Top 3 problems faced during dart impact test (with solutions)

Gaurav Malhotra

It is well-known that plastic films are widely used in many industries, e.g. food packaging, agriculture, construction, or medical applications. However, the material properties of these films can be highly variable and depend on several factors such as the manufacturing process or raw materials used. Testing the quality of these films is of utmost importance to make sure that the right lab testing instruments will be delivered to the customers with ease. One type of test that is important to perform on plastic film is the falling dart test. This test is used to determine the ability of the film to resist puncture from a falling object. We at Presto have designed one of the high-quality lab testing instruments known as the dart impact tester. This is one of the high-quality lab testing equipment that is used to determine the impact of the free-falling darts on the plastic film. It comes with a hemispherical head and is held by a strong electromagnetic dart holder.

If you are working in the plastic film manufacturing industry, then testing your films against freely falling darts is important to make sure that the right lab testing instruments will be delivered to the customers. While conducting the dart impact test on the materials, most of the manufacturers face some problems. Here in this blog, we are going to provide you with information about dart impact testers and the top 3 main problems faced by manufacturers while conducting dart impact resistance tests.

Introduction about dart impact test

A dart impact test is a type of test that is used to determine the resistance of a material against a freely falling dart. This quality test is performed by one of the quality lab testing instruments known as the dart impact tester which has been designed by the experts at Presto. This lab testing equipment has been built on a rigid metallic base with a strong electromagnetic dart holder. It provides reliable, fast, and accurate measurements of variable heights. The drop height adjustable clamp will be provided on the machine and comes with an inbuilt digital counter for counting the number of falls.

This laboratory testing equipment has been built with the autumn grey and blue combination of finish with chrome/zinc plating that will accurately ensure the resistance to corrosion. The dart impact test can easily be conducted with the help of this lab testing equipment and will accurately ensure that the product will be durable enough to be used for the intended application. You can easily determine the impact of a freely falling dart using a dart impact tester.

Why you should perform a dart impact test on the materials?

Dart impact tests are performed to assess the ability of a material to resist impact forces. This impact test will evaluate the impact resistance and impact failure of polyethylene films under specified conditions. This lab testing equipment is widely used for assessing the strength and durability of materials like plastic films, flexible films, sheets, and other similar products. Dart impact testing is also useful for quality control, as it can identify materials that are weaker than expected. The results of dart impact tests can also be used to improve manufacturing processes.

The Presto impact resistance tester for plastic films is one of the standardized lab testing equipment that is used to perform accurate and reliable measurements of freely falling darts impacting the films. This high-quality lab testing equipment has been embedded with high-end features that include:

Built on a rigid metallic base
Strong Electromagnetic dart holder
Dart released at the press of a button
Reliable, the fast and accurate measurement of variable heights
Electromagnetic Hold and release mechanism for dart
Drop Height adjustable clamp
Inbuilt Digital counter for counting the number of falls during a single test operation
Circular annular clamping devices for zero slippage
Shielding structure to prevent the dart from falling out after bouncing from the sample
Strong base plate with rugged structure
Clamping Shield height adjustable collar
Standard: IS 2508:1984(R2003), ASTM D1709-16A

Technical Specifications of Presto dart impact tester

Inside diameter of clamp: 127mm
Diameter of dart head: Method A – 38 mm, Method B - 50.8 mm ± 0.13 mm
Height of fall:660 mm and 1524 mm(Adjustable)
Maximum weight holding capacity of Dart Holding Mechanism: 2Kg
Dart Head Material: Method A - Phenolic & Method B - Steel
Least Count of Height Adjustable Clamp: 1 mm
Type of test: Free-Falling Dart
Release Mechanism: Electromagnetic dart hold/release mechanism
Clamping Unit: Circular annular clamping unit with zero slippage
Counter: Digital
Vacuum Pump of CFM 1.8, 1/4 Hp Motor is provided with it
Electrical Requirement: Single Phase 220 V AC

With these features and technical specifications, you can easily conduct a quick and precise dart impact test on the materials with ease.

Now, let us discuss the top 3 problems faced during the dart impact test (with solutions).

Problems faced while conducting dart impact test on materials (with solutions)

There are many problems faced by quality heads while conducting dart impact tests on the materials. To make it easy for them, we have listed the top 3 most common problems faced during this test.

Problem 1: No Supply in the instrument

Solution: Check the main supply in the socket.

Problem 2: Doors not holding on clamps.

Solution: Set the air pressure in the gauge.

Problem 3: No movement of the platform in an upward or downward direction.

Solution: Check the limit switch. If it is not working replace it with a new one.

These are the top 3 problems faced by the quality heads while conducting dart impact tests on the materials. If you are facing some other problem, while conducting the test, then you can consult with our service team. You can also take a free sample testing session from this lab testing instrument when you can give us a call at +91 9210903903 or email us at info@prestogroup.com. Our team of technical experts will consult you regarding all your needs and queries.