BAM Fallhammer (Drop Hammer)
Impact sensitivity testing of solid and pasty materials according to the BAM method — the original since 1959.
Standard-compliant impact sensitivity testing
Testing the reaction of solid, liquid or pasty substances to impact, friction and thermal stimuli is mandated by several standards — including EEC directives, UN recommendations for the transport of dangerous goods, and STANAG 4489.
The BAM drop hammer determines impact sensitivity using the BAM method. A defined drop weight is released from variable heights onto a substance sample. The reaction is evaluated and classified — essential for the classification and safe transport of energetic materials.
Technical data
| Dimensions | 450 × 450 × 1800 mm |
| Weight | 345 kg |
| Anvil | Round, 100 Ø × 70 mm |
| Drop height | Max. 1,000 mm (adjustable) |
| Drop weights | 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 kg |
| Standards | UN-RTDG 13.4.2, STANAG 4489, EN 13631-4 |
Design features
Steel block with cast base
Massive construction for maximum stability and shock dampening
Round anvil
100 Ø × 70 mm — precise contact surface for reproducible results
Stainless steel guide rails
Corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance for long-term laboratory use
Toothed locking rail
Safely catches the rebounding drop weight
Self-releasing catch
Reproducible release mechanism on the drop weight
Adjustable meter ruler
Exact drop-height measurement up to max. 1,000 mm
Heavy iron block
Absorbs shock waves and prevents vibration transfer
How the test works
Prepare the sample
Place the substance into the punch assembly
Mount the assembly
Position the steel sleeve and centering ring
Place on the anvil
Position the assembly on the small anvil
Release the drop weight
Drop from the defined height
Evaluate the reaction
Classify according to the BAM method
The sample is placed into the punch assembly, consisting of two steel rollers (height: 10 mm, Ø 10 mm, hardness HRc 58–65, surface finish ra = 0.08 μm) and a hollow steel sleeve (Ø 16 mm, height 13 mm, polished bore 10 mm).
The steel sleeve is slid over the two rollers and the sample between them. The centering ring fixes the entire assembly and ensures the components are precisely aligned. For liquid samples, special rubber rings are used as seals between the rollers.
The mounted assembly is placed on the small anvil (26 × 26 mm). The anvil sits on the massive steel block that absorbs shock waves and prevents vibration transfer. Sample tubes are 17.5 ± 0.2 mm in diameter and 135 ± 2 mm in length.
The drop weight — available in increments from 1 to 20 kg — is released via the self-releasing catch from a defined drop height (max. 1,000 mm, continuously adjustable via the meter ruler) onto the sample. The toothed rail automatically catches the rebounding weight.
The substance's reaction is evaluated and classified according to the BAM method. The result is essential for the classification and safe transport of energetic materials according to UN-RTDG, STANAG 4489 and EN 13631-4.
Accessories & Spare Parts
Standard accessories
Included with delivery — everything needed for immediate operation.
- Steel roller set (10 × 10 mm)
- Anvil 26 × 26 mm
- Centering ring + centering plate
- 4 spoons in various sizes
- Drop weights 1, 5, 10 kg
| Steel roller set | 10 × 10 mm |
| Anvil | 26 × 26 mm |
| Centering ring | 1 piece |
| Spoons | 4 pieces |
| Steel sleeve set | 16 × 10 × 13 mm |
| Drop weights | 1, 5, 10 kg each |
| Centering plate | 1 piece |
Safety accessories
Optional protective equipment for safe laboratory operation.
- Extraction unit 220V
- Wooden protective housing
| 782-1059 | Extraction unit 220V | Explosion gases |
| 782-1015 | Wooden protective housing | Splinter shield |
Consumables
Precision-manufactured wear parts for daily testing work.
- Plates 20 × 20 × 5 mm
- Steel rollers 10 × 10 mm
- Steel sleeves 16 × 10 × 13 mm
- Rubber rings for liquid samples
| 782-1076 | Plates 20 × 20 × 5 mm | 100 pcs |
| 782-1012 | Plate holder | 1 piece |
| 782-1074 | Steel rollers 10 × 10 mm | 200 pcs |
| 782-1075 | Steel sleeves 16 × 10 × 13 mm | 100 pcs |
| 782-1077 | Rubber rings (liquid samples) | 100 pcs |
Drop weights & spoons
Weights in 5 increments and spoons in 4 volumes for every test scenario.
- Weights: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 kg
- Spoons: 5, 10, 40 mm³
- Spoon 40 mm³ (gel)
| 782-0017 | Drop weight | 1 kg |
| 782-0018 | Drop weight | 2 kg |
| 782-0019 | Drop weight | 5 kg |
| 782-0023 | Drop weight | 10 kg |
| 782-0024 | Drop weight | 20 kg |
| 782-1060 | Spoon | 5 mm³ |
| 782-1064 | Spoon | 10 mm³ |
| 782-1066 | Spoon | 40 mm³ |
| 782-1068 | Spoon (gel materials) | 40 mm³ |
Related products
Small Drop Hammer
Impact sensitivity testing of highly sensitive primary explosives — impact energies from 0.025 to 10 joules.
Friction Tester
Friction sensitivity testing of explosives and pyrotechnic substances.
Niederländischer Druckbehälter (Dutch Pressure Vessel Test)
Testing the sensitivity of materials to intense heat exposure under defined confinement according to UN Test E.2/E.3.
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