Carton Clamp Test Methodologies and the Effects on Load Containment and Retention

Abstract

A carton clamp is an alternative material handling device for moving packages and material. The need for changing the clamping force for variations in size, shape and weight of the load creates the potential for underclamping (slippage) and overclamping (compressive damage). Currently, there are two test standards that provide lab-based forklift/clamp testing guidance – ISTA 3B and ASTM 6055. While ISTA provides a stationary simulation of carton clamp handling, ASTM offers a more mobile approach. The ISTA recommended testing equipment tends to be fairly expensive and is not easily accessible in North American test facilities. The ASTM standard proposes the use of a carton clamp truck in industry but does not specify any specific parameters making repeatability between laboratories and practitioners ambiguous. This study examined the implementation a carton clamp lift truck as found in industry allowing for mobile (hazard course) testing. A modified version of ISTA 3B was paired off against ASTM 6055 for evaluating both column and cross stack pallet patterns with a variety of treatments. This study attempted to determine if carton clamps as found in industry are capable and repeatable enough to provide consistent data. This study also examined the test methodologies' effect on load containment via stretch film force, load retention via unitized load slippage and the effects of ride height and driver interaction. The study sought to understand if these effects are uniform across the unitized load or if particular layers of the load are more affected than others. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.