|
Determining the amount of shock a product can withstand on its
own, its fragility or "g-factor" is the first requirement
in developing the packaging solution. The g-factor is the maximum
deceleration an item can handle before damage occurs. The highest
level of deceleration that does not cause damage would be considered
the g-factor rating. Lower g-factors indicate higher fragility.
Determining fragility for different angles and similar models should
be considered.
Test data is critical, if the g-factor is estimated too high, it
could result in damage from a design not strong enough for the level
of shock a product would withstand during an impacts. If it’s
rated too low, the protective packaging solution may be too strong
and more expensive than necessary.
Consult This Table To Help Determine Fragility:
|
Fragility
|
Item
|
G-Factor
|
|
Extremely Fragile
|
Aircraft altimeters, Winchester hard disc drives
|
15-25 G's
|
|
Very Delicate
|
Medical diagnostic apparatus, X-ray equipment
|
25-40 G's
|
|
Delicate
|
Computer display terminals and printers, electric typewriters,
cash registers
|
40-60 G's
|
|
Moderately Delicate
|
Stereos and television receivers, floppy disc drives
|
60-85 G's
|
|
Moderately Rugged
|
Major appliances and furniture
|
85-115 G's
|
|
Rugged
|
Table saws, sewing machines, machine tools
|
115 G's and up
|
|
|
