ASTM F1306 is a standard test method for measuring the slow-rate penetration (puncture) resistance of flexible barrier films and laminates using a driven probe. It is commonly used to compare packaging films and laminated barrier structures by reporting force- and displacement-based results at perforation.
If you are unsure whether ASTM F1306 is the right puncture method for your film type or packaging risk profile, you can talk with our team about the standard’s typical setup and what results it’s designed to generate.
ASTM F1306 — Standard Test Method for Slow Rate Penetration Resistance of Flexible Barrier Films and Laminates
ASTM F1306 evaluates how a thin, flexible barrier material responds when a probe is driven into it at a controlled, slow speed until perforation occurs. The test generates comparable penetration-resistance metrics that are frequently used for material screening, supplier comparisons, and quality control of flexible barrier structures.
This method is focused on a “slow rate” event, which is often relevant when sharp edges, corners, or concentrated contact points can compromise package integrity over time or during handling.
Quick definition
Standard type: Test method.
What it measures: Force, energy, and probe penetration (displacement) to failure during slow-rate puncture of a clamped film/laminate specimen.
Typical use: Comparing puncture resistance of flexible barrier films and laminates under a controlled probe-driven event.
What this standard covers
ASTM F1306 covers a probe penetration test performed at room temperature where a film or laminate specimen is clamped to apply biaxial stress while a probe is driven through the material at a single test velocity. The method determines the force and energy required to cause perforation and the probe penetration to failure.
Because puncture behavior can vary with factors such as thickness, stiffness, penetration rate, temperature, and probe geometry, ASTM F1306 is commonly used as a standardized comparison method rather than a perfect simulation of every end-use hazard.
Why this standard matters in testing
Flexible barrier materials can fail when a concentrated contact point (for example, a sharp product edge, corner, or localized load) breaks the barrier layer. A perforation can compromise package integrity and allow undesired transfer of gases, odors, or contaminants.
ASTM F1306 is often selected when teams need a repeatable puncture-resistance metric for incoming inspection, process changes, material substitutions, or packaging validation comparisons where a slow, controlled probe event is relevant.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
ASTM F1306 is commonly applied to flexible barrier films and laminated structures used where puncture resistance affects functional performance.
- Flexible packaging films and barrier laminates
- Coextruded films and multi-layer structures (evaluated as a composite structure)
- Wraps, pouches, and other barrier packaging components where puncture resistance is a performance requirement
Common test or verification workflow
ASTM F1306 is typically run as a controlled puncture test on a universal testing system using an appropriate puncture fixture.
Common workflow: Condition/prepare specimens as required, clamp the specimen in the puncture fixture, drive the probe at the specified velocity until perforation, record the force–displacement curve, and report peak force to failure along with energy and penetration (displacement) at failure.
Common reporting outputs: Peak force to failure, energy to failure (from the recorded curve), and probe penetration to failure.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
ASTM F1306 is typically performed on a universal testing machine configured for low-force puncture testing and equipped with a puncture probe and a film clamping fixture.
Common equipment: Universal testing machine (single- or dual-column), appropriate-capacity load cell, puncture/penetration fixture with specimen clamp, probe(s) meeting the standard’s geometry, and software capable of capturing force–displacement data and calculating energy to failure.
Practical equipment-selection caution: Because the reported energy and penetration depend on clean force–displacement measurement, use a fixture and probe that minimize slippage and misalignment, and confirm the test speed and data rate match the requirements in the specific edition being cited.
How to read this designation or revision
ASTM standards are typically cited by the letter-number designation (F1306) plus an edition year. Some citations also include a reapproval year (often shown in parentheses) when a standard is reaffirmed without technical revision.
Revision sensitivity: Fixture details, probe geometry, speed, specimen dimensions, and reporting requirements may differ by edition, so purchasing decisions for fixtures and probes should be tied to the exact ASTM F1306 version referenced in your quality plan or customer specification.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks when useful
ASTM F1306 is one of several approaches used to evaluate damage resistance in flexible materials. Depending on the end-use hazard, teams may also consider other puncture or impact-style methods for films and packaging.
Selection note: When comparing methods, focus on how the loading rate and probe/impactor geometry match the damage mode you are trying to control (slow concentrated loading versus faster impact events).
Get help selecting an ASTM F1306 test setup
If you need a system configured for puncture testing of barrier films—machine capacity, load cell range, puncture fixture, probe geometry, and software reporting—you can request a detailed quote matched to the ASTM F1306 workflow you need to run.