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This document contains some significant changes to the way we are doing business from this point forward and also contains valuable information on how to most efficiently utilize our testing services. There are some significant changes and we have tried to make things easier from this point going forward. If after reading this document, any questions can be directed to our Project Coordinator Noah Harper n.harper@propacktestlab.com or contact us at support@propacktestlab.com
ISTA Series 1 Tests are Non-Simulation Integrity Tests that challenge the strength and consistency of the combination of product and package. These tests are not designed to replicate environmental factors. These tests are used as screening tests and to provide consistency in packaging as tested and referenced over a longer time period.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A
Integrity Testing for Packaged Products weighing 150lb (68kg) or Less
The ISTA Series 1 Test Procedure 1A is a useful tool to screen at the beginning of the design process.
The ISTA Series 1 are basic performance tests used to: challenge the combination of package and product to stand up to the wear and tear of transport. They are, however, not simulations of actual events that the packaging and product will go through. Also, these tests do not necessarily agree with package carrier regulation.
When these ISTA Series 1 tests are properly administered, they should lead to: shorter package creation time and greater confidence when the product is ready to launch. They will also hopefully result in better protection of products and less loss due to damage during transport. These tests may also lead to better balance in distribution budgets. Finally, properly administering these tests should lead to better customer satisfaction.
The three sections of the ISTA Series 1A test are: Overview, Testing and Reporting.
ISTA Series 1A Overview consists of providing the general information about the product and packaging prior to administering the test.
ISTA Series 1A Testing is where specific instructions are presented to the testing lab.
ISTA Series 1A Reporting is when you learn what information and data will be recorded and submitted to ISTA.
Weights and measures are reported in two ways. The procedures require both the English system (inches and pounds) as well as the international Metric system. English system units precede the metric units except when they are shown separately. Either English or Metric may be used as units of measure. However, units of measure should remain consistent during the procedure. Also, units are converted to 2 significant figures and not exact equivalents.
Overview of ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A, an integrity test for individual packaged products can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, as a comparison of relative performance or package and product for design alternatives, having the product and its package tested together (not apart). Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
This test procedure is for testing individual packaged products that weigh 150 lb (68 kg) or less when fully prepared for shipment. The exception to this would be when these products are on a visible skid or pallet and weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). These products may be tested according to ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B or 1E.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A
Samples for Test Procedure 1A should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Vibration Testing using fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) peak-to-peak at a frequency to be determined. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Shock Testing using drop testing with varying height and packaged product weight. Also incline impact with variable impact velocity depending upon packaged product weight. Finally horizontal impact is tested with impact velocity varying with product weight. These sequences are required.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test Procedure 1A
For the fixed displacement vibration test, a vibration test system with a 1 inch fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999. Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable. Metal ship .06 thick approximately 1 inches wide at a convenient length. Tachometer or indicator that determines the vibration frequency in cycles per second or per minute. Automatic timer or stopwatch is required.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B
Integrity Testing for Packaged Products weighing over 150 lb (68 kg)
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1B Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B, an integrity test for individual packaged products can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, as a comparison of relative performance or package and product for design alternatives, having the product and its package tested together (not apart). Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
This test procedure is for testing individual packaged products that weigh 150 lb (68 kg) or more when fully prepared for shipment. The exception to this would be when these products are on a visible skid or pallet and weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). These products may be tested according to ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B or 1E.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B
Samples for Test Procedure 1B should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test Procedure 1B
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Vibration Testing using fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) peak-to-peak at a frequency to be determined. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Shock Testing using drop testing from 6 inches (150 mm). Also incline impact from 69 inches (1.7 m) per second impact velocity. Finally horizontal impact is tested from 69 inches (1.7 m) per second impact velocity change. These sequences are required.
Sequence 4: Shock Testing using Rotational Edge Drop. The Test Level is 8 inches (200 mm) This sequence is required when not testing face 1.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1B
For the fixed displacement vibration test, a vibration test system with a 1 inch fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999. Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable. Metal ship .06 thick approximately 1 inches wide at a convenient length. Tachometer or indicator that determines the vibration frequency in cycles per second or per minute. Automatic timer or stopwatch is required.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1C
Extended Testing for Packaged Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or less
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1C Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1C, an integrity test for individual packaged products can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, as a comparison of relative performance or package and product for design alternatives, having the product and its package tested together (not apart). Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
This test procedure is for testing individual packaged products that weigh 150 lb (68 kg) or less when fully prepared for shipment. The exception to this would be when these products are on a visible skid or pallet and weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg). These products may be tested according to ISTA Series Test Procedure 1E or 3E.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test 1C
Samples for Test Procedure 1C should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1C.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test 1C
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Compression Conditioning using a machine or static test type calculated test load or force. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Vibration Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) peak-to-peak at a frequency to be determined; Random Overall Grms level of 1.15. This sequence is required.
Sequence 4: Shock Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Drop testing with variable height depending on packaged product weight. Also incline impact with variable height depending on packaged product weight. Finally horizontal impact with variable height depending on packaged product weight. These sequences are required.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1C
The following options are accepted for the required equipment for the Compression Conditioning:
For the Apply and Release Test, a compression test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 642 – Fixed or floating platen is acceptable.
For the Apply and Hold Test, a compression test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 642 – Fixed or floating platen is acceptable.
For the Apply and Hold Test, a weight and load spreader is acceptable.
For the fixed displacement vibration test, a vibration test system with a 1 inch fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999. Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable. Metal ship .06 thick approximately 1 inches wide at a convenient length. Tachometer or indicator that determines the vibration frequency in cycles per second or per minute. Automatic timer or stopwatch is required.
For the Random Vibration Test, a Random Vibration Test system complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 is required.
The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Shock Test.
For the Drop Test, a Free fall drop tester in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5276 is acceptable.
For the Vertical Shock Test, a shock test machine in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5487 is acceptable.
For the Alternative Incline Test, an incline impact tester (conbur) in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 880 is acceptable.
For the Alternative Horizontal Test, a horizontal impact test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003 is acceptable.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1D
Extended Testing for Packaged Products weighing over 150 lb (68 kg)
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1D Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1D, an integrity test for individual packaged products can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, as a comparison of relative performance or package and product for design alternatives, having the product and its package tested together (not apart). Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
For unitized loads of the same product us ISTA Procedure 1E or ISTA General Simulation Performance Test Procedure 3E.
For a single packaged product that is unitized, consider ISTA Procedure 1E. A unitized load is one or more products or packaged products often times on a skid or pallet, always secured together or restrained for distribution as a single load.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test 1D
Samples for Test Procedure 1D should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1D.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test 1D
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Compression Conditioning using a machine or static test type calculated test load or force. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Vibration Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) peak-to-peak at a frequency to be determined; Random Overall Grms level of 1.15. This sequence is required.
Sequence 4: Shock Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Drop testing from 6 in (150 mm). Also incline impact from 69 in (1.7 m) per second impact velocity. Finally horizontal impact 69 in (1.7 m) per second velocity change. These sequences are required.
Sequence 5: Shock with a Rotational Edge Drop test type from 8 inches (200 mm). This sequence is required when not testing face 1.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1D
The following options are accepted for the required equipment for the Compression Conditioning:
For the Apply and Release Test, a compression test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 642 – Fixed or floating platen is acceptable.
For the Apply and Hold Test, a compression test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 642 – Fixed or floating platen is acceptable.
For the Apply and Hold Test, a weight and load spreader is acceptable.
For the fixed displacement vibration test, a vibration test system with a 1 inch fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999. Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable. Metal ship .06 thick approximately 1 inches wide at a convenient length. Tachometer or indicator that determines the vibration frequency in cycles per second or per minute. Automatic timer or stopwatch is required.
For the Random Vibration Test, a Random Vibration Test system complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 is required.
The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Shock Test.
For the Drop Test, a Free fall drop tester in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5276 is acceptable.
For the Vertical Shock Test, a shock test machine in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5487 is acceptable.
For the Incline Test, an incline impact tester (conbur) in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 880 is acceptable.
For the Horizontal Test, a horizontal impact test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003 is acceptable.
For the Rotational Test, rotational drop equipment in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 6179 is acceptable.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1E
Extended Testing for Unitized Loads of Same Product
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1E Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1E, an integrity test for unitized loads of the same retail or institutional packaged products. This test can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, as a comparison of relative performance or package and product for design alternatives, having the product and its package tested together (not apart). Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
Other ISTA Procedures might be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives. Consider ISTA General Simulation Performance Test Procedure 3E.
ISTA Series Test 1E covers testing of unitized loads made up of single or multiple products or packages of the same products.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test 1E
Samples for Test Procedure 1E should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1E.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test 1E
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Vibration Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) peak-to-peak at a frequency to be determined; Random Overall Grms level of 1.15. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Shock Testing. Alternative methods are allowed. Select one: Incline impact from 69 in (1.7 m) per second impact velocity. Finally horizontal impact 69 in (1.7 m) per second velocity change. These sequences are required.
Sequence 4: Shock with a Rotational Edge Drop test type from 8 inches (200 mm). This sequence is required.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1E
The following options are accepted for the required equipment for the Vibration Test:
For the fixed displacement vibration test, a vibration test system with a 1 inch fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999. Only vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable; rotary motion is not acceptable. Metal shim .06 thick approximately 1 inches wide at a convenient length. Tachometer or indicator that determines the vibration frequency in cycles per second or per minute. Automatic timer or stopwatch is required.
For the Random Vibration Test, a Random Vibration Test system complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 is required.
For the Rotational Edge Drop Test, a Rotational Edge Drop Test System complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 6179 is required.
The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Impact Test.
For the Incline Test, an incline impact tester (conbur) in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 880 is acceptable.
For the Horizontal Test, a horizontal impact test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003 is acceptable.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1G
Packaged Products 150 lb (68kg) or Less (Random Vibration)
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1G Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1G, an integrity test for individual packaged products. This test can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, to compare relative performance of package and product design options, the package and products are considered together and not separate. Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
To use fixed displacement vibration instead of randomized vibration, use ISTA Test Procedure 1A and not 1G.
For packaged products where a minimum compression value should be tested, use ISTA Test Procedure 1C.
For packaged products intended for international distribution, consider ISTA Partial Simulation Performance Test Procedure 2A.
For packaged products that may be transported in a small parcel delivery system consider ISTA General Simulation Performance Test Procedure 3A.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test 1G
Samples for Test Procedure 1G should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1G.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test 1G
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Vibration Testing. Test Type: Random. Overall Grms level of 1.15. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Shock (Alternative methods are allowed. Select one test type.): Drop Test Type with variable height depending upon packaged product weight; Incline Impact with impact velocity varying with packaged product weight; Horizontal impact with impact velocity varying with packaged product weight. This sequence is required.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1G
For the Random Vibration Test, a Random Vibration Test system complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 is required.
For the Drop test, a free fall drop tester in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5276.
For the Vertical Shock test, a shock test machine in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5487.
For the Alternative Incline test, an incline impact tester (conbur) in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 880.
For the Alternative Horizontal test, a horizontal impact test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003.
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1H
Packaged Products over 150 lb (68kg) (Random Vibration)
Overview of ISTA Series Test 1H Procedure
ISTA Series Test Procedure 1H, an integrity test for individual packaged products. This test can be used to test: the performance or a packaged product, to compare relative performance of package and product design options, the package and products are considered together and not separate. Finally, some factors of transportation (ie moisture, pressure, rough handling) might not be included.
Other ISTA Test Procedures might be right for other conditions or to meet other testing goals.
To use fixed displacement vibration instead of randomized vibration, use ISTA Test Procedure 1B and not 1H.
For packaged products where a minimum compression value should be tested, use ISTA Test Procedure 1D.
For packaged products intended for international distribution, consider ISTA Partial Simulation Performance Test Procedure 2B.
For unitized loads conduct ISTA 1E and not 1H. A unitized load is one or more products or packaged products usually on a skid or pallet, but always secured together or restrained for distribution as a single load.
The product shipper must determine, before testing: what will be considered “damage” to the product, what damage level is allowed, the methodology used to decide product condition at the end of the test and the acceptable condition of the package at the end of the test.
Samples for ISTA Series Test 1H
Samples for Test Procedure 1H should be untested actual packages and actual products. If one or both are not available, be sure that the substitute product and packaging are as close as possible to the actual items.
One sample is required for tests in the ISTA Series Test Procedure 1H.
To allow for proper testing of package and product durability, ISTA requires that the test procedure be performed one time and recommends it be performed at least five times using new samples of products and packaging with each subsequent test.
In order to ensure that test are truly representative of accurate conditions, products and their packages should be either over-packaged when shipped to the testing lab or repackaged in new packaging at the testing lab.
Test Sequence for ISTA Series Test 1H
Sequence 1: Atmospheric Preconditioning using temperature and humidity at an ambient level. This sequence is required.
Sequence 2: Vibration Testing. Test Type: Random. Overall Grms level of 1.15. This sequence is required.
Sequence 3: Shock (Alternative methods are allowed. Select one test type.): Drop Test from 6 in (150 mm); Incline Impact (Conbur) from 69 in (1.7 m) per second impact velocity; Horizontal Impact 69 in (1.7 m) per second velocity change. This sequence is required.
Sequence 4: Shock Testing. Test Type: Rotational Edge Drip. 8 in (200mm). This sequence is required when not testing face 1.
Required Equipment for ISTA Series Test 1H
For the Random Vibration Test, a Random Vibration Test system complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728 is required.
For the Drop test, a free fall drop tester in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5276.
For the Vertical Shock test, a shock test machine in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 5487.
For the Alternative Incline test, an incline impact tester (conbur) in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 880.
For the Alternative Horizontal test, a horizontal impact test system in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4003.
For the Rotational test, a rotational drop in compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM D 6179.
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Pro-Pack is one of the premier package testing laboratories in North America. With more than 30 years of experience, we are trusted for high standards, accuracy and our commitment to excellence. Pro-Pack is owned and managed by a team of people who are dedicated to the profession and the firm.
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Phone: 618-277-1160
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