Safe Load Testing Technologies recently collaborated with Clemson University Packaging Science Program to enhance the educational experience of the students. As part of this partnership, Safe Load Testing provided several innRecord Shock & Vibration Field Data Recorders to the university, giving students the opportunity to work directly with this high-performance data recorder that measures shocks, vibrations, temperature, and humidity during product transportation. These insights are crucial for understanding the forces that packaging endures during transport and ensuring that products are adequately protected and reach their destination intact.
As part of their laboratory work, Clemson students used the DR4-04 Data Recorders to measure and quantify vibrations and impacts experienced during the distribution cycle. Among the tests they performed, the students recorded maneuvers and impacts using a forklift as part of the ISTA 3B forklift handling protocol. From the data extracted from the data recorders, the students were able to calculate the Power Spectral Densities (PSDs) of vibrations and rotations, as well as analyze shocks.
Some of the results are illustrated in graphs obtained after analyzing the data:
PSD of Vibrations
PSD of Pitch and Roll (P&R)
Graph of the Shock with the Highest G-Forces
Summary Graph of the Detected Shocks
This hands-on experience allowed the students to gain practical insights into the dynamic forces that packaging systems endure during transportation and handling. By analyzing real-world data, they could better understand how to design packaging that can withstand these forces, ensuring product integrity upon delivery.
The devices were integrated into the university’s Sonoco Package Testing Lab, where students conducted experiments simulating real-world transportation conditions. This hands-on experience prepared them for careers in the packaging industry, where understanding and managing these dynamic forces are essential for improving packaging performance.
The lab’s work is pivotal in developing packaging solutions that are not only more efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable, aligning with global trends toward greener packaging solutions.
Clemson University: A Leader in Packaging Science Innovation
Clemson University, located in South Carolina, is a renowned institution known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. One of its standout programs is the Packaging Science Program, which is widely recognized as one of the top programs in the United States for preparing students for careers in packaging design, testing, and logistics management.
Clemson’s program offers a unique blend of engineering, business, and environmental science education, focusing on developing solutions that address both the technical and sustainability challenges faced by the packaging industry.
At the heart of Clemson’s packaging program is the Sonoco Package Testing Lab, directed by Dr. Greg Batt. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to studying the physical performance of packaging under various transportation and storage conditions. The lab is equipped with the latest technologies, including shock, vibration, and environmental testing equipment, to simulate the real-world challenges that packaging systems face. The Package Lab serves as a key resource for student learning, offering hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment such as the Shock & Vibration Field Data Recorders provided by Safe Load Testing Technologies.
Clemson University’s strong industry ties and commitment to cutting-edge research make it a leader in packaging science, and its collaboration with Safe Load Testing Technologies further strengthens its position as a hub for innovation in the field. This partnership enhances both educational opportunities for students and research capabilities, helping shape the future of packaging technology.
About the innRecord: Versatility and Industry Applications
The innRecord Shock & Vibration Field Data Recorder is a highly versatile tool that can be employed across various industries to monitor and analyze the dynamic forces experienced by products and packaging during transportation. By recording data on shocks, vibrations, temperature, and humidity, the innRecord provides invaluable insights that can be used to optimize packaging design, improve product protection, and reduce damage during shipping.
Key industries where the innRecord is widely used include:
Education and Research
It enables students to learn about the effects of transportation on packaging and products, which is essential for those studying packaging design, logistics or supply chain management.
Food and Beverage
Used to test packaging systems for perishable goods, ensuring they remain intact and fresh throughout distribution chains.
Pharmaceuticals
Plays a crucial role in monitoring temperature-sensitive shipments, ensuring that medical products are stored and transported under the required conditions.
Automotive
Ensures that fragile automotive parts and components are safely delivered without suffering from mechanical shocks or vibrations.
Retail and E-commerce
Helps companies design packaging that ensures safe delivery of products to customers, reducing return rates and increasing customer satisfaction.
Consumer Goods
Helps manufacturers ensure that packaging can withstand the rigors of transportation, preventing damage to products like electronics, furniture, and appliances.
Advantages of the Shock & Vibration Data Recorders
DR4-04E Data Recorders
Convenient and adaptable independent measurement system with multiple sensors, programmable triggers, and a large storage capacity, trusted by over 2,000 customers and the US Navy.
Polycarbonate
Piezoelectric Accelerometer: ± 100g
Digital Capacitive Accelerometer: ± 40g
Battery: 250 mAh
Storage: 8GB
The innRecord offers several key advantages for companies and academic institutions alike:
- Accurate Data Collection: The innRecord captures real-time data on shocks, vibrations, temperature, and humidity, providing precise information on the conditions faced during transportation. This data allows businesses to make informed decisions on packaging design and material selection.
- Improved Packaging Design: By identifying the exact forces that lead to product damage, companies can tailor their packaging to mitigate these risks, reducing material waste and improving sustainability efforts.
- Cost Reduction: Reducing product damage during transport means fewer returns, lower warranty costs, and decreased shipping-related losses, leading to significant cost savings.
- Customizable Testing: The innRecord allows companies to replicate real-world transportation scenarios in the lab, enabling packaging engineers to test various conditions and evaluate packaging performance before going to market.
- Data-Driven Innovation: For the Clemson University, the Shock & Vibration Field Data Recorders allow students to engage in data-driven research, helping them understand the science behind packaging design and the importance of real-world testing in ensuring product safety and efficiency.
- Compliance with Standards: Many industries must comply with rigorous transportation and packaging standards, such as ISTA and ASTM. The innRecord supports companies in meeting these standards by providing reliable, documented data that proves their packaging meets required benchmarks.
Benefits for Clemson University, other universities and companies
For universities, access to advanced tools like the innRecord allows students to gain practical experience with industry-standard technologies, preparing them for careers in packaging, logistics, and supply chain management. This collaboration with Safe Load Testing Technologies supports Clemson University’s mission to foster innovation in packaging science and train future professionals.
Through this collaboration, Safe Load Testing Technologies supported Clemson University’s mission to provide students with access to cutting-edge equipment, fostering innovation in packaging science. This partnership reflects Safe Load’s commitment to advancing research and promoting the development of safer, more efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions.
For companies, the use of the Shock & Vibration Field Data Recorders ensures that packaging solutions are optimized for real-world transportation conditions, reducing the likelihood of product damage and associated costs. It also allows for smarter decision-making regarding materials, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. By using the innRecord, businesses can gain a competitive edge by improving their supply chain efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction through more reliable product delivery.
