PIT-01 Pendulum Impact Tester

Introduction to Film Pendulum Impact Tester

The film pendulum impact tester is a precision instrument used to evaluate the impact resistance of plastic films, foils, and thin sheets. It is an essential tool in packaging, food, medical, and materials research industries. By replicating dynamic loading conditions similar to real-world impacts, this tester helps assess a material’s durability and toughness.

When films are used in packaging or product protection, understanding their resistance to sudden forces is critical. This is where the film pendulum impact tester plays a vital role—it simulates high-speed puncture and measures the energy required to rupture the material, offering reliable data for performance evaluation.

ASTM D3420 for Film Pendulum Impact Resistance

The ASTM D3420 test method is the internationally recognized standard for determining the pendulum impact resistance of plastic films. It provides detailed instructions to ensure accurate, repeatable, and comparable results across different testing environments.

This method involves striking a clamped film specimen with a pendulum head at a known velocity and energy level. The energy absorbed by the specimen, leading to rupture or puncture, is calculated from the pendulum’s motion. The test uses two main procedures:

• Procedure A: Uses a 25.4 mm diameter impact head and a 60 mm aperture.
• Procedure B: Uses a 19.0 mm diameter head and an 89 mm aperture (also known as the Spencer test).

Each method suits different material types and testing setups. However, results from Procedure A and B are not interchangeable, as their sample sizes and head diameters yield different impact dynamics.

Working Principle of the Film Pendulum Impact Tester

During the ASTM D3420 test:

1. A flat, defect-free specimen (typically 100 mm × 100 mm or Ø100 mm) is clamped between two plates with a circular aperture.
2. The pendulum is released from a latched position, swinging with a maximum velocity of ~74 m/min and energy up to 5 J (50 cm·kgf).
3. The hemispherical head strikes the center of the film, causing rupture.
4. The loss of kinetic energy from the pendulum is measured and translated into impact energy (J) using standard formulas:

• • For Procedure A:
    E = (Scale Reading in cm·kgf) / 10.2
  • For Procedure B:
    E = (R / 100) × C,
    where R is the scale reading and C is the device’s capacity (e.g., 0.17 J to 2.7 J).

Unlike some methods, no correction is made for the tiny fragments punctured, since their mass is negligible.

Advanced Features of the PIT-01 Film Pendulum Impact Tester

Manufactured by Cell Instruments Co., Ltd., the PIT-01 film pendulum impact tester is built for full ASTM D3420 compliance, offering accuracy, automation, and user convenience:

• PLC & Touchscreen HMI: Allows simple test configuration and real-time monitoring.
• Pneumatic O-Ring Clamping: Ensures secure, slip-free clamping for consistent data.
• Automatic Pendulum Release: Enhances precision and safety.
• Data Auto-Processing & Printing: Captures, calculates, and prints results instantly, minimizing human error.
• Multiple Impact Head Sizes: Comes with Φ25.4 mm, Φ19 mm, and Φ12.7 mm heads for test flexibility.

Main Parameter

Impact Energy	1 J, 2 J, 3 J
Resolution	0.001 J
Impact Head Size	Ф25.4, Ф19, Ф12.7 mm
Specimen Clamp	Pneumatic Clamp
Clamp Diameter	Ф89 mm, Ф60 mm
Gas Supply	0.6 MPa Φ6 mm PU Tubing
Specimen Size	100*100 mm or Ф100 mm
Power Supply	AC 110~220V 50Hz

With its high sensitivity (0.001 J resolution) and wide energy range (1 J to 3 J), the PIT-01 is ideal for both quality control and R&D applications.

Test Procedure Highlights According to ASTM D3420

• Specimen Preparation: Use flat, uniform films free of defects. At least five specimens are required.
• Thickness Measurement: Measure thickness to the nearest 0.00125 mm.
• Mounting & Impact: Clamp the sample in the holder, raise and latch the pendulum, and release it to impact the sample.
• Data Recording: Capture the scale reading. If the pendulum doesn’t fully puncture the film, increase energy or reduce film thickness.
• Repeatability: If slippage is observed, retest using a new sample and ensure clamps are properly tightened.

Applications Across Industries

The film pendulum impact tester finds extensive application in:

• Flexible Packaging: Ensures films can withstand transport and handling.
• Medical Packaging: Validates puncture resistance in sterile packaging.
• Food & Beverage Films: Confirms integrity against drops and shocks.
• Construction Materials: Tests barrier films for building insulation and protection.
• Research & Development: Supports new material formulation and performance benchmarking.

Why Choose PIT-01 from Cell Instruments?

Cell Instruments’ PIT-01 stands out due to its precision-engineered components, compliance with ASTM D3420, and intuitive operation. Whether for regulatory validation or production quality control, it ensures:

• Reliable, standardized results
• Reduced human error via automation
• Versatility across film materials
• Compliance with global quality expectations

The film pendulum impact tester is a critical tool for evaluating material toughness under dynamic stress. Adhering to the ASTM D3420 standard, it accurately simulates real-world conditions to ensure films and flexible packaging meet rigorous quality requirements. With the PIT-01 from Cell Instruments, laboratories gain an efficient, precise, and compliant solution for impact resistance testing.

ÎNTREBĂRI FRECVENTE

1. What is the main purpose of ASTM D3420?
ASTM D3420 provides a standardized method for measuring the impact resistance of plastic films using a pendulum device.

2. What are the differences between Procedure A and B?
Procedure A uses a 60 mm aperture and 25.4 mm impact head; Procedure B (Spencer) uses an 89 mm aperture and 19 mm head. They serve different specimen types and aren’t interchangeable.

3. How is the impact energy calculated in this test?
Impact energy is calculated based on scale readings and pendulum capacity using formulas specified in ASTM D3420.

4. What materials can be tested using the PIT-01?
Plastic films, laminated foils, coated paper, and other thin flexible materials used in packaging and protective applications.

5. How does pneumatic clamping improve accuracy?
It minimizes sample slippage, ensuring consistent positioning and reliable test results.

Similar Models and Comparisons

1. Falling Dart Impact Tester (FDT-01)
   The Falling Dart Impact Tester (FDT-01) is another widely used impact testing device that uses a falling dart to measure material impact resistance. Unlike the pendulum method, the falling dart tester is designed to assess materials that are prone to puncturing under impact.
2. Falling Ball Impact Tester (FBT-01)
   The Falling Ball Impact Tester (FBT-01) tests materials by dropping a steel ball onto the specimen from a set height. This method is often used for testing materials with a higher thickness or hardness.
3. Charpy and Izod Impact Testers
   The Charpy and Izod Impact Tester are used to measure the impact toughness of materials, particularly metals and plastics. These methods use a different approach, with a notched specimen subjected to a swinging hammer, but are often compared with pendulum impact tests for certain applications.