correct machine configuration and avoiding an undersized or unnecessarily complex system.

Why Choose Pacorr?
Pacorr manufactures packaging testing instruments for quality-control laboratories, packaging-development departments and production facilities. The Drop Tester can be configured according to the customer’s sample size, weight and test procedure. Pacorr also provides:

• Product demonstration
• Installation support
• Operator training
• Calibration assistance
• Custom machine configurations
• Technical service support
• Worldwide supply

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drop Tester used for?
It is used to evaluate whether a complete package can protect its contents from impact caused by accidental drops during handling and transportation.

• Fragile products with foam or moulded inserts
• Industrial components
• Consumer goods
• Medical-device packaging

For realistic evaluation, the product should normally be tested in its final shipping package with the actual cushioning, closures and internal arrangement.

Applicable Test Standards
The Drop Tester supports testing according to recognised methods such as:

• ASTM D5276: Free-fall drop testing of loaded containers
• ISO 2248: Vertical impact testing of complete transport packages
• ISTA 1A: Integrity testing for individually packaged products
• JIS Z0202: Drop testing methods for packaged freight

The package orientation, drop height, number of drops and inspection method should be selected from the applicable standard or an approved customer procedure.

How to Select the Correct Drop Tester
Before selecting a machine, the buyer should provide:

• Maximum package dimensions
• Maximum sample weight
• Required drop-height range
• Preferred motorized or pneumatic operation
• Required platform size
• Package orientation to be tested
• Applicable test standard
• Expected number of tests per day

These details help determine the correct platform arrangement, lifting system, release mechanism and load capacity.

Why Choose Pacorr?
Pacorr manufactures Drop Testers for packaging-development laboratories, manufacturing plants and quality-control departments. Machines can be configured according to the package size, test weight and operating requirement.
Pacorr also provides:

• Product demonstration
• Installation assistance
• Operator training
• Calibration support
• Customised machine configurations
• Technical service support
• Worldwide supply

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Drop Tester available in motorized and pneumatic models?
Yes. The standard configuration can be supplied with motorized height adjustment. A pneumatic operating or release arrangement is also available according to the application.

What is the maximum drop height?
The standard drop-height range is 300 mm to 1800 mm.

What is the maximum package weight?
The standard machine can test packages weighing up to 60 kg. Higher capacities may require a customised model.

Can the machine perform corner and edge drops?
Yes. The specimen can be positioned for face, edge and corner drop testing.

Can the platform size be customised?
Yes. The standard platform is 800 × 800 mm, and customised sizes can be developed for larger packages.

Does a Drop Tester predict exact transportation life?
No. It evaluates package performance under defined impact conditions. It cannot reproduce every handling event that may occur during actual transportation.

What is the price range of Drop Tester?
Pacorr offers Drop Tester models from 85000 to 220000 INR depending on configuration.

Request a Quotation
Share your maximum package size, package weight, required drop height and preferred motorized or pneumatic configuration with the Pacorr technical team.