ISO 2248:1985

Overview

ISO 2248:1985 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a method for conducting vertical impact tests on complete, filled transport packages. The testing process involves dropping the package from a predetermined height onto a rigid, flat surface to evaluate its ability to withstand vertical impacts during transportation. This standard is crucial for assessing the durability and integrity of packaging under real-world handling and distribution conditions.

The methodology ensures that factors such as atmospheric conditions, drop height, and package orientation (attitude) are controlled and consistent. This helps manufacturers, packers, and logistics providers guarantee the safety and reliability of packaged goods throughout the supply chain.

Key Topics

• Test Principle The vertical impact test is performed by lifting the filled transport package to a specified height and releasing it to drop freely onto a rigid, non-deformable impact surface. The test simulates vertical shocks experienced during handling or transit.

• Apparatus Requirements

  • Lifting mechanism that avoids damage to the package
  • Holding device to maintain the package in the predetermined drop orientation
  • Release mechanism to ensure an unobstructed fall
  • Impact surface that is flat, rigid, and large enough to receive the entire package impact without deformation

• Package Preparation Packages must be filled with their normal contents or closely simulated materials and sealed using the usual closure methods to reflect actual transport conditions.

• Testing Conditions The test should ideally occur under atmospheric conditions consistent with package conditioning requirements specified in ISO 2233 for valid and reproducible results.

• Predetermined Package Attitude The orientation of the package upon impact is standardized according to package shape, such as parallelepipedal, cylindrical, or sacks, with specific points, edges, or faces identified for dropping. The package’s center of gravity is aligned vertically above the impact point for consistency.

• Test Procedure The package is raised, held at the designated height and attitude, then released to impact the surface. The drop height, impact angles, and free-fall velocity are strictly controlled to meet the standard’s tolerances.

• Test Reporting Detailed documentation is required including package description, number of replicates, environmental conditions, drop height, test apparatus, deviations, and test results to ensure transparency and traceability.

Applications

ISO 2248:1985 is extensively used in industries where packaging integrity is critical during shipment and handling. Typical applications include:

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management Ensuring packages can resist vertical shocks during loading, unloading, and transportation.

• Manufacturing and Packaging Design Validating packaging designs to meet safety and durability standards before market release.

• Quality Control and Compliance Monitoring batch consistency and compliance with international packaging performance requirements.

• Research and Development Investigating effects of package materials and cushioning systems on impact resistance.

By applying this standard, organizations can minimize damages, reduce returns, and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring transported products reach destinations intact.

Related Standards

• ISO 2206:1972 – Packaging - Identification of Parts of Packages
• ISO 2233:1975 – Packaging - Conditioning for Testing
• ISO 2266 – Packaging - Coding of Package Types for Identification Purposes

These related standards complement ISO 2248 by providing additional guidelines on package identification, environmental conditioning, and classification to support consistent packaging testing and evaluation.

Keywords: ISO 2248, vertical impact test, transport packaging, packaging standards, drop test, filled transport packages, packaging durability, packaging quality control, impact resistance, packaging testing methods.