Your product and packaging should handle the bumps, drops, and shakes of shipping. You want your products to arrive safely, and testing your packaging's strength is the best way to make sure it can hold up. Let’s look at some simple, effective ways to test your packaging and ensure it’s ready for the road.
1. Drop Test
Ever worry about your package being dropped during shipping? The drop test simulates that exact scenario. By dropping the package from different heights and angles, you can see how well it protects your product.
How It Works:
- Drop your package from different heights (usually 1-4 feet).
- Try dropping it on different sides and corners to test all angles.
- Check for any damage to both the packaging and the product inside.
2. Compression Test
Think about how many boxes get stacked on top of each other during shipping. The compression test checks if your packaging can handle the pressure.
How It Works:
- Apply pressure from the top of your package to see when it starts to crush.
- Determine how much weight your packaging can take before it gets damaged.
- This is especially important if you’re shipping heavier items or using lightweight packaging.
3. Vibration Test
We all know packages are constantly bouncing around during shipping. The vibration test simulates that shaking to see if your packaging keeps the contents secure.
How It Works:
- Place your package on a platform that shakes, mimicking the movements during transit.
- Change the intensity and duration to simulate different travel conditions (like trucks, trains, or planes).
- See if anything inside shifts, moves, or gets damaged.
4. Shock Test
Similar to the drop test, but with an extra jolt. The shock test mimics those sudden impacts when your package is tossed or dropped harder than expected.
How It Works:
- Subject the package to quick, hard shocks using testing equipment.
- See how well your packaging absorbs the impact and protects your product.
5. Temperature and Humidity Test
If you ship products to different regions, your packaging might experience heat, cold, or humidity. The temperature and humidity test helps you check how well your packaging handles extreme conditions.
How It Works:
- Place your package in a controlled chamber with varying temperatures and humidity levels.
- Observe how it holds up—does it warp, get soggy, or weaken?
- Adjust your packaging materials if needed to ensure durability in all weather conditions.
6. Water Resistance Test
Ever wonder what happens if your package gets caught in the rain? The water resistance test shows if your packaging can keep the contents dry.
How It Works:
- Expose your package to controlled amounts of water or moisture.
- See if water seeps through or if the packaging stays dry.
- Ideal for businesses shipping in rainy climates or using outdoor drop-offs.
Learn more about packaging and shipping
7. Puncture Test
Worried about sharp objects damaging your package? The puncture test checks how easily something can pierce or tear through your packaging.
How It Works:
- Apply pressure with a sharp object to different points of the packaging.
- Measure how much force it takes to puncture the packaging and protect the product inside.
The best packaging for your product is the one that serves all of its needs during shipping.
For example, if you’re shipping fragile items like glassware, sturdy packaging with protective padding, such as bubble wrap or foam inserts, can be useful prevent damage. Meanwhile, for a clothing business, lightweight, mailers might be the best option to reduce shipping costs while still protecting the product.
Need packaging that holds up through it all?
At Impack, we offer durable packaging solutions that stand up to drops, bumps, and extreme weather. With our tested designs, you can ensure your products are protected from start to finish. Test your packaging strength with Impack today!
