Drick DRK123 Hollow Container Compression Tester
| Brand | Drick |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Model | DRK123 |
| Price | USD 7,000 (FOB Qingdao) |
Overview
The Drick DRK123 Hollow Container Compression Tester is an engineered mechanical testing system designed specifically for evaluating the compressive strength, deformation behavior, and stacking load resistance of hollow rigid packaging—particularly plastic bottles, cans, drums, and other cylindrical or structurally symmetrical containers. It operates on the principle of controlled axial compression using a precision-driven crosshead and high-fidelity load cell, applying quasi-static compressive force at defined rates while continuously recording force-displacement response curves. The system conforms to standardized test methodologies including ASTM D642 (Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers), ISO 12048 (Packaging—Complete, Filled Transport Packages—Compression and Stacking Tests), and GB/T 4857.3–2022 (China National Standard for Packaging—Basic Tests—Stacking Test). Its architecture integrates structural rigidity, repeatable actuation control, and calibrated force measurement to ensure metrological traceability in quality control laboratories and packaging R&D environments.
Key Features
- Robust dual-column steel frame with reinforced base plate and adjustable top platen for stable alignment during high-load compression cycles
- High-accuracy load cell with ±0.5% full-scale accuracy, certified per ISO 376 Class 1 requirements
- Programmable crosshead speed range: 1–500 mm/min, adjustable in 0.1 mm/min increments via digital controller
- Real-time force–displacement curve acquisition with 100 Hz sampling rate and automatic peak detection
- Integrated safety interlock system with emergency stop, overload cut-off, and mechanical limit switches
- Modular test fixture interface supporting interchangeable platens (flat, concave, and contoured) for varied container geometries
- Compliance-ready calibration certificate included; supports periodic recalibration against NIST-traceable standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRK123 accommodates hollow containers with diameters from 30 mm to 300 mm and heights up to 600 mm—including PET bottles, HDPE jugs, aluminum beverage cans, composite drums, and pharmaceutical secondary packaging. Specimen preparation follows standard conditioning per ASTM D4332 (Conditioning Containers for Testing) at 23°C ±2°C and 50% RH ±5%. Test protocols are configurable to meet regulatory expectations for packaging validation under ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity workflows when paired with optional audit-trail-enabled software. All mechanical components comply with CE machinery directive 2006/42/EC and RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions.
Software & Data Management
The DRK123 operates with Drick’s proprietary WinTest v3.2 software suite, compatible with Windows 10/11 (64-bit). The application enables test method definition (e.g., constant-rate compression, creep hold, or stepwise stacking simulation), real-time graphical display of force–deformation profiles, and automated calculation of key metrics: crush load (N), deformation at yield (mm), energy absorption (J), and elastic recovery ratio (%). Raw data exports to CSV, Excel, and PDF formats with embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, environmental conditions, calibration status). For regulated environments, optional 21 CFR Part 11 add-on provides electronic signatures, user role-based access control, and immutable audit trails—fully aligned with GLP and GMP documentation requirements.
Applications
- Validation of bottle wall thickness optimization in beverage and dairy packaging lines
- Comparative assessment of resin formulation effects on PET bottle crush resistance
- Stacking load simulation for warehouse pallet stability analysis (up to 3-level static stack modeling)
- Pre-shipment qualification testing per ISTA 3A and Amazon SQP specifications
- Root cause analysis of field failures linked to compression-induced buckling or seam separation
- Supporting design verification for sustainable lightweight packaging initiatives compliant with CPG sustainability targets
FAQ
What standards does the DRK123 support out-of-the-box?
ASTM D642, ISO 12048, GB/T 4857.3–2022, and ISTA 3A test protocols are preloaded in WinTest software.
Can the system be integrated into a laboratory LIMS?
Yes—via TCP/IP or RS-232 interface using ASTM E1382-compliant data transmission format; custom API integration available upon request.
Is third-party calibration certification provided?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to CNAS-accredited reference standards; annual recalibration services available globally.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Biannual verification of load cell linearity and crosshead alignment; no lubrication or consumable parts required under normal operating conditions.
Does the DRK123 support dynamic or impact loading?
No—it is optimized for quasi-static compression only; dynamic impact testing requires separate equipment such as a drop tester or pendulum impact system.
