ISO 12048

Introducing ISO 12048 – Industrial Physics  

ISO 12048 is an international ISO testing standard that’s used for compression testing and stacking testing of transport packaging using a compression tester. 

The International Organization of Standards (ISO) produces a wide range of ISO standards to guide manufacturers, production lines and laboratories when checking the integrity of packaging, products, and materials across many industries.  

The ISO 12048 test may be used to assess the performance of a package in terms of its strength, or the protection it offers to its contents when it is subjected to compressive forces.  

This ISO transport packaging test is suitable for compression testing and stacking testing of both complete and filled transport packages using the same apparatus. 

What is a packaging stacking test?  

Packages are usually stacked to make full use of space and transport capacity. This causes a surge in the pressure applied to the goods at the bottom.  

A package’s integrity can be further compromised if it’s softened by high ambient humidity, and this can damage the goods contained. The stacking test offers a series of tests for packages that mimic the typical pressures they will endure, including temperature and humidity storage, vibration or drops. 

What is a packaging compression test? 

A package compression test measures how much weight a package can withstand when compressed. It’s a laboratory test that uses a compression tester to apply a controlled amount of force to a package. The compression test is used to evaluate the strength of a package’s components and to determine how well it will perform during storage and distribution. 

What is covered in the ISO 12048 packaging test?  

The ISO 12048 packaging test may be performed by a single inspection to investigate the effects (deformation, collapse or failure). It can also be performed as a sequence of tests designed to measure the ability of a package to withstand a distribution system that includes a compression or stacking hazard.  

The ISO 12048 packaging test may also be used as a stacking test to investigate performance under particular conditions of loading, for example, when the bottom package in a stack rests on an open-decked pallet. 

The ISO 12048 packaging test approach  

To perform a packaging compression test or packaging stacking test your sample is placed between the platens of a compression tester and either:  

• Compression test: a load is applied until failure occurs or predetermined values for load or displacement are reached 

• Stacking test: a predetermined load is applied for a predetermined time, or until failure occurs. 

Our ISO 12048 package testing equipment  

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ISO 12048 package testing? 

Testing Machines Inc. Box Compression Testers 

The Box Compression Tester is a four column, heavy-duty tester designed to determine the compressive forces which a transport case is subjected to, either in transit or stacked in a warehouse. Boxes can be tested to complete collapse or held automatically at a predetermined load for a given period to evaluate stacking loads. 

Compressing our knowledge to support you  

Industrial Physics has been making devices and accessories to support package testing for many years. We like to share the insight we’ve gained with our customers.  

For tips on making the most of your package testing, check out our guide to maximizing crush and compression testing. Maybe follow this up with our FAQ article that delves into what edge crush testing is all about. We’ve also got a wealth of information about corrugated and its various testing methods in our exclusive report, ‘Your guide to quality corrugated’. 

If you’d like to find out more about ISO 12048 compression testing or any other packaging test, just get in touch!

Your global test and measurement partner for ISO 12048