ASTM D5748 is a film puncture test method used to measure how well stretch wrap (stretch film) resists being penetrated by a probe under a controlled, low-rate loading condition.
It is commonly used in packaging qualification and supplier comparisons to reduce puncture-related failures during wrapping, handling, and shipment. If you need help matching the method to your film type, fixture style, or reporting needs, talk with our team.
ASTM D5748-26 — Standard Test Method for Protrusion Puncture Resistance of Stretch Wrap Film
ASTM D5748 is designed to generate comparable puncture-resistance results for stretch wrap films by applying probe penetration at a defined low rate and a single test velocity.
The method reports performance values such as maximum force, force at break, penetration distance, and energy to break, supporting film selection and ongoing quality control.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method.
What it measures: Protrusion puncture resistance of stretch wrap film using probe penetration under essentially biaxial deformation conditions.
Typical outputs: Maximum force, force at break, penetration distance, and energy to break.
What This Standard Covers
ASTM D5748 covers a controlled puncture event where a probe penetrates a clamped film specimen at a standardized low rate. The test setup is intended to create a stress state that is representative of how stretch wrap can be loaded around corners, edges, and protrusions in real packaging use.
This method is primarily intended for comparative testing between films, lots, suppliers, or processing conditions, using consistent instrument settings and specimen preparation.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Puncture resistance is a key contributor to end-use performance for stretch wrap, especially when wrapped loads include sharp corners, strapping, pallet features, or product edges that can initiate film failure.
Because the method produces force-and-penetration data and an energy-to-break value, it is often used to support packaging validation decisions and to help QA/QC teams detect shifts in film toughness from resin changes, downgauging, or processing variation.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ASTM D5748 is used for stretch wrap (stretch film) products used to unitize and protect loads in distribution environments.
Common use cases: Incoming film qualification, supplier comparisons, film downgauging studies, process control for blown/cast stretch films, and packaging performance benchmarking where puncture failures are a known risk.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
Most labs run ASTM D5748 as a controlled comparison test, keeping specimen conditioning, specimen mounting, and instrument settings consistent so that results track material changes rather than setup variation.
Common workflow: Condition specimens as required by the cited edition of the standard, clamp the film in the puncture fixture, drive the probe at the specified low rate/single velocity, and record the force–penetration response to determine peak force, break force, penetration distance, and energy to break.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ASTM D5748 is typically performed on a controlled-motion test frame capable of applying probe penetration while measuring force and displacement (or crosshead travel), using a dedicated protrusion puncture fixture that clamps the film and guides the probe.
Common equipment: Motorized universal testing machine (single-column or dual-column) or dedicated puncture tester, puncture/protrusion fixture with film clamping plates, probe assembly appropriate to the cited edition, suitable load cell capacity for thin films, and software to compute force-at-break and energy-to-break from the recorded curve.
If you are selecting a frame capacity, fixture, or data-acquisition package for puncture testing, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration aligned to your film range and reporting requirements.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
“ASTM D5748” is the base designation for this test method. When a year is shown after a hyphen (for example, D5748-26), it indicates the year of acceptance or most recent revision associated with that edition.
Because fixture details, instrument settings, and reporting requirements can change between editions, procurement documents and test reports should cite the full designation (including the year) whenever edition control matters.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
ASTM D5748 is often used alongside other packaging-film evaluations (for example, thickness, tensile, tear, and impact-style tests) to build a more complete picture of film performance and to separate puncture resistance from general strength or gauge effects.
When a customer specification references multiple film tests, align specimen conditioning and sampling plans across methods so results remain comparable across lots and suppliers.
Talk with us about ASTM D5748 testing setups
If you are updating a puncture fixture, moving from a basic puncture check to force–displacement curve reporting, or need to confirm test-frame suitability for ASTM D5748, contact our team to discuss your workflow and equipment options.