Testing
and Applied Research
The
center provides evaluations of a wide range of products to assist companies
with individual needs and concerns. Pallets and containers of novel design,
composed of a broad spectrum of materials, are tested and evaluated. Similarly,
nails, staples, glues, welds, and other fasteners, as well as fastening procedures,
are also evaluated. Standard and special tests are performed, including those
specified by ASTM, ANSI, ISO, and ISTA, as well
as those specified by government agencies.
Unit
Load Design takes a systems approach in analyzing pallets, packaging, and material
handling equipment to optimize material handling efficiencies. Individually,
the pallet lab focuses on pallet design and performance, while the unit load
lab studies packaging, material handling equipment, and their interactions with
pallets.
Ralph
Rupert manages all center testing activities. Please contact Ralph for inquiries
and quotes for testing services. Please be aware that center members
receive consultation hours and testing discounts that usually well exceed the
initial cost of membership.
Ralph
Rupert
(540) 231-7106 or fax (540)231-8868
rrupert@vt.edu
Test
samples should be sent to:
Center for Unit Load Design
Attention: Ralph Rupert
1650 Ramble Road (0503)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
CONTRACT
TESTING PROGRAM
The center assists pallet and container manufacturers and their customers develop
new, more efficient pallet, packaging, and equipment designs. The tests most
used are ASTM D1185 and ISO 8611. Under the Contract Testing Program results
of research will be proprietary and therefore protect the investments of the
testing sponsors.
Component
Lumber Tests
| Compression |
10 replicates |
| Bending |
25 replicates |
Pallet Tests
| Failure |
3 replicates |
| 2 Hour Test |
3 replicates |
| 24 Hour Test |
3 replicates |
| Corner Drop |
3 replicates |
| Forktine Tip Impact |
3 replicates |
| Leadboard Impact |
3 replicates |
| Friction |
3 replicates |
| FasTrack |
10 replicates |
Package Tests
| ISTA
(vibration/impact) |
| Vibration |
| Impact |
FASTENER QUALITY ANALYSIS (FQA)
The
fastening systems used in pallets and containers are critical to their performance.
Until recently, however, directly applicable test criteria and methods were
unavailable. As a result of center research, the Model TE-154 MIBANT test device
has become an internationally recognized, standard tool for assessing the quality
of nails and staples used in pallet and container manufacture.
The VPI FQA Program measures the physical and performance characteristics of
sample nails and compares these values to minimum industry standards. Calculated
values include Fastener Withdrawal Index (FWI), Fastener Shear Index (FSI),
and MIBANT angle. The Mibant test is described in ASTM F680.
Fastener Tests
| Fastener
Quality Analysis |
25 nails
required |
| Withdrawal |
10 replicates |
| Shear |
10 replicates |
| Head Pull Through |
10 replicates |
