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Impact resistance by free-falling dart method (Dart Drop), staircase method

This is a widely used and significant test for assessing the impact strength of films. The test is used, for example, for quality monitoring and comparison of films. The Dart Drop impact strength reacts sensitively to quality imperfections on recycled compound blending, formulation inconsistencies, oxidative degradation and strain e.g. from folding, embossing, laser treatment etc..

In short — AI-generated

The Dart Drop test determines the impact resistance of plastic films by dropping a weighted dart onto a clamped film sample from a defined height. Using the staircase method, the weight of the dart is adjusted incrementally based on whether the film breaks or remains intact until a statistical failure point is reached.

The resulting value indicates the energy a film can absorb before it ruptures under sudden impact. This metric is essential for quality control to detect inconsistencies in material composition, degradation, or damage caused by manufacturing processes like embossing or laser treatment.

Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.

Test Method Group: Mechanical properties

Norms:
  • DIN EN ISO 7765-1 (2004-10) Plastics film and sheeting - Determination of impact resistance by the free-falling dart method - Part 1: Staircase methods
  • ASTM D 1709 (2024) Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method

Required Sample Amount: approx. 2 m² or 30 DIN A 4 sheets, min. sample width 200 mm; preferably film samples over the complete material width, e. g. approx. 2 linear metres for a film of 1 m width

Standard Tests

dart drop method A mf = 0.03 - 2 kg

Specific Norm: ASTM D 1709

Especially for thinner films with lower Dart Drop impact resistance (e.g. PE-films with a thickness < 100 microns)

dart drop method B mf = 0.3 - 2.8 kg

Specific Norm: ASTM D 1709

Especially for thicker films with higher Dart Drop impact resistance (e.g. PE-films with a thickness >100 microns)
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