The Dart Drop Tester determines the puncture energy of films with a free-falling dart using the 'staircase' method; both drop weight and drop height can be varied. The device is fully pneumatic: foot control leaves both of the user's hands free for specimen clamping, and the holder guard only allows the specimen to be secured cleanly. The dart is released by a two-hand-operated mechanism.
The instrumented IDT model adds an integrated energy measurement system to the same mechanical structure: puncture energy is measured directly and numerically on every single drop — eliminating the need for the statistical multi-specimen approach of the staircase method. Coesfeld WIN software guides the user through the test process and instantly generates a standard-compliant report.
- 660 mm (Method A) or 1500 mm (Method B) drop height — the rotating tower allows a quick switch between the two methods
- Benchtop or floor-standing model options
- Safety equipment for clamping and collision protection; a cover for accessing the dart after impact
- Convenient weight storage area on the unit
- Large test area — including stretch films
- DDT: 45–3000 g drop weight range; IDT: 50–3000 g, requires integrated energy measurement and a 230V mains connection
DDT vs. IDT Comparison
| Parameter | DDT — Dart Drop Tester | IDT — Instrumented Dart Tester |
|---|---|---|
| Test method | Staircase — multi-specimen statistics with increasing/decreasing weight | Instrumented — direct energy measurement on a single drop |
| Drop height | 660 veya 1500 mm | |
| Drop weight | 45 – 3000 g | 50 – 3000 g |
| Weight (device) | ~50 kg | ~60 kg |
| Electrical connection | Not required (fully pneumatic) | 230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Compressed air | 6 – 10 bar | |
| Standard | ASTM D1709 · DIN EN ISO 7765-1 · JIS K7124-1 · GB/T 9639.1 | ASTM D4272 |
Technical Specifications (Method A / B)
| Parameter | Method A | Method B |
|---|---|---|
| Drop height | 660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Drop speed | 3,6 m/s | 5,4 m/s |
| Drop weight* | 45 g – 1400 g | 300 g – 3000 g |
| Dart diameter | 38,1 mm | 50,8 mm |
| Dimensions (DxWxH) | 460 x 330 x 1340 mm | 460 x 330 x 2170 mm |
* Lighter darts starting from 25 g for Method A and 125 g for Method B are available on request.
Model Options
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Model A Standard | Method A only; pneumatic clamping and foot control, fixed 660 mm tower, 45–1400 g phenolic resin dart, weight set, two-hand dart release, tower alignment plumb line. |
| Model A+B Fixed Tower | Fixed tower adjustable from 660–1500 mm for Methods A and B; both phenolic resin (A) and stainless steel (B) darts, 300–3000 g weight set. |
| Model A+B Rotating Tower | Same A+B features with a rotating tower — quick switching between the two methods; supplied with a floor-standing extension. |
Key Features
- Overhead pneumatic clamping — easy film feeding
- Two-hand dart release mechanism — operator safety
- Safety shields — head and finger protection
- Cover for accessing the dart after impact
- Includes a weight and accessory storage box
Software
Coesfeld Dart Drop software guides the user step by step through the standard-compliant measurement process. After each drop it determines the failure status, calculates the next weight step, and generates a standard-compliant, print-ready report.