Standard Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products

B660 - 15: Standard Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products

Ensuring the integrity of high-value aluminum and magnesium products during transit and storage is paramount. ASTM B660 - 15 provides an essential framework for professionals tasked with this critical function, offering proven methods to prevent costly damage and corrosion. This authoritative standard is a cornerstone for maintaining product quality from manufacturing floor to final destination.

What is B660 - 15?

ASTM B660 - 15, "Standard Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and Magnesium Products," is a comprehensive ASTM standard developed to ensure that aluminum and magnesium items are adequately protected during storage and shipment. Originating from a need for consistent, reliable protection methods, its primary purpose is to outline procedures that prevent mechanical damage and corrosion, thereby delivering products in optimal condition.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the methods and materials used for the preservation and packing of aluminum and magnesium products intended for both domestic and international transit and storage. It specifically addresses protection against mechanical damage such as bending, crushing, scratching, and abrasion, as well as corrosion and water staining resulting from environmental exposure. While it provides guidelines for commercial packaging and specific requirements for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) redistribution, it does not cover the selection of the aluminum or magnesium product itself, nor does it detail transportation logistics beyond packaging preparation.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Logistics Managers, Packaging Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, Supply Chain Specialists, and Materials Handlers.
• • Industries Affected: Metals Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, Electronics, and Industrial Machinery.
• • Compliance Nature: Primarily voluntary for commercial applications, but often mandatory when specified in contracts, particularly for government and defense-related shipments.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality control processes, customer audits, and government inspections for defense contracts.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires professionals to implement packaging and preservation methods that actively prevent damage and degradation. Key provisions include:

• • The selection of appropriate internal packaging materials that are chemically compatible with aluminum and magnesium surfaces to prevent adverse reactions.
• • The use of robust blocking and bracing techniques to secure items within containers, ensuring they do not shift and cause damage during transit.
• • A minimum clearance of one inch between projecting parts of an item and the container's interior face, with protective cushioning to prevent direct contact.
• • Consideration for lifting and forklift compatibility for containers exceeding a specified weight, ensuring safe and efficient handling.
• • Specific guidelines for the construction and closure of containers, including requirements for spliced members and fastener types.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B660 - 15 often works in conjunction with other industry-leading standards. For example, it complements ASTM D3951, Practice for Commercial Packaging, by providing specific material protection needs beyond general commercial practices. Additionally, standards like ASTM D1974, Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes, offer detailed guidance on the physical assembly of shipping containers, ensuring the overall integrity of the packed product. For defense-related applications, referencing MIL-STD-129, Marking for Shipment and Storage, is crucial for proper identification