You’ll see many devices or products labeled as “drop test approved”. Generally, parts that pass the drop test are considered durable and reliable. But the question is: what is a drop test, and what does it mean? Interestingly, many industries utilize this testing, but few people possess the basic knowledge of it.
Many people believe that this test requires high-end and technical machines. If you don’t have those machines, you can still perform this test. However, you must have a basic understanding of how this test works in real life. In this article, we will discuss everything related to the drop test and its procedure. So, let’s get started!
What is a Drop Test?
Before discussing the procedure, let’s first understand what a drop test is!
It is a test that checks how a device or product behaves when it is dropped from a certain height. As its name suggests, the product is released from a certain height. It then undergoes free fall and strikes the ground. High-quality products survive this testing and do not deteriorate. Low-quality devices break apart in this test.
This test can be conducted with or without a drop testing machine. If you don’t have the machine, you can simply throw a product from a height of one meter. This height can vary depending on the product type. Once a product falls, you can then analyze its conditions. If the device passes the test, it is considered durable; conversely, if it fails, it is considered not durable.
However, I recommend using the dedicated drop testing machine for conducting this test. Why? Because the machine allows you to adjust to the real-world environment. Moreover, it can release products from the right height. These factors make the drop test more reliable and provide a correct indication of product condition.
Remember, the machine also allows you to release products at different angles. For example, it can cause the product to fall in a way that it can strike the ground from its edges or corners. You can adjust how a product falls to the ground. It provides more control and allows testing from all sides and angles.
People believe that this test is specific to a limited number of devices, which is incorrect. You can use this test to check the quality of batteries, smartphones, and many other gadgets. Different types of drop test machines are available, each with its specific usage. Those include:
Main Parts of a Drop Test Machine
Understanding parts of the drop tester is crucial. It will help you better understand how the drop test works. Here is the list of key components of drop test machines and their functions:
| Part Name | Function & Role |
| Base Platform | Impact surface for the drop |
| The Lifting Mechanism | Raises the product |
| Clamp Arms | Hold the item before dropping |
| Release Mechanism | : Releases the item |
| Height Adjustment System | Sets drop height |
| Control Panel | Operates the machine |
The base platform and lifting mechanism are two key parts of these machines. The base is the place where the part falls. It is generally made of steel or aluminum and mimics the real-world ground. The lifting mechanism raises the device to a specified height by utilizing clamp arms. We can adjust the height using the height adjustment system.
Step-by-Step Drop Test Procedure
The procedure for the drop test is relatively straightforward. In the section below, I’ll explain the procedure in easy steps. Let’s jump in!
1- Select & Prepare the Object
As I said earlier, there is no restriction on which object you can test using a drop test machine. It can be a mobile phone, tablet, camera, glass bottle, cardboard box, or shipping package.
However, you should ensure that the product is ready and sealed perfectly. It should be in conditions that simulate real-world use.
If a product passes the test, it should be sent to the market for sale. The testing object should be assembled, packed, and sealed perfectly. Remember, if the product is not ready, you should not conduct a test. Remember, drop test reading or results won’t be reliable if the product isn’t in its final, finished form.
2- Position the Product on the Drop Mechanism
Once the product is ready, the next step is to position it on the drop mechanism. This mechanism has dedicated clamping arms. Therefore, you will need to place the on-drop mechanism and attach it to the clamping arms. Remember, clamping of the product is very crucial.
A product that is not securely clamped will shift out of its position. For example, you want to perform edge-on or corner-on drop tests. If the product moves, it won’t fall onto the base platform in the desired orientation. It would largely affect the test accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the orientation of product placement is also essential.
3- Choose the Drop Height
Selecting the drop height is crucial for obtaining accurate results. Interestingly, different products undergo drop tests from various heights. You should choose the drop height by analyzing real-world scenarios. If the product is to be used at a height of one meter above ground, you should set the drop height to one meter.
For example, we generally use smartphones at a height of 1 to 1.5 meters from the ground, right? For testing a smartphone, drop it from a height of 1.5 meters. This will provide you with accurate results and help you understand how a smartphone will behave if it falls from your hands. Here is a table showing the differences in drop height estimates for different products:
| Product Type | Typical Drop Height |
| Smartphones | 1.0 – 1.5 meters |
| Tablets / Laptops | 0.75 – 1.2 meters |
| Consumer Electronics | 1.0 – 1.2 meters |
| Retail Packages | 0.75 – 1.2 meters |
| Large Boxes / Cartons | 0.5 – 1.0 meters |
| Medical Devices | 0.75 – 1.2 meters |
| Glass Bottles | 0.3 – 1.0 meters |
| Industrial Equipment | 0.5 – 1.0 meters (or custom) |
| Toys & Small Products | 1.0 – 1.5 meters |
4- Choose the Drop Orientation
Selecting the drop orientation is critical for reliable drop test results. The drop orientation refers to how the product falls to the ground and which part of it touches the ground first. Generally, a product or device undergoes testing by using different drop orientations. Here are some drop types as per orientations:
- Flat drops
- Edge drops
- Corner drops
In flat drops, the product falls on the front or back side. The edge drop indicates the product falling in a way that the edges first touch the ground. Lastly, corner drops involve falling product onto its corners. The modern drop test machine comes with a digital interface. You can adjust the angle or orientation of the drop.
Quick Help: I highly recommend testing the product from all orientations. Why? Because it will help you know how different points of the product will behave. If you notice any weak points, you can then improve the product. This will help you create a product that is durable and fulfills customers’ expectations.
6- Start the Drop, Observe and Record Results
Once you have chosen drop orientation, it is time to start the test. The modern drop test machine comes with a release button. Once you press the button, the clamping arm will release the product. It will undergo free fall and fall on the base platform. As I said earlier, the base platform is generally made of steel or aluminum.
It mimics the real-world ground where the product falls onto it. If the product is weak, it will crack and break. After the fall, inspect the product for dents and any other signs of deterioration. If you notice any deterioration, take a photo of that part. You can show those photos to the manufacturer’s team so they can improve the product’s quality.
Quick Note: If the product remains stable or undamaged, it indicates that it is of high quality and durable. Remember to conduct a drop test multiple times from different drop orientations. Your aim should be to check the product from every angle. Such extensive testing will help you spot the weak points and improve the quality of the product.
Advantages of Drop Test
The drop test is used across various industries to check the quality of different products. Here are some reasons why this test is so important:
- Improves Safety: The products that pass drop tests are considered reliable and safer to use. Customers know that if these products mistakenly drop on the surface, they won’t break. So they buy with confidence and are willing to pay a premium.
- Builds Customer Trust: Customers generally prefer a product that is safer to use. The product passed the drop test, giving them confidence to buy it. In this way, this test can boost sales of the products.
- Checks Product Strength: Understanding the overall strength of the product is crucial. Drop tests help know how a product will behave when dropped. In this way, both customers and manufacturers are aware of the actual value of the product.
- No Damage During Shipping: The drop test is also crucial for safer shipping. This test enables manufacturers to enhance product quality and increase durability. In this way, such products don’t undergo damage during shipping. Lower quality products are prone to breaking during the shipping process.
- Save Money & Improve Reputation: Drop tests help make reliable and durable products. Such products sell quickly with few or no returns. This makes manufacturers more profitable. Additionally, it also improves the reputation of the manufacturers. The customers keep coming to you due to a better reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a drop test?
The purpose of the drop test is to determine how the product behaves when it falls from a height. It helps manufacturers know the condition of the product. It allows them to improve their products and make them more reliable.
What needs to be checked with a drop test?
Inspect for dents, cracks, and signs of deterioration during the drop test. If a product exhibits these issues, it is weaker and requires improvement, and vice versa.
What types of products are tested with drop tests?
There are no restrictions on which products should be tested using drop tests. For example, you can test electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets. You can also test batteries, shipping packages, medical devices, helmets, toys, glass bottles, and many more.
Conclusion
The drop test is of utmost value in many industries. As you are aware, competition is intensifying in every sector. Manufacturers strive to produce high-quality products that surpass those of their competitors. In such conditions, the drop test helps make products more durable and long-lasting.
Remember, products with a ‘drop test approved’ label are more trustworthy and valuable. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how to conduct a drop test. In this article, I’ve explained the working of drop testing. Remember, you can perform this test using any object, device, or product.