Impact resistance by the free-falling dart method – Instrumented puncture test
Impact resistance test in a drop impact tester, test speed approx. 4.4 m/s, for simulating impact-like stresses similar to the test of the drop hammer method (Dart Drop). In comparison to the Dart Drop test, the determination of the characteristic value is done electronically by means of a piezo force sensor in the drop probe as well as a light gate for deformation measurement and not by iterative variation of the impact mass (staircase method). Therefore, in addition to the damage force, results are also obtained for the deformation to fracture or the damage work. An older method according to specifications of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging also allows testing of folded edges on premature damage.
In short — AI-generated
The instrumented puncture test determines the impact resistance of flexible packaging materials by striking a film sample with a free-falling dart at a speed of approximately 4.4 m/s. Unlike traditional drop tests, a piezo force sensor and a light gate record the entire impact process electronically, capturing force and deformation data in a single test run.
The resulting values provide detailed information on the material's damage force, deformation at break, and total energy absorption. This data allows packaging developers to precisely evaluate how a material behaves under sudden mechanical stress, such as during transport or handling, and helps in optimizing film thickness and composition.
Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.
Standard Tests
Impact test with electronic data recording on flat materials (withoud, folded edges, etc.)
Specific Norm: DIN ISO 7765-2
Impact resistance test in a drop impact tester, test speed approx. 4.4 m/s, for simulating impact-like stresses similar to the test of the drop hammer method (Dart Drop). In comparison to the Dart Drop test, the determination of the characteristic value is done electronically by means of a piezo force sensor in the drop probe as well as a light gate for deformation measurement and not by iterative variation of the impact mass (staircase method). Therefore, in addition to the damage force, results are also obtained for the deformation to fracture or the damage work. An older method according to specifications of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging also allows testing of folded edges on premature damage.
Impact test with electronic data recording on folded edges
Specific Norm: FhG Merkblatt 6 Teil 2 Blatt 2 (zurückgezogen)
The test is performed on both fold edges (left and right). The puncture is performed at a specified distance x of the folded edge from the specimen center, i.e. next to the folded edge. The value x depends on the damage deformation measured on the flat material without folded edge.
