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Plastic Film Puncture Impact Testing Machine

Film Pendulum Impact Tester ASTM D3420 | UnitedTest Material Testing Equipment

Model: UT2109FA; ASTM D3420, GB/T 8809

ASTM D3420 Film Pendulum Impact Tester | Plastic Film Puncture Impact Testing Machine Manufacturer – UnitedTest

UnitedTest supplies high-precision ASTM D3420-21 Film Pendulum Impact Tester for plastic film, sheet, composite film & foil  puncture impact resistance test. Compliant with ASTM D3420 Procedure A & B, pneumatic clamping, 0–5J energy range, for packaging film QC lab & material R&D. Factory direct, ISO CE certified, full technical support. 


Film Pendulum Impact Tester (also called a Spencer Pendulum Impact Tester under ASTM D3420 Procedure B) measures the energy absorbed when a free-swinging pendulum with a hemispherical punch ruptures and penetrates a clamped film specimen. The result — expressed in joules (J) or cm·kgf — quantifies the film's resistance to sudden impact, simulating real-world abuse during filling, transport, and handling of flexible packaging.


ASTM D3420 Standard Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film

GB/T 8809 Pendulum impact resistance of plastic film

NF T54-116 Plastic. Sheets. Determination of resistance to perforation. Perforametre method.


General introduction

UnitedTest Film Pendulum Impact Tester — Precision Impact-Puncture Testing for Plastic Films per ASTM D3420


Film Pendulum Impact Tester is a purpose-built laboratory instrument engineered to determine the pendulum impact resistance (impact-puncture penetration energy) of plastic films, thin sheets, composite films, aluminum foils, and laminates in strict accordance with ASTM D3420 (Standard Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film).


UnitedTest is a professional industrial testing machine manufacturer specializing in flexible packaging material lab equipment. Our ASTM D3420 Film Pendulum Impact Tester fully complies with ASTM D3420 Standard Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film, supporting both Procedure A (60mm fixture aperture) and Procedure B (89mm Spencer fixture) as required by the latest ASTM specification. 


This pendulum impact test machine quantitatively measures total kinetic energy consumed to puncture and rupture clamped plastic film specimens, simulating real-world dynamic shock, sharp puncture, drop and collision loads during packaging transportation, storage and daily use. Unlike slow-speed static tensile testers, our D3420 pendulum tester delivers high strain rate impact matching actual end-use conditions, delivering reliable puncture toughness data for PE, PP, LLDPE, HDPE, laminated films, aluminum foil composite sheets and thin polymer coatings.


What Is a Film Pendulum Impact Tester?

A Film Pendulum Impact Tester (also called a Spencer Pendulum Impact Tester under ASTM D3420 Procedure B) measures the energy absorbed when a free-swinging pendulum with a hemispherical punch ruptures and penetrates a clamped film specimen. The result — expressed in joules (J) or cm·kgf — quantifies the film's resistance to sudden impact, simulating real-world abuse during filling, transport, and handling of flexible packaging.

Unlike falling-dart methods (ASTM D1709) that report only failure-initiated energy, the pendulum method integrates the full puncture event, giving a practical single-value toughness metric prized by film converters and resin suppliers.

Film Pendulum Impact Tester ASTM D3420 | UnitedTest Material Testing Equipment

Key Features

  • Main features
  • Complying ASTM D3420 Standard Test Principle
  • Test Principle
  • Standard
  • Industry Applications
  • Test Procedures
  • Keywords

7-inch HD color LCD screen makes it easy for users to control and display real-time data and curves. 

Sample pneumatic clamping and pendulum pneumatic release. 

Leveling assist system can effectively avoid errors caused by human factors. 

The system automatically collects test data and clearly shows the results to the user. 

Comes standard with a mini printer; optional computer software makes it easy to connect to a PC and transfer data. 

Supports quick viewing of historical data and report printing. 

Four-level access control with startup password protection for login.

Full ASTM D3420-21 Compliance: Built-in dual test modes for Procedure A & Spencer Procedure B, auto-switch fixture parameter without manual formula modification; system pre-stores ASTM official energy conversion algorithm, one-click data output in Joules. 

Safe & Stable Mechanical Structure: Cast aluminum machine body with anti-vibration base; safety warning barrier prevents operator hand entry into pendulum path. 

Following the core test logic defined in ASTM D3420-21:

A flat film specimen is air-tightly clamped between two circular fixture plates with standardized central test window (60mm for Procedure A / 89mm for Spencer Procedure B).

The weighted pendulum with smooth hemispherical probe (25.4mm for A, 19mm for B) is locked at fixed cocked position to store preset kinetic energy (max 5J as ASTM required).

Automatic pendulum release triggers swing; the rounded probe strikes the specimen center, stretches and fully penetrates the film.

The pendulum loses kinetic energy to rupture the film. The residual swing displacement is electronically captured, automatically converted to rupture energy (Joules) via the ASTM D3420 official calculation formula: E = Scale reading (cm·kgf) / 10.2.

Negligible mass of torn film fragments eliminates need for toss factor energy correction, fully aligning with ASTM D3420 calculation rules. 

The film specimen is clamped between two annular plates with a circular aperture (Φ60 mm for Procedure A, Φ89 mm for Procedure B), with an O-ring cushion to prevent slippage.

The pendulum is raised to a fixed angle (typically 90°) and latched.

Upon release, the pendulum's hemispherical head (R12.7 mm) swings down at ~74 m/min, striking and penetrating the specimen.

The energy lost by the pendulum (difference between initial potential energy and residual swing energy) equals the rupture energy of the film.

A high-resolution encoder or calibrated dial records the value; the system computes failure-initiated energy and/or failure-completion energy as configured.

Core equations (per ASTM D3420-21):

Procedure A: E = (scale reading in cm·kgf) ÷ 10.2 → energy in J

Procedure B: E = (R / 100) × C where C = apparatus capacity (0.17 / 0.34 / 0.67 / 1.35 / 2.7 J)

ASTM D3420 Standard Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film


GB/T 8809 Pendulum impact resistance of plastic film


NF T54-116 Plastic. Sheets. Determination of resistance to perforation. Perforametre method.

UnitedTest ASTM D3420 film pendulum impact tester is widely adopted by global manufacturers, third-party testing labs, packaging R&D institutes covering these fields:

Flexible food packaging film (LLDPE, PP, HDPE monolayer & co-extruded bags)

Agricultural mulch film, greenhouse plastic sheet

Medical sterile packaging composite film, aluminum foil laminate

Industrial protective wrapping, shrink film, coating barrier film

Plastic resin raw material development & formulation comparison

Packaging factory incoming QC, finished product puncture resistance inspection

Import & export commodity packaging TBT compliance testing (WTO standard alignment). 

Specimen Preparation & Conditioning: Cut defect-free film specimens, condition samples at 23±2°C, 50±10% RH for ≥40 hours per ASTM D618; measure and record each sample thickness with precision micrometer.

Tester Setup: Install matched fixture (A/B) and pendulum weight based on film toughness; power on and auto-zero pendulum scale.

Specimen Mounting: Place conditioned film sample on fixture window, start pneumatic clamping to fully fix film without wrinkles or slack.

Pendulum Impact Test: Lock pendulum to cocked position, tap screen release button; pendulum strikes film center and punctures specimen.

Data Record & Validity Check: System auto-reads impact energy value; remove ruptured film and check for slippage – discard data and retest if slipping appears.

Replicate & Report Calculation: Complete minimum 5 parallel tests per material; machine auto-average impact strength and generate ASTM-standard test report printable directly.

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Main Technical Specification

ComplianceASTM D3420-21, GB/T 8809-2015, NF T54-116
Impact energy ranges1 J, 2 J, 3 J (standard); 5 J (optional)
Energy resolution0.001 J
Energy accuracy±0.5% FS
Impact head (punch) sizesΦ25.4 mm (Procedure A), Φ19 mm (Procedure B), Φ12.7 mm radius hemisphere; customizable
Specimen clamp diameterΦ89 mm (Procedure B / Spencer), Φ60 mm (Procedure A)
Specimen size100 mm × 100 mm square or Φ100 mm circular; min. 5 specimens
Pendulum lift angle90°
Pneumatic clampingYes — air-operated O-ring clamp (referee type per ASTM D3420)
Control systemMicrocomputer with 7-inch LCD/touchscreen, PLC control
Data outputBuilt-in micro-printer, RS232 port, optional PC software
Gas supply0.6 MPa, Φ6 mm PU tubing (user-supplied)
Power supplyAC 220 V 50 Hz / AC 120 V 60 Hz
DimensionsApprox. 600 × 390 × 600 mm (L×W×H)
Net weight~45–65 kg (depends on configuration)


Standard

ASTM D3420 Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film

ASTM D3420 Standard Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic Film


ASTM D3420 determines the resistance of plastic film to impact‑puncture penetration using a pendulum impact tester. It measures the loss in mechanical work capacity caused by the expenditure of kinetic energy of a swinging pendulum whose hemispherical head pierces the centre of a clamped film specimen. It applicable for films ≤ 0.25 mm (10 mils); up to 0.40 mm (15 mils) have been tested, but that is the upper design limit of the clamp.

ASTM D1709 Falling Dart Impact Resistance of Plastic Film

ASTM D1709: Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method


ASTM D1709 test methods cover the determination of the energy that causes plastic film to fail under specified conditions of impact of a free-falling dart. This energy is expressed in terms of the weight (mass) of the missile falling from a specified height which would result in 50 % failure of specimens tested.

ASTM D638 Tensile Testing for Plastics

ASTM D638 determining the tensile properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics using dumbbell-shaped (dogbone) specimens tested under closely controlled conditions of conditioning, temperature, humidity, and crosshead speed. For measuring the tensile mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics, including thermoplastics, thermosets, molded plastics, and plastic composites.

ASTM D3985 Oxygen Transmission Rate Test Through Plastic Film

ASTM D3985 – Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor

ASTM D3985 determining the steady‑state oxygen gas transmission rate (OTR) through plastics in the form of: Film, sheeting, Laminates, coextrusions, Plastic‑coated paper or fabric, 

it will show three core value: Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), Oxygen permeance (PO2), Oxygen permeability coefficient (P'O2), The method is validated for OTR ranging ≈ 0.063 to 64.4 cm³/(m²·day), though poorer barriers (>200) can also be tested with modifications.

ASTM D1434 Gas Permeability Test of Plastic Film and Sheeting

ASTM D1434 Standard Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Characteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting

ASTM D1434 defines an electronic manometric differential-pressure method to measure three core barrier metrics: Gas Transmission Rate (GTR), permeance, and material permeability (only valid for homogeneous plastics). It covers plastic films, sheets, multi-layer laminates, plastic-coated paper and plastic-coated fabrics, and follows WTO TBT international standardization principles.   

ISO 8295 Coefficient of Friction Testing Plastic Film Sheeting

ISO 8295 specifies a standardized laboratory method to determine the static (starting) coefficient of friction and the dynamic (sliding) coefficient of friction of plastic films and sheeting — most commonly when the film slides over itself (film/ film) or over another substance (film/ metal, film/ other plastic surface, etc.).

ASTM D5748 Stretch Wrap Film Puncture Resistance Test

ASTM D5748 determine the resistance of stretch wrap / stretch film to penetration by a probe under a controlled, low-rate (quasi-static) single-velocity condition, while the film is clamped so it develops biaxial stress — the stress state most representative of real-world end use.

ASTM D1004 Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Sheeting

ASTM D1004: Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Sheeting


ASTM D1004 is a test method that determines the tear strength of flexible plastic film and sheeting at very low rates of loading using a constant-rate-of crosshead-movement type tensile testing machine. Tearing is produced in a small area of stress concentration of the plastic film or sheeting specimen at controlled speeds below the rate encountered in real world applications in order to produce the most reliable data, which can be used to compare and analyze the tear resistance. Actual use of performance in tearing of certain plastics may not necessarily corralate with the data acquired from this test method. The specimen geometry of this test method produces a stress concentration in a small area of the specimen. The maximum stress, usually found near the onset of tearing, is recorded as the tear resistance in newtons (or pounds-force). The method is not applicable for film or sheeting material where brittle failures occur during testing or where maximum extension is greater than 101.6 mm (4 in.).

ISO 527-3 Tensile Test on Plastic Film

ISO 527-3 Plastics - TENSILE PROPERTIES - PART 3: FOR FILMS AND SHEETS

ISO 527-3 specifies the test conditions for determining the tensile properties of plastic films and sheets with a thickness less than 1 mm, based on the general principles of ISO 527-1. Provides standardized procedures to measure critical mechanical parameters including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus for thin plastic materials. It is critically important because thin films behave very differently under stress compared to rigid plastics; they are more prone to tearing, slipping, and deformation. By standardizing the test conditions, this document ensures that material specifications, quality control, and research data are globally comparable and reliable.  Specimen created following ISO 527-3 can be used to determine the tensile properties of thin plastic sheets and films including the tensile modulus of elasticity and the tensile energy to break (TEB).

ISO 304 Surface tension test by drawing up liquid films, surface active agents

ISO 304:1985 Surface active agents — Determination of surface tension by drawing up liquid films

The maximum force is measured which is necessary to act vertically on a stirrup or a ring, in contact with the surface of the liquid being examined placed in a measuring cup, in order to separate it from this surface, or on a plate with an edge in contact with the surface, in order to draw up the film that has formed. The surface tension of pure liquids or other solutions can also be measured by this method.

ASTM D1922 Elmendorf Tear Test for plastic films and thin sheeting tear resistance

ASTM D1922: Standard Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method.

ASTM D1922 defines a laboratory method to measure the average force required to propagate (continue) a tear through a plastic film or non-rigid thin sheeting, after the tear has already been started. The test uses an Elmendorf-type pendulum tearing tester. It is applicable to plastic film (arbitrarily defined as sheeting ≤ 0.25 mm / 0.010 in.) and thin non-rigid sheeting, and is equivalent to ISO 6383-2

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is ASTM D3420 pendulum impact test used for?

A: It tests plastic film puncture impact toughness by pendulum kinetic energy, simulating shipping puncture damage, to evaluate packaging durability, mandatory for flexible film quality control.


Q2: Difference between ASTM D3420 Procedure A and B?

A: Procedure A uses 60mm fixture & 25.4mm probe for thin general films; Procedure B (Spencer) uses 89mm fixture & 19mm probe for thicker stiff films; test results cannot be converted mutually.


Q3: Can UnitedTest machine print ASTM D3420 standard test reports?

A: Yes, built-in printer outputs complete reports including material type, film thickness, average impact energy, test procedure and replicate data fully meeting ASTM record requirements.


Q4: Does the machine support non-ambient temperature testing?

A: ASTM D3420-21 has no provision for high/low temperature testing; UnitedTest can match independent temperature conditioning chamber for customized cold/hot environment tests upon request.


Q5: Can one UnitedTest unit run both Procedure A and Procedure B?

A: Yes. By swapping the clamp plates (Φ60 mm ↔ Φ89 mm) and impact heads (Φ25.4 mm ↔ Φ19 mm) and selecting the appropriate pendulum weight, the same instrument performs both.


Q6: What is the maximum film thickness supported?

A: ASTM D3420 scope is ≤ 0.25 mm (10 mils); the clamp design permits up to 0.40 mm (15 mils) without risk to the pendulum. Beyond that, consider a heavy-duty dart impact or universal impact system.


Q7: Why pneumatic rather than manual clamping?

A: Manual clamps introduce operator-dependent torque, causing specimen slippage — a leading cause of ASTM D3420 test invalidation. The standard explicitly recommends the air-operated O-ring clamp as the referee type.


Q8: How many specimens are required?

A: Minimum 5 valid specimens per sample (ASTM D3420 §8.2). If slippage is detected, discard and retest with a fresh specimen.


Q9: Is the tester suitable for metallized film or aluminum foil?

A: Yes. Composite films, aluminized BOPP/PET, and thin aluminum foil (within thickness limits) are routinely tested. For foils > 0.1 mm, confirm the selected pendulum energy range (5 J optional).


Q10: Does UnitedTest provide installation and training?

A: Yes. UnitedTest offers pre-shipment inspection, detailed manuals, remote video guidance, 12-month warranty, and 24-hour technical response — consistent with their global service model.

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