Logistics & Industrial Films

Surviving the Modern Supply Chain

Stretch wraps, shrink films, and heavy-duty shipping sacks (FFS bags) face a harsh environment: sharp pallet edges, metal corners, forklift tines, and stacking loads. Even if a film meets its nominal thickness specification, poor impact resistance can translate into broken pallets, leaking bags, and safety risks on the warehouse floor.

Falling dart impact testing provides a repeatable way to compare different films, suppliers, and downgauged structures under controlled yet realistic high-energy impact conditions. This is especially important when switching to thinner films or alternative resin systems for cost or sustainability reasons.

Method B for High-Energy Impact

For tougher, thicker films within the standard’s thickness scope, ASTM D1709 recommends Method B. Method B uses a larger hemispherical dart (about 50 mm) dropped from 1.50 m, with heavier weights to reach higher impact energies.

On the Falling Dart Impact Tester, Method B provides:

• Height: 1.50 m drop for higher energy impact events, configured with a dedicated tower height setting.
• Dart Head: 50 mm stainless steel dart head to match Method B geometry.
• Weight Capacity: Up to 2000 g dart assemblies using fixed increments (such as 15 g, 45 g, 90 g), allowing users to reach the required failure range for industrial films.

This configuration simulates high-force impacts such as:

• Puncture by sharp pallet or crate corners during forklift handling.
• Sudden impacts on stretch-wrapped pallets during emergency braking or drops.
• Localized loading on heavy FFS sacks for chemicals, resins, or fertilizers.