Ultimate Guide to ASTM D1709 & ISO 7765
What is the Falling Dart Impact Test?
The Free-Falling Dart Test (ASTM D1709 / ISO 7765-1) measures the energy required to cause a plastic film to fail under specified conditions of impact of a free-falling dart. It is the global benchmark for film toughness.
Method A vs. Method B: Which do you need?
The MLB-01 supports both methods in one unit:
1. Method A:
- Drop Height: 0.66m ± 0.01m.
- Dart Head: 38mm diameter phenolic or aluminum.
- Application: Standard consumer packaging, thin films.
2. Method B:
- Drop Height: 1.50m ± 0.01m.
- Dart Head: 50mm diameter stainless steel.
- Application: Thicker films, construction sheets, heavy-duty bags.
Understanding the "Staircase Method"
Unlike a simple pass/fail test, the MLB-01 uses the intelligent Staircase Method (Up-and-Down Method).
- If the sample breaks, the weight is decreased for the next test.
- If the sample survives, the weight is increased.
After 20+ samples, the integrated micro-computer automatically calculates the Impact Failure Mass (M50). This statistical approach eliminates human estimation errors and provides a definitive toughness value.
Why Pneumatic Clamping Matters?
Manual clamps are prone to "operator error"—loose clamping leads to film slippage, invalidating the test. The MLB-01 features Pneumatic Clamping, ensuring consistent, high-pressure locking of the sample every single time for repeatable, ISO-compliant results.
