24 May
2006
24 May
'06
6:30 p.m.
On 5/24/2006 at 12:04 PM Richard wrote:
I hate it when people send stuff to me packed in
styrofoam blocks.
Those things do *nothing* to dissipate high g-shocks to the box (like
when its tossed off a truck). In this respect I think packing
peanuts do a better job because the forces are diffused across many
small moving items that compress easily, while the styrofoam blocks
are less compressive and tend to transmit the forces directly to the
unit.
OT on the matter of packing:
Just as bad are those self-inflating urethane foam packets. Yes, they can
secure an item from moving around--if properly placed, which rarely
happens. On the other hand, I've used sheets of styrofoam building
insulation to pack delicate objects, firmly encasing them and not allowing
any motion at all. In my experince, damage most often occurs to an item
being shipped when the item can move even a small amount in the container.
Sometimes, adequately bracing and securing the item can eliminate the need
for any filler material (anyone remember excelsior?) at all.
Styrofoam peanuts are okay, as long as they're contained in a bag. I've
got equipment that has peanuts lodged in inaccessible (at least without
complete disassembly) places.
Another disaster are those cornstarch-based peanuts. Fine when dry, but if
they get wet, they turn to a sloppy mess and offer no protection at all.
Cheers,
Chuck