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EXHIBIT 10.7
PALLET TEST REPORT #714
PREPARED FOR
MR. RON HALE
Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
NOVEMBER 24, 1999
Transportation Simulation Testing
Per ASTM D 1185-98a
of One Plastic Pallet Design Type
Prepared by
Robert Stevens
Container Technologies Laboratory, Inc.
(913) 888-2000
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November 24, 1999
Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
1607 West Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75208
Attn.: Mr. Ron Hale
Gentlemen/Mesdames:
RE: Pallet Performance Testing of One Plastic Pallet Design Type.
ASTM 1185
CTL Job Code #714
Pursuant to your recent request, and on November 17 and 18, 1999, testing was
conducted on your Plastic Pallet Design per ASTM D 1185-98a. The methods and
results of the testing are presented in the attached report. A video was made
of your test and copies of the video were sent to you in advance of this
report. The use of other packaging methods or components may render this
report invalid.
We look forward to working with you on future projects. Please visit our web
site at www.packagelab.com, send e-mail to [email protected], or simply
call us at (913) 888-2000 if there are any questions or if we can be of
further assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
CONTAINER TECHNOLOGIES LABORATORY, INC.
Robert Stevens
General Manager
RS/es
Enc.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 2 of 20
ARRIVAL CONDITION
Prior to testing the Plastic Pallet Design was visually inspected for damage.
The results of this review are noted below:
Three (3) Plastic Pallets were received and inspected for damage. No damage
was noted to any of the pallets. Each pallet was assigned an identification
number. The pallets are a two (2) piece design that is made to lock together
to form the pallet. This type of design can be separated, if one piece is
damaged only the damaged piece need be replaced, not the entire pallet. The
top deck of the pallet is made in a plastic mesh pattern with skid resistant
rubber pads along the outer edges with nine key molded support post for the
bottom section to lock into and to support loads of goods shipped on the
pallet. The bottom section of the pallet s molded plastic locking tabs located
to lock in to the key ways of the top deck section, it is also ribbed on the
bottom surface to minimize sliding. The bottom section is made so that forks
can enter from all four sides and a pallet jack could also be used from all
four sides. The bottom section design adds security and safety when
transporting loads as the bottom runners will keep loads from toppling off the
forklift when turning corners in a warehouse.
Size, (L x W x H) inches 48 X 40 X 5 7/8
Weight 55 lb (with rubber anti-skid inserts)
The (3) three pallets were identified as pallet A, B, and C prior to testing.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONING
Testing was conducted at laboratory ambient conditions of 73[DEG]F
uncontrolled humidity.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Static compression and bending tests provide data that are used to estimate
stiffness, strength and safe working load for pallets under specified load and
support conditions. These estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and
comparing the performance between pallets of different designs and
constructions.
Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate the physical durability
and functionality of a pallet in specific material handling and shipping
environments. These estimates provide a basis for designing single and
multiple-use pallets.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 3 of 20
STATIC TESTS
Static tests are performed to determine the strength and stiffness of the
pallet under specified load and support conditions. The test load applied
shall be 30,000 lbs.
COMPRESSION TEST, CONSTANT LOAD
PALLET A
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standard D
1185-98a Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under
Constant Load.
METHODS: The package/product is centered between the two platens of the
compression tester so as not to incur eccentric loading. The top platen will
be mounted in a fixed position. A top load is applied at a rate of 0.5 in/min.
until the unit supports the desired top loading. The top load remains constant
over time, and deflection (package/product deformation) measurements are made
at specified intervals to evaluate package performance. Packages are exposed
to environmental and loading conditions that can affect stacking strength. A
peak load of 30,000 pounds was applied to the package/product for 5 minutes.
RESULTS: Data 30,000 lbs at 0.47 inches deflection.
No damage was noted to the pallet that would adversely affect the safe
transportation of the pallet. The pallets height following the test was
unchanged.
To compare the plastic pallet to a hardwood pallet, the above test was
conducted on a hardwood pallet of the same size as the plastic pallet. The
results of this test are as follows:
Data 30,000 lbs at 0.72 inches deflection.
No damage was noted to the pallet that would adversely affect the safe
transportation of the loaded pallet. The pallets height following the test was
unchanged.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 4 of 20
COMPRESSION TEST, BENDING TESTS ON PALLET DECKS
PALLET B
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard
D 1185-98a Standard Test Method for Determining The Stiffness and Flexural
Strength of Pallet Decks Between Supports.
METHODS: The package/product is centered between the two platens of the
compression tester so as not to incur eccentric loading. The pallet is
positioned on two 3.5 X 3.5 inch wood supports. The pallet is now supported
along the 48 inch sides, approximately 2 inches in. Place a 3.5 X 3.5 inch
piece of wood in the center of the top deck. The top platen will be mounted in
a fixed position. A pre-load is applied before the deflection (package/product
deformation) measurement begins. The pre-load pressure will reduce any prior
distortion of the package or product to provide an accurate deflection
measurement.
The top load is applied at a rate 0.5 in. per minute. Testing is completed
when the pallet is deflected 1 inch and held for 1 minute or fails to support
an increase in loading.
RESULTS: The pallet deflection was 1 inch at 1600 lbs. After 1 minute the
deflection was stable and the top load pressure reduced to 1250 lbs. The
reduction was due to the relaxing of the plastic. No cracking or failure of
the pallet was noted. Post test inspection revealed a slightly bowed pallet
that when loaded flattened out.
To compare the plastic pallet to a hardwood pallet, the above test was
conducted on a hardwood pallet of the same size as the plastic pallet. The
results of this test are as follows:
The pallet deflection was 1 inch at 1650 lbs. The pallet cracked at 0.7 inches
deflection at 1050 lbs (the cracks were in the runners) after the 1 minute
hold at 1 inch deflection the pallet was taken to failure. The pallet cracked
and failed to support an increasing load at 2.38 inches deflection at 3200 lbs.
The plastic pallet was then tested again. The load was held at 1 inch
deflection for 1 minute. The pallet was tested to 3.5 inches deflection (max
for the setup). The pallet made popping sounds at 1.25 inches and at 1.5
inches the test continued to 3.5 inches deflection at 8800 lbs. The last
reading was taken as the center of the pallet met the floor. No structural
damage was noted to the pallet that would adversely affect the safe
transportation of loads on the pallet. The pallet was bowed by the test. We
placed the pallet under a 3,000 lbs stack load condition for four hours. At
the end of the four hours the pallet was flatter but still bowed. The pallet
could be shipped in this condition loaded with containerized freight and no
safety hazard would exist from this type of damage.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 5 of 20
DYNAMIC TESTS
Dynamic tests are performed to determine the stability of the pallet and unit
load on the pallet when exposed to elements of the handling and shipping
environments.
FREE FALL IMPACT TEST
PALLET A
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard
D 1185-98a Standard Test Method for Free Fall Drop Tests on Pallet Corners and
Edges Along Pallet Ends and Sides.
METHODS: The Pallet is subjected to drops from 1 meter in height as specified.
Six impacts are conducted for each pallet tested. Impacts begin with three
drops on the pallet's corner, one drop on the pallet's adjacent corner, one
drop on the pallet's end edge, and the last drop on the pallet's side edge
Testing is conducted with a drop testing machine or a hoist/sling apparatus
with a tripping device. Pallets must be dropped on a flat, firm, non-yielding
base such as steel or concrete.
RESULTS: The first three drops were conducted on the pallets bottom corner, a
slight indentation was noted to the corner following the drops. The locking
mechanism that locks the top deck to the bottom section developed a crack in
the locking tap at the corner that was dropped. The locking tab remained
intact and continued to hold the top deck to the bottom section. The remaining
drops were conducted with no damage noted.
The company representative, indicated that a mold change was in the works that
would radius the locking tab and should eliminate the crack possibilities in
the tab corner.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 6 of 20
RESONANT DWELL VIBRATION TESTING
PALLET A
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standard
D 1185--98a Standard Methods for Vibration Tests on Loaded Pallet.
METHODS: This test subjects the product/package to a sweep through the range
of vibrations found inside a moving vehicle (3-100-3 hz at 0.5 g's) to
identify the vibration frequency which causes the greatest degree of product
oscillation or package movement. This resonant frequency is the particular
vibration frequency most likely to cause damage to the product/package.
Vibration at the resonant frequency (5.3 hz) was conducted for 30 minutes at
an average acceleration of .5g's. Pothole shock was also conducted at 5.3 hz,
15 burst were conducted.
RESULTS: The pallet was loaded with distressed freight to a total weight of
2280 lbs. Post test visual inspection revealed no damage to the pallet.
RANDOM VIBRATION TESTING
PALLET A
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standard
D 4728-91 Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping
Containers.
METHODS: Random vibration tests use data from actual vehicle shipments to
reproduce the spectrum of frequencies found inside a moving vehicle at an
accelerated rate. This test simulates the conditions which may cause product
or package damage, not actual shipment length. The vibration frequency range
and G level can vary depending on type of vehicle and environmental conditions
at the time data was collected. The package/product was vibrated for 15
minutes.
RESULTS: No damage was noted following the test. This test was conducted to
check for flex integrity of the pallet deck. Some pallets can become so rigid
that they will cause the freight to be beat up this pallet softened to ride
for the freight and will work well in most distribution environments.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 7 of 20
FREE FALL IMPACT TEST
PALLET C
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). standard
D 1185-98a Standard Test Method for Free Fall Drop Tests on Pallet Corners and
Edges Along Pallet Ends and Sides.
METHODS: The Pallet is subjected to one drop from 1 meter in height loaded
with product. One impact is conducted for each pallet tested. Drop the loaded
pallet flat on it's bottom. Testing is conducted with a drop testing machine
or a hoist/sling apparatus with a tripping device. Pallets must be dropped on
a flat, firm, non-yielding base such as steel or concrete.
RESULTS: The drop was conducted with the pallet loaded to 2366 lbs. Post test
visual inspection revealed that a surface crack running across the center
support. No other damage was noted and the pallet could safely support and
transport goods in this condition with no safety hazard. This damage could
have been caused by the type of load configuration we placed on it for the
test.
We had a wood pallet directly in contact with the plastic pallet. Upon
dropping the loaded plastic pallet it was not able to flex because the wood
pallet was so stiff it pounded against the plastic pallet.
INCLINE IMPACT TEST
PALLET C
GUIDELINES: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard
D 1185--98a Standard Test Method for Incline Impact Tests on Pallet Deck Edges,
Blocks or Posts, and Stringers.
METHODS: Impact testing to determine the resistance of the pallet and its
components (deck board, blocks, and stringers) to impact forces resulting from
interaction with a variety of material handling equipment, such as forklift
trucks and pallet jacks. Fork heel impacts when the fork heels of the forklift
truck impact the pallet deck edges. Fork impact when the tip of misaligned
fork strike the corner post or stringer on entry. Fork-tine pressure, which
will cause pallets to collapse horizontally.
An incline impact machine with a backstop equipped with hazards representing
the fork tips. A weight box shall be of a width equal to the pallet dimension
perpendicular to the direction of travel. The weight box shall be loaded with
more than 500 lbs.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 8 of 20
Position the loaded carriage in such a manner that the predetermined impact
velocity will be obtained at impact. Release the loaded carriage. Measure the
impact velocity of each test to ensure that it is representative of the
desired impact velocity. The required minimum velocity is 4.2 ft per sec. The
test is conducted per the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Number of Impacts Impact Test Condition
Two (2) Leading edge fork heel impact
Two (2) Fork toe and slue resistance
Two (2) Lead edge deckboard separation resistance
Impact Angles
Exaggerated For Clarity
</TABLE>
Test Setup for Determination of Incline-Impact Resistance of Leading Edge
Deckboard of Pallet
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 9 of 20
RESULTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IMPACT TEST CONDITION IMPACT TEST VELOCITY RESULTS
<S> <C> <C>
Leading edge fork heel, 40 inch side 4.7 ft per sec. No damage
Leading edge fork heel, 48 inch side 4.9 ft per sec. No damage
Fork toe and slue resistance 48 inch side 4.7 ft per sec. No damage
Fork toe and slue resistance 40 inch side 4.7 ft per sec. No damage
Lead edge deckboard separation resistance 4.9 ft per sec. No damage
Lead edge deckboard separation resistance 4.8 ft per sec. No damage
</TABLE>
No damage was noted upon completion of the test. The anti skid pads on the
pallet worked very well. Moving the 588 lb. Weight box on the pallet was very
difficult. At impact with the weight box at the back edge of the pallet the
anti skid pad kept the weight box from sliding forward and impacting the
backstop.
CONCLUSIONS
The three pallets that we tested performed very well with the only damage
noted occurring during drop test performed from 1 meter; Pallet A had a
cracked locking tab, the tab remained intact and continued to hold the top
deck to the bottom section and Pallet C had a surface crack in the center
support. Redesigning the tab lock area by placing a radius on the corners of
the tab lock should take care of the problem. The surface crack in the center
of Pallet C may have been caused by our load on the pallet and further
evaluation of this should be conducted. This surface crack posed no safety
hazard and the pallet continued to perform as designed. This two piece design
pallet will have many applications for industry. I found it to be stronger and
more versatile than the typical hardwood pallet.
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Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
CTL Job Code #714
November 24, 1999
Page 10 of 20 through Page 20 of 20
[Pages 10 through 20 of the Pallet Test Report #714 contain 18 photographs from
the testing process].
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<S> <C>
Photo 1: Arrival
Photo 2: Arrival
Photo 3: Compression Test, Pallet A
Photo 4: Bending Test Setup Pallet B
Photo 5: Bending Test Pallet B at 1 Inch Deflection
Photo 6: Bending Test Setup Wood Pallet
Photo 7: Bending Test Wood Pallet at 1 Inch Deflection
Photo 8: Bending Test Wood Pallet Failure
Photo 9: Bending Test Pallet B to 3.5 Inches Deflection
Photo 10: Drop Test
Photo 11: Drop Test
Photo 12: Post Drop Test Damage to Locking Tab Pallet A
Photo 13: Vibration Test Pallet A Loaded with 2280 lb.
Photo 14: Flat Bottom Drop With Test Load Pallet C
Photo 15: Post Flat Bottom Drop, Surface Crack Pallet C
Photo 16: Incline Impact Testing Setup Pallet C (leading edge fork heel)
Photo 17: Incline Impact Test Setup Pallet C (fork toe slue resistance)
Photo 18: Incline Impact Test Setup Pallet C (lead edge deckboard separation resistance)
</TABLE>
