When selecting plastic crates, quality is a critical factor. The design and production of plastic crates involve several key elements that directly affect the product’s durability, performance, and lifespan. Understanding how to assess the quality of plastic crates can help you make an informed purchase decision.

1. Vibration Performance Test

The vibration performance test simulates the vibration impact during transportation. The test involves placing the plastic crate on a vibration table under a certain load for 60 minutes. This test evaluates the crate’s resistance to continuous vibrations. Poor vibration resistance will shorten the crate’s lifespan and lead to damage to goods inside.

2. Stacking Strength Test

The stacking strength test applies a certain load to the crate and observes changes in the height of the stacked crates over several days. This test assesses the crate’s ability to withstand stacking pressures in a warehouse. A strong stacking crate typically features reinforced ribs and can bear heavier loads without deformation.

3. New Materials and Wall Thickness

When evaluating the quality of a plastic crate, pay attention to whether the material is made from virgin plastic and the uniformity of its wall thickness. Crates made from new materials generally have higher strength and longer service life.

4. Lifting Test

Lifting the plastic crate with a certain load for over 10 minutes and checking for deformation or damage simulates the stresses experienced during manual handling. This ensures the crate’s handle and body remain intact under lifting conditions.

5. Opening Design and Ventilation

The opening design of plastic crates directly impacts their load-bearing capacity and ventilation. Most crates have long vertical openings, providing good load-bearing and ventilation. However, it’s essential to check if the edges of the openings are sharp, as they could damage items like vegetables. Poor ventilation design could also affect temperature and humidity control, impacting the quality of stored goods.

6. Bottom Opening Issues

The bottom design of a crate, particularly the size and shape of openings, is crucial for ventilation and drainage. Plastic crates intended for different uses should have tailored bottom hole designs to meet specific transportation and storage needs. Small bottom holes can hinder air exchange and lead to temperature control issues.