The standard “DIN 53373 Testing of plastic films - Impact penetration test with electronic data recording”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a method for evaluating the impact resistance (or puncture/penetration resistance) of thin plastic films under dynamic loading conditions. This standard is particularly important for flexible packaging materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or other polymer films used in bags, packaging, labels, and similar applications.
This method measures how plastic film reacts to a sudden vertical impact, simulating real-world stresses such as dropping, impact, or puncture during handling or transportation. The primary goal is to determine the following parameters:
Unlike simpler impact testing methods (such as the ISO 7765-1 or ASTM D1709 standards which use statistical probability of failure), the DIN 53373 standard focuses on an instrumented test with electronic recording. This allows for the capture of detailed dynamic data: force-time, energy absorption, and failure behavior.
The test setup is as follows:
This setup is found in various impact testing machines.
The key characteristics measured are as follows:
The DIN 53373 standard is quite old, and while it may seem valid in some contexts, many laboratories and manufacturers now prefer its more modern international equivalents. It is frequently referenced in material properties, product data sheets, and patents related to flexible films.
This test is widely used in quality control in the following areas:
In short, the DIN 53373 standard includes a method for evaluating the impact penetration behavior of plastic films. This method assesses how the film reacts when subjected to a sudden impact force applied perpendicular to the film surface, measuring how the film absorbs energy or breaks during penetration.
This standard was developed to define the basic impact-related mechanical properties of plastic films and includes the following:
These parameters allow engineers to compare the toughness and durability of different film materials under dynamic loading conditions. The test can also be performed at different temperatures to examine the transition from brittle to ductile behavior in polymer films.
The DIN 53373 standard is primarily applicable to plastic films and thin sheets:
Typical materials tested include:
The test method described produces several important values:
These results help to evaluate the toughness and puncture resistance of the material.
The DIN 53373 standard was later superseded and replaced by updated procedures for impact testing of plastic films and sheets. For example, the standard “DIN ISO 7765-2 Plastic films and sheets - Determination of impact strength by free-falling arrow method - Part 2: Instrumented puncture test” includes a test method for determining the puncture impact characteristics of a plastic film using instruments that measure force and deflection. It is applicable if a force-deflection or force-time diagram recorded at a nominally constant impact velocity is required for detailed characterization of the impact behavior. This test method is also necessary when a small number of test specimens are available and the step method described in the DIN ISO 7765-1 standard cannot be applied. This test method is applicable to films up to 1 mm thick and makes it possible to compare the impact-penetration forces, biaxial deformations, and energy absorption capacities of films. Furthermore, the transition zone between brittle and tough behavior of the film under test conditions can be determined by varying the temperature, penetration rate, or relative humidity.
Consequently, the DIN 53373 standard defines instrumental impact penetration testing for plastic films, making it possible to measure penetration force, energy absorption, and deformation behavior under sudden impact. Although historically widely used, it has now been superseded by ISO-based standards such as ISO 7765.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the DIN 53373 standard.
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