Luggage Quality Tests in Factories

How is luggage tested in factories?

Luggage durability tests are important for ensuring its quality. Whether on business or vacation, travelers need reliable luggage to protect their belongings and give them peace of mind.

Several tests evaluate how well luggage performs. Drop tests check if a piece of luggage can withstand rough baggage handling, while environmental tests prepare it for different weather conditions. Zipper strength tests ensure that zippers will work properly over time. Tests for color consistency and handle durability improve the user experience and meet consumers' needs.

Our licensed luggage manufacturers use durability tests to ensure their products are built to last. Quality checks shown here at Shanghai Jiyu: 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Drop Testing
2. Handle Load Testing
3. Vertical Mileage Test 
4. Impact Testing
5. Color Consistency Testing
6. Zipper Strength Testing
7. Environmental Testing
8. Corrosion Testing
9. Tumbling Barrel Testing

1. Drop Testing

Drop testing is one of the most critical durability tests in luggage manufacturing. This test replicates the everyday handling of luggage, such as it falling off conveyor belts, being tossed by baggage handlers or falling over when overpacked.

How It Works:

The luggage is filled with a specified weight and dropped from various heights, simulating real-life scenarios. The test is repeated on different sides of the luggage (corners, wheels, handles) to check for structural weaknesses. Drop testing ensures the casing, zippers and internal frames remain intact and functional after rough handling. This test helps manufacturers refine designs to meet industry durability standards, machine shown here at Guangzhou Haolv:

2. Handle Jerk Testing

Handles bear the brunt of a traveler’s lifting, pulling, and dragging. Handle load testing evaluates their strength under extreme conditions. 

How It Works:

Handles are subjected to repeated lifting motions with weights exceeding the luggage's recommended load. Machines simulate a user yanking and pulling the handle hundreds of times. This test prevents handles from detaching or breaking, ensuring the luggage remains functional even under heavy usage. Handles and straps are subjected to repeated sudden jerks under load. This simulates real-world scenarios where luggage may be pulled forcefully during travel. Drop testing is shown here at ITP Luggage Group:

3. Mileage Test

Luggage wheels are the unsung heroes of travel. Mileage and Vertical Mileage testing assesses their ability to glide smoothly over various terrains.

How It Works:

Luggage is loaded to its maximum capacity and placed on a treadmill-like surface. The machine at  ITP Luggage Group simulates rolling over uneven terrain, bumps and slopes for extended periods. This test ensures wheels remain intact and functional, providing a hassle-free travel experience. It also tests the attachment of the wheels to the luggage body. 

The Vertical Mileage test simulates the motion of upright luggage being pushed or pulled over various surfaces. 

4. Impact Testing: Mimicking Sudden Shocks

Impact testing simulates the unexpected hits luggage endures, such as collisions during baggage handling or transport.

How It Works:

A weight or object is dropped onto the luggage from a set height or the luggage is swung against a hard surface. This test evaluates the shell's and frame's resistance to sudden force. Making sure the exterior and interior remain undamaged after impact gives travelers confidence their belongings are safe.

5. Color Testing

While durability is vital, aesthetics also play a significant role in luggage appeal. The color tests ensure materials look great under different lighting.

Light Test - How It Works:

This is a standard color matching lamp box that provides 7 different light sources, including adjustable simulated daylight (using a halogen lamp with a filter) and optional LED lamps. It meets CIE International Commission on Illumination standards and is used to compare product colors with standard color samples under various lighting conditions. The most common light source used is D65, which simulates typical daylight. Lightbox shown at  ITP Luggage Group:

UV Testing  - How It Works:

The aging and fading of colored accessories are evaluated by simulating sunlight exposure over a specific period to ensure that consumers can maintain the brilliance of the products during daily use. UV testing shown at  ITP Luggage Group:

6. Zipper Strength Testing

This test evaluates their durability under stress.

How It Works:

The zipper is repeatedly opened and closed, simulating prolonged use. Engineers also subject it to extreme stress to ensure it won’t break under strain. A strong, smoothly functioning zipper ensures the luggage remains sealed and secure throughout a journey. 

7. Environmental Testing: Weathering the Elements

Traveling involves exposure to a variety of environmental conditions. Environmental testing ensures the luggage is ready for any climate.

How It Works:

Luggage is placed in an oven & humidity environmental chamber that subjects it to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) and high humidity. This test identifies potential weaknesses in materials like cracking, warping, or discoloration. It guarantees that the luggage maintains its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, whether in tropical heat or arctic cold. This is the Oven & Humidity equipment at ITP Luggage Group:

8. Corrosion Testing

Metal elements, including zippers, sliders, and screws, are subjected to salt spray tests that mimic extended exposure to rain, snow or high humidity while in transit. These tests also account for interactions with saltwater, sweat and various chemicals or cleaning products commonly encountered in airports or during maintenance. This ensures the metal components stay rust-resistant and functional. 

How It Works:
Metal parts or entire luggage pieces are placed in a controlled salt spray chamber where a fine mist of salt water (typically 5% sodium chloride solution) is sprayed at a consistent temperature (35–40°C). The items are exposed to the salt spray for a set duration, ranging from hours to days. Here is the chamber at ITP Luggage Group:

9. Tumbling Barrel Testing

Tumbling barrel testing is designed to replicate years of rough handling in minutes, shown here at ITP Luggage Group. 

How It Works:

Luggage is placed inside a rotating drum with internal obstacles. The luggage experiences repetitive impacts as the drum spins, mimicking real-life handling. This test measures how well the luggage can endure prolonged wear and tear, ensuring durability and longevity.

For manufacturers, these tests build trust and reputation, reassuring customers that their products can withstand travel challenges. They also help identify areas for improvement, driving innovation in design.