Impact Testing - Drop Tower

A drop tower can be used to measure energy absorbed of a sample or to apply a set amount of damage to a specimen at impact velocities from 1 – 24m/s.

A test system consists of:

• A falling mass guided by columns
• A load sensor (tup) with an insert shaped for the application
• A test fixture to hold the specimens
• A ‘flag’ to measure velocity and trigger data collection
• Data Acquisition System (DAS)  with over 50,000 points at acquisition rates in the region of 2MHz
• Control and data analysis software package to:
  • To collect data for the DAS
  • Input test parameters for a test method
  • Machine Control
  • Perform calculations
  • Analyse Data

Optional items include:

• An environmental chamber
• Anti rebound device used to catch the mass after a rebound
• Automation system to test batches of samples

Types of Test

• Puncture testing
• CAI – Compression After Impact tests
• Pipe Testing
• Tensile Impact
• Wedge Peel Tests
• Component Testing

Typical Applications

• Impact Testing of PVC Vinyl Materials
• Crack Resistance of Automobile Bumpers
• Personal Protective Equipment Testing
• Eyewear Products and Impact Performance
• Impact Resistance of Thermoplastic Pipes and Fittings
• Impact Testing of Plastic Storage Containers
• Tear and Puncture Resistance of Plastic Films
• Impact Resistance of Milk Bags

Life-cycle stage

• Raw Materials
• Semi-finished and finished product
• Component Testing

End User Type

• Product Developer
• Quality Control
• Testing Services
• Research
• Education

Applicable Standards

• ISO 6603-2
• ISO 7628
• ISO 7765-2
• ISO 8256
• ASTM D7136/M
• ASTM D1709
• ASTM D2444
• ASTM D3763
• EN 397
• EN 812
• Airbus AITM 1.0010
• PR EN 6038
• Industry/Customer Specific