This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D1709 − 22

Standard Test Methods for

Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart
Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1709; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information
energy that causes plastic film to fail under specified conditions only.
of impact of a free-falling dart. This energy is expressed in NOTE 1—Tests on materials that do not break, for any reason, are not
terms of the weight (mass) of the missile falling from a considered to be valid. It has been noted that certain materials may stretch
specified height which would result in 50 % failure of speci- so far as to bottom out at the base of certain test instruments without
actually rupturing. Subcommittee D20.19 is currently considering meth-
mens tested. ods for testing these materials. Anyone interested in participating in a Task
1.2 Two test methods are described: Group should contact the Chairman of Subcommittee D20.19 through
ASTM International Headquarters.
1.2.1 Test Method A employs a dart with a
38.10 6 0.13-mm (1.500 6 0.005-in.) diameter hemispherical 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the

iTeh Standards
head dropped from a height of 0.66 6 0.01 m (26.0 6 0.4 in.).
This test method can be used for films whose impact resis-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
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tances require masses of about 50 g to about 6 kg to fracture
them. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2.2 Test Method B employs a dart with a NOTE 2—Film has been arbitrarily defined as sheeting having nominal
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50.80 6 0.13-mm (2.000 6 0.005-in.) diameter hemispherical
head dropped from a height of 1.52 6 0.03 m (60.0 + 0.25,
thickness not greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in.).
NOTE 3—This test method is technically equivalent to ISO 7765-
−1.70 in.). Its range of applicability is from about 0.3 kg to 1:1988, with the exception of a larger tolerance on the drop height in Test
Method B, smaller tolerances on the dart diameters for Test Methods A
about 6 kg. ASTM D1709-22
and B, and the requirement for a vented dart well in 5.1.1. Also, the ISO
1.3 Two testing techniques are described: method does not allow the alternative testing technique described in
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Section 11 of this test method.
1.3.1 The standard technique is the staircase method. By
this technique, the missile weight employed during the test is 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
decreased or increased by uniform increments after the testing dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of each specimen, depending upon the result (fail or not fail) ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
observed for the specimen. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3.2 The alternative technique provides for testing speci- mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
mens in successive groups of ten. One missile weight is Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
employed for each group and the missile weight is varied in 2. Referenced Documents
uniform increments from group to group.
1.3.3 The staircase technique and the alternative technique 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
give equivalent results both as to the values of impact failure D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
weight which are obtained and as to the precisions with which D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
they are determined. D1248 Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Extrusion
Materials for Wire and Cable
D3420 Test Method for Pendulum Impact Resistance of
Plastic Film
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.19 on Film, Sheeting,
2
and Molded Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2022. Published July 2022. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D1709 – 16aɛ1. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D1709-22. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D1709 − 22
D4272 Test Method for Total Energy Impact of Plastic Films 4.4 The impact resistance of plastic film, while partly
by Dart Drop dependent on thickness, has no simple correlation with sample
D6988 Guide for Determination of Thickness of Plastic Film thickness. Hence, impact values cannot be normalized over a
Test Specimens range of thickness without producing misleading data as to the
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in actual impact resistance of the material. Data from these test
ASTM Test Methods methods are comparable only for specimens that vary by no
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics more than 625 % from the nominal or average thickness of the
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to specimens tested.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method 4.5 Several impact test methods are used for film. It is
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing sometimes desirable to know the relationships among test
Processes results derived by different test methods. A study was con-
2.2 ISO Standard: ducted in which four films made from two resins (polypropyl-
ISO 7765:1988 Plastic Film and Sheeting—Determination ene and linear low-density polyethylene), with two film thick-
of Impact Resistance by the Free Falling Dart Method— nesses for each resin, were impacted using Test Methods
Part 1: Staircase Method3 D1709 (Method A), D3420 (Procedures A and B), and D4272.
The test results are shown in the Appendix. Differences in
3. Terminology results between Test Methods D1709 and D4272 are not
3.1 Terms used in this standard are defined in accordance unusual since Test Methods D1709 represents failure initiated
with Terminology D883, unless otherwise specified. For terms energy, while Test Method D4272 is initiation plus completion
relating to precision and bias and associated issues, the terms energy. Some films exhibit consistency when the initiation
used in this standard are defined in accordance with Terminol- energy is the same as the total energy. This statement and the
ogy E456. test data also appear in the significance sections and appen-
dixes of Test Methods D3420 and D4272.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 failure, n—any break through the film that can be 5. Apparatus

backlighted condition. iTeh Standards

observed readily by feeling or by viewing the specimen under
5.1 The apparatus shall be constructed essentially as shown
in Fig. 1, using the following components common to both test
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3.2.2 impact failure weight, n—that missile weight, esti-
methods:
mated statistically, at which 50 % of the specimens would fail
5.1.1 Dart Well—If the dart impact machine utilizes an

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in the specified test. enclosed dart well, it must contain a single unobstructed vent
2 2
with a minimum area of 625 mm (~1 in. ) to provide adequate
3.2.3 missile weight, n—the weight (mass) of the dart plus
venting.
the total value of incremental weights attached plus the locking
collar. NOTE 5—Some dart impact machine designs utilize enclosed dart wells
ASTM D1709-22
that do not permit adequate venting to the atmosphere during impact. Data
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Significance and Use have shown that this has a significant effect on the observed impact value,
especially with films that exhibit high elongation during testing, resulting
4.1 Test Methods A and B are used to establish the weight of in atypically high impact values.
the dart when 50 % of the specimens fail under the conditions NOTE 6—The use of smaller, multiple vents is permitted if it can be
specified. Data obtained by one test method cannot be com- demonstrated that the venting efficiency is comparable and has no
pared directly with the other test method nor with those statistically significant effect on the values obtained.
obtained from tests employing different conditions of missile 5.1.2 Specimen Clamp—A two-piece annular specimen
velocity, impinging surface diameter, effective specimen clamp having an inside diameter of 125 6 2.0 mm (5.0 + 0.0,
diameter, material construction and finish of the dart head, and −0.15 in.) and conforming to the following requirements:
film thickness. The values obtained by these test variables are 5.1.2.1 The lower or stationary half of the clamp shall be
highly dependent on the method of film fabrication. mounted rigidly so that the plane of the specimen is horizontal.
4.2 The results obtained by Test Methods A and B are 5.1.2.2 The upper or movable part of the clamp shall be
greatly influenced by the quality of film under test. The designed to maintain positive and plane contact with the lower
confidence limits of data obtained by this procedure can, part of the clamp when in position. The clamps shall be
therefore, vary significantly, depending on the sample quality, provided with suitable means of maintaining sufficient contact
uniformity of film gage, die marks, contaminants, etc. to hold the film sample firmly in place during the test.
Pneumatically operated clamps have been successfully em-
4.3 Test Methods A and B have been found useful for ployed.
specification purposes. 5.1.2.3 Rubber-like gaskets can be affixed to the specimen
NOTE 4—With sufficient data, correlation between test results and field contact surfaces of both clamps to provide a cushion which
performance can usually be established. minimizes thickness variation effects. Rubber gasketing 3.18
6 1 mm (0.125 + 0.025, −0.04 in.) thick, of 50 to 60 Shore A
durometer hardness, 125 6 2.0 mm (5.00 + 0.00, −0.15 in.) in
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., inside diameter and 152 6 3.0 mm (6.0 + 0.02, −0.2 in.) in
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. outside diameter has been found satisfactory for this purpose.

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 D1709 − 22

iTeh Standards
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NOTE 1—Values for tolerances in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The numbers in parentheses reflect the allowable tolerance range of older
equipment and are only provided for information and, in many cases, do not correspond directly to the tolerances in SI units. The differences are not
expected to have a significant effect on the results but the dimensions in SI units shall be used in cases of dispute.
NOTE 2—Legend Dart Assembly: ASTM D1709-22
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A. Steel shaft tip 6.5 6 1 mm (0.25 + 0.04, −0.03 in.) OD by 12.7 6 0.2 mm (0.50 + 0.00, −0.02 in.) long.
B. Dart shaft: 6.5 6 1 mm (0.25 + 0.04, −0.03 in.) OD and at least 115 mm (4.5 in.) long: 1⁄4 –20 thd. (N.C.) 12.7 6 0.2 mm (0.50 + 0.00, −0.02 in.)
long on bottom: No. 5–40 thd. (N.F.) for steel tip.
C. Hemispherical head: Method A—38.10 6 0.13–mm (1.500 6 0.005–in.) in diameter. Method B—50.80 6 0.13–mm (2.000 6 0.005 in.) in diameter.
D. Removable weights.
E. Collar and screw.
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Free-Falling Dart Impact Test for Plastic Film

5.1.2.4 To minimize or eliminate slippage of films greater 5.1.4 Positioning Device—The apparatus shall be able to
than 0.10 mm (0.004 in.) in thickness, crocus cloth or 50D drop the dart from heights of 0.66 6 0.01 m (26.0 6 0.4 in.)
garnet abrasive paper can be secured to the gaskets with for Test Method A and 1.52 6 0.03 m (60.0 + 0.25, −1.70 in.)
double-sided tape so that the abrasive surface is in direct for Test Method B. The distance between the impinging surface
contact with the film. The clamping force shall be sufficient to of the dart head and the surface of the test specimen is
eliminate any detectable slippage. Other means of reducing considered to be the drop height. The dart shall be positioned
slippage such as additional clamping devices or positive vertically above the center of the test specimen.
clamping surfaces are also acceptable provided that the film is 5.1.5 Micrometer, or other suitable thickness gauge, for
not weakened at the inside wall of the specimen clamps and
measuring specimen thickness in accordance with Guide
that the effective diameter of 125 6 2.0 mm (5.00 + 0.00,
D6988.
−0.15 in.) of the film is not changed.
5.1.3 Dart Release Mechanism, capable of supporting the 5.1.6 Cushioning and Shielding Devices, to protect person-
heaviest weight utilized for testing (up to 6 kg) shall be used nel and to avoid damaging the impinging surface of the dart.
for supporting and releasing the dart assembly. It shall be These devices shall not interfere with the dart or the specimen
equipped with a centering device, such as a removable plumb prior to penetrating the specimen.
bob, to ensure a reproducible drop. Either an electromagnetic- 5.1.7 Collar with inside diameter of approximately 7 mm
or pneumatic-operated release mechanism is acceptable. (0.28 in.) and with set screw for securing collar to dart shaft.

3
 D1709 − 22
5.2 Darts for Test Methods A and B shall have hemispheri- 5.3.3 Optionally, additional weights, each 120 g 6 0.5 %
cal heads, each fitted with a 6.4 6 1-mm (0.25 + 0.04, −0.03- for Test Method A or 180 g 6 0.5 % for Test Method B, are
in.) diameter shaft at least 114.3 mm (4.5 in.) long to acceptable for use if it is necessary to extend the missile weight
accommodate removable incremental weights. Each dart beyond that attainable when using all weights in the standard
weight shall be known to 60.5 % relative. Dart head surfaces set.
shall be free of nicks, scratches, or other irregularities. The
shaft shall be attached to the center of the flat surface of the 6. Test Specimen
head with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the surface. If 6.1 Test specimens shall be large enough to extend outside
an electromagnet is used, the shaft shall be made of material the specimen clamp gaskets at all points. The specimens shall
that is not magnetic and shall have a steel tip 12.7 6 0.2 mm be representative of the film under study and shall be taken
(0.50 + 0.00, −0.02 in.) long at the end held by the electromag- from the sheet or tube in a manner representative of sound
net. sampling practice. This is to ensure that the whole of the sheet
5.2.1 For Test Method A, the dart head shall be be represented in the test unless such sampling constitutes a
38.10 6 0.13–mm (1.500 6 0.005–in.) in diameter. variable under study.
5.2.2 For Test Method B, the dart head shall be 6.2 The specimens shall be free of pinholes, wrinkles, folds,
50.80 6 0.13–mm (2.000 6 0.005 in.) in diameter. or other obvious imperfections, unless such imperfections
5.2.3 Acceptable materials of construction include smooth, constitute variables under study.
polished stainless steel, phenolic, composite, or other material
of similar hardness and durability. The material of construction 7. Conditioning
of the dart head shall be referenced in the report using the
7.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6
following designations:
2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not
Material Construction Designation less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of
Stainless Steel A
Aluminum B Practice D618 unless otherwise specified by agreement or the
Phenolic C relevant ASTM material specification. In cases of
Composite D

iTeh Standards
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and
Other E
65 % relative humidity.
NOTE 7—Data have shown a sensitivity of impact results related to the

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7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct the tests at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6
material of construction and finish of the dart head used. The differences
3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity unless otherwise
have been especially significant when testing films exhibiting high impact,
or high elongation characteristics, or both. This issue, together with related
specified by agreement or the relevant ASTM material speci-
Document
5.3 Incremental Weights for Test Methods A and B shall be Preview
concerns, is currently under study in Subcommittee D20.19. fication. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C
(61.8°F) and 65 % relative humidity.
of stainless steel or brass and cylindrical in shape. Each shall
have a center hole 6.6 + 1.0, −0.00 mm (0.26 + 0.03, −0.00 in.) 8. Preparation of Apparatus
ASTM D1709-22
in diameter. The thickness of each shall be adjusted to obtain 8.1 Set up the apparatus for testing by Test Method A or by
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the specified weight within 60.5 %. The diameter of the Test Method B.
weights shall not exceed the diameter of the dart head. 8.1.1 For Test Method A select a dart with a
Suggested combination of weights for the specified diameters 38.10 6 0.13-mm (1.500 6 0.005-in.) diameter hemispherical
are as follows: head. For Test Method B, select a dart with a 50.80 6 0.13-mm
5.3.1 For Test Method A, 31.75 6 1-mm (1.25 + 0.03, (2.000 6 0.005-in.) diameter hemispherical head.
−0.05-in.) diameter weights. 8.1.2 Inspect the dart head for any visually obvious
scratches or other imperfections. If present, reject the use of the
dart head.
Number Weight, g 8.1.3 Activate the dart release mechanism and insert the
2 or more 5 steel shaft tip into the mechanism. Ensure the dart is securely
8 15
8 30
held in place by the dart release mechanism. Adjust the drop
8 60 height (the vertical distance from the plane of a clamped
specimen to the bottom surface of the dart head) to 0.66 6 0.01
m (26.0 6 0.4 in.) for Test Method A or to 1.52 6 0.03 m
(60.0 + 0.25, −1.70 in.) for Test Method B. (Warning—For
5.3.2 For Test Method B, 44.5 6 1-mm (1.75 + 0.06, −0.02-
safety reasons, remove the dart while making position adjust-
in.) diameter weights.
ments.)
8.1.4 With a trial film specimen clamped between the
specimen clamps and with no added weights on the dart,
Number Weight, g
2 or more 15
release the dart and observe the point at which the dart impacts
8 45 the specimen, catching the dart after it bounces off the film
8 90 surface. If necessary, adjust the dart release mechanism so that,
in repeated trials, the dart reproducibly impacts the center of
the clamped portion of the film.

4
 D1709 − 22
8.2 Check the apparatus periodically to make sure specimen 9.9 Examine the specimen to determine whether it has or
slippage during testing is not occurring (see 5.1.2.4). If has not failed. Record the result on a form such as that shown
slippage occurs, this is reason to reject the results. in Fig. 2, using a 0 to denote non-failure and an X to denote
NOTE 8—The likelihood of occurrence of slippage increases with
failure, or any other similar convention to indicate non-failure
increasing dart weight and with increasing drop height and is greater with or failure.
some materials than with others. 9.10 If the first specimen failed, decrease the missile weight
Two methods to determine if slippage has occurred are by ∆W. If the first specimen did not fail, increase the missile
described in the following notes. weight by ∆W. Test the second specimen. Continue testing
NOTE 9—One method of conveniently checking slippage during the successive specimens, decreasing or increasing the missile
course of testing of a routine sample at a missile weight wherein both weight by ∆W between drops depending upon whether the
failures and non-failures are being observed consists of drawing a circle preceding specimen did or did not fail.
on the film using a ball-point pen or equivalent before dropping the missile
on a clamped specimen, applying only the pressure of the pen itself to the 9.11 After 20 specimens have been tested, count the total
film. After the dart is dropped and prior to removing the plastic film, draw number, N, of failures, (X’s). If N = 10 at this point, testing is
another circle using a ball-point pen of another color. Evidence of distinct complete. If not, complete testing as follows:
double lines at any point on the circumference show that slippage has 9.11.1 If N < 10, continue testing additional specimens until
occurred. (Warning—For safety reasons, remove the dart from the dart
release mechanism while drawing the circle.).
N = 10, then stop testing.
NOTE 10—If crocus cloth or sandpaper is affixed to the gaskets to effect 9.11.2 If N > 10, continue testing additional specimens until
greater gripping, inspect the clamped film area after impact for evidence the total number of non-failures (0’s) reaches 10, then stop
of scratch marks produced as slippage occurred. testing.
STAIRCASE TESTING TECHNIQUE 10. Calculation
9. Procedure 10.1 On the data record-calculation form (see Fig. 2), record
9.1 By this technique, a uniform missile weight increment is under ni the total number of X’s at each missile weight,
employed during test and the missile weight is changed after counting only the last 10 X’s during test.
test of each specimen. iTeh Standards
9.2 Select Test Method A or Test Method B for use, as
NOTE 12—If, during test, after 20 drops, N < 10 or N = 10, there will be
only 10 X’s after testing is complete. Only where N > 10 after 20 drops

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desired, or as required by the relevant product specification. Set
will it be necessary to omit some of the earlier X results.
10.2 Under i, enter integers 0, 1, 2, etc. for each n entry.
up the apparatus for testing as described in 8.1. Conduct a i

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Enter 0 for the lowest missile weight at which an n value has
slippage check as described in 8.2 at some point during the i
course of testing. been entered, a 1 for next higher missile weight, etc.
9.3 Measure and record the average thickness of the test 10.3 Under ini, enter the product of i times ni.
specimens in the area of impact to the nearest 0.0025 mm
ASTM D1709-22 10.4 Add the ni’s and enter as N; by the procedure
(0.0001 in.). described, N will always be 10. Add the ini’s and enter as A.
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Enter Wo, the missile weight to which an i value of zero is
9.4 For a starting point, select a missile weight near the
expected impact failure weight. Add the necessary number of assigned. Enter ∆W the uniform missile weight increment
incremental weights onto the dart shaft and put the locking employed.
collar into place so that the weights are held securely in place. 10.5 Calculate the impact failure weight WF, g, as follows:
9.5 Select a missile weight increment ∆W appropriate to the W F 5 W o 1 @ ∆W ~ A/N 2 1/2 ! #
impact strength of the sample: Choose a value for ∆W so that
at least three, but preferably six, missile weights will be ALTERNATIVE TESTING TECHNIQUE
employed in the determination.
11. Procedure
NOTE 11—It has been found that a ∆W value equal to some 5 to 15 %
of WF, the impact failure weight, is usually appropriate. 11.1 By this technique, successive groups of ten specimens
each are tested. For each group, one missile weight is em-
9.6 Place the first test specimen over the bottom part of the
ployed and from group to group missile weight is varied in
clamp, making sure that it is uniformly flat, free of folds, and
uniform increments. Testing is carried to a point where there
that it covers the gasket at all points. Clamp in place with the
are at least five results for percentage failure: one 0 % result,
top part of the annular clamp.
one 100 % result and at least three results between 0 and
9.7 Activate the dart release mechanism and put the dart 100 %.
into position. Release the dart. If the dart bounces off the
NOTE 13—In quality control work, it is possible to estimate WF from
specimen surface, catch the dart after it bounces to prevent fewer than five failure results at missile weights not necessarily uniformly
both multiple impact with the specimen surface and damage to spaced. Of these, no result can be 0 or 100 % failure, at least one result has
the hemispherical contact surface of the dart resulting from to be less than 50 %, and at least one result should be greater than 50 %.
impact with metal parts of the apparatus. Either the individual results or moving averages-of-two are plotted on
probability paper (see 12.4), a straight line is fitted, and WF is read from
9.8 Examine the test specimen for any evidence of slippage. the plot. Values of WF estimated in this manner will be unbiased but will
If slippage occurs, this is reason to reject the results. not be as precise as values derived from at least five failure results