PLASTIC PALLETS: What is ISO 8611? (PART 2)

ISO 8611:2011(E) refers to a 3-part set of internationally-recognised guidelines used to assess the overall quality of storage pallets after putting them through a lengthy series of tests. Properties such as durability, racking capability and even payload slip resistance are thoroughly tested.
 
Suppliers (like Simax) that have acquired this ISO accreditation have ensured that their pallets have reached a high standard of product quality, and are expected to maintain said standard for all future customers.

Here is a continued explanation of the tests that are performed:

5 Bottom deck bending tests aim to determine the endurance and bending stiffness of the bottom deck of the pallet when being handled on equipment such as twin track conveyors or narrow span beam rack supports. Picture 5 is a diagram of one version of the test.
  6 Wing pallet bending tests are conducted to measure the strength and bending stiffness of the upper deck of a winged pallet when lifted with slings at the contact points along its length and width. Picture 6 below shows how the winged pallet is tested for strength with the load (1) applied and the setup being supported by the pillars at 5.
  7 Airbag bending tests are conducted to imitate real-life conditions where the loads borne by pallets are uniform and flexible, as is the case for bagged goods/foodstuffs. Essentially, the load is lowered onto an airbag (with working pressure of at least 0.07 MPa to 0.08 MPa, or at least twice that necessary to structurally cause pallet failure) which is in contact with the entire deck of the pallet. The ultimate load is determined, and pallet deflections caused by lesser loads are measured. This method is only used if the default load applicators cannot be used due to pallet specification, or when the conditions provided by using the airbag can help the pallet designer choose the most suitable one for use. Picture 7 shows the concept of this test with airbag (3) applied.
  8 Static shear tests apply on the pallet forces usually induced through lateral deck shear, and measure the tendency of the pallet to cave in on its underside (distortion resistance) when force is applied to its side. Picture 8 illustrates how the test simulates the abovementioned forces, with the pallet stacked vertically and the weight (3) applied. 9 Corner drop tests determine the diagonal rigidity and impact resistance of the top deck of the tested pallet. The pallet is dropped freely for a total of three times on the same corner, and any damage is measured. Picture 9 shows the general concept of the test, with 1 as the point of impact. Stay tuned for the final update on pallet testing procedures!