CYCLIC Testing for FIBC Bulk Bags

Cyclic testing is a procedure that tests products, materials and components with repeated testing in a single setting, as opposed to a single test for the entire process. This is designed specifically to ensure the long-term viability of your product, meaning it will perform reliably during its use across of the product’s lifetime.

Cyclic tests are done repeatedly to look at lifetime performance by reviewing performance at intervals. The goal is to gain an idea of how it will perform in real-world use by simulating how it will react when the product is new and when it has been in use for some time.

Cyclic Testing Criteria

For FIBC bulk bags, the cyclic testing often focuses on drops, abrasions, spills, falls, impacts and other cases where the bag needs to stand up to repeated use throughout its lifetime. Cyclic load tests also happen for FIBC bags, ensuring they won’t tear, rip or deform under different loads in different environments.

Specific tests will have a variety of different criteria. For example, a load test must — generally — adhere to two main criteria:

• The FIBC bag must withstand the load test at a minimum required setting before a failure occurs — with the setting determined by bag type and projected use.
• The FIBC bag can have no leakage of contents or breakage of the lifting devices — like handles — to the extent that the lifting device cannot support the load.

Cyclic top lift requires the bags to go through 30 cycles @ 2X SWL (Safe Working Load) with a final cycle @ 5x SWL for final approval.

This type of test would suspend the bag from its handles or other lifting devices as weight is added to it. Bags will need to hold a minimum weight without tears or ripping. For example, one of our tests for an FIBC that is 40”x40”x77” and designed for 1,250kg SWL was tested until it achieved a failure at 8,280.5kg. This failure point (<6,250kg) significantly exceeded the bag’s needed support weight of 2,030.3 Kg, so the bag passed.

Why Use an FIBC Supplier That Uses 3rd Party Testing?

Midwestern Bag & Supply always recommends you work with an FIBC bulk bag supplier who uses a third-party for independent testing of their bags and other equipment.

This independent testing is the best way to ensure you’re getting 100% honest and reliable testing. Testing groups work hard to maintain compliance with the latest laws and standards and have no reason to produce a faulty report for you — it hurts their credibility and overall ability to generate revenue if they provide false results.

So not only does a third party test tend to be more reliable, but it also provides you with an avenue to ask for results and get a copy of a verifiable results page. If someone is performing tests in-house, you have no way to check that you have an accurate copy of what happened.

That’s why Midwestern Bag & Supply always turns to a third party for our testing and claims verification. It’s the best way to keep our customers happy and safe.

If you have any questions about testing, compliance or just want to see how well our bags perform, contact us right away for a review and a free quote about your specific bag needs.