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ISTA, the association for transport packaging, is an international leader in advancing the science of packaging and the use of performance testing techinques. Its member companies are supported in the development of effective packaging, methods, and logistic systems that prevent or reduce transportation and handling damage during product distribution. ISTA test procedures are continuously under review and updated periodically. To ensure that you are utilizing the most recent publication of the test procedure, contact ISTA at:
INTERNATIONAL SAFE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
1400 ABBOTT RD STE 160
EAST LANSING MI 48823-1900
Telephone: 517-333-3437
Fax: 517-333-3813
Internet: www.ista.org
Test Procedure 1A, Performance Test for Individual Packaged-Products
(150 lb (68.2 kg) or Less), is copyrighted by ISTA and is reprinted here with
its permission.
The ISTA Preshipment Test Procedures provide a means for a manufacturer to predetermine the probability of the safe arrival of their packaged products at their destination through the utilization of tests developed to simulate the shocks and stresses normally encountered during handling and transportation. ISTA has confined its technical activities to the packaged product only. Neither the product nor the container is considered separately. The tests, it is stressed, are basic tests. Test level and sequence should be changed to adapt to known distribution situations and these changes are documented in the report.
These test procedures are performance tests and, when properly applied, will provide tangible benefits of reduced damage, economically balanced costs, and improved customer satisfaction. It is also emphasized that these procedures are not intended to evaluate the protection afforded packaged products from other conditions such as moisture, corrosion, contaminating odors, etc. They may or may not comply with carrier requirements for packaging.
To maintain certified status and eligibility for identification with the TRANSIT TESTED seal, each packaged product must be retested whenever a change is made in either the product, the process, or the package. Changes in the packaged product include changes in design, size, and/or material. As a quality control procedure, packaged products should be retested as frequently as feasible.
The entire document shall be read and understood before proceeding with a test.
There are three sections: Overview, Testing and Report
• Overview provides the general knowledge required before going into the testing laboratory and
• Testing presents the specific instructions to do the testing in the laboratory and
• Report indicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report to ISTA.
ISTA Test Procedures and Test Projects are the worldwide leaders in Performance Tests for Packaged-Products.
Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures. They are the English system (Inch-Pound) and the international system SI (Metric). Inch-Pound units are shown first with Metric units in brackets, except in some tables where they are shown separately.
• Either system may be used as the unit of measure (standard units), but
• The standard units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.
• Units are converted to two significant figures and
• Not exact equivalents.
Test Procedure 1A is an integrity test for individual packaged-products.
• It can be used to evaluate the performance of a packaged-product.
• It can be used to compare relative performance of package and product design alternatives.
• The package and product are considered together and not separately.
• Some conditions of transit, such as moisture, pressure or unusual handling, may not be covered.
Other ISTA Procedures may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.
Specific suggestions:
• To use random vibration instead of fixed displacement vibration, use ISTA Integrity Test Procedure 1G and not 1A.
• For packaged-products where a minimum compression value should be tested, use ISTA Integrity Test Procedure 1C.
• For packaged-products intended for international distribution consider ISTA Integrity-Plus Test Procedure 2A.
• For packaged-products that may be transported in a small parcel delivery system consider ISTA General Simulation Test Procedure 3C.
• Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Projects and Procedures for additional information.
ISTA 1 Series tests are basic tests that consist of integrity test procedures.
• They are not simulations of actual transport hazards, and
• do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
When properly applied, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:
• reduced damage,
• economically balanced costs and
• improved customer satisfaction.
Test Procedure 1A covers testing of individual packaged-products weighing 150 pounds (68.2 kg) or less when prepared for shipment.
Note: To be eligible for mailing, a single parcel cannot exceed 70 pounds.
The shipper shall determine the following prior to testing:
• What constitutes damage to the product and
• what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
• the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test and
• the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.
For additional information on this determination process refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Projects and Procedures.
Samples should be the untested actual package and product, but if one or both are not available, the substitutes shall be as identical as possible to actual items.
• Number of samples required: One sample is required for the tests in this procedure.
• Replicate Testing Recommended: To permit an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged-product, ISTA:
- Requires the procedure to be performed a minimum of one time, but
- Recommends performing the procedure five or more times, using new samples with each test.
Note: Packages that have already been subjected to the rigors of transportation cannot be assumed to represent standard conditions. In order to insure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to certified laboratories for testing must be:
• over-packaged for shipment to the laboratory or
• repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.
The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following table:
| Sequence # | Test Category |
Test Type |
Test Level |
For ISTA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vibration |
Fixed Displacement |
1 in. (25 mm) peak to peak at a frequency to be determined | Required |
| 2 | Shock | Drop | Height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| 2 | Shock |
Alternative
Incline (Conbur) |
Impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight |
Required |
| 2 | Shock | Alternative Horizontial Impact) |
Impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight |
Required |
Equipment required for the Fixed Displacement Vibration Test:
• Vibration Test System with a 1 inch (25 mm) fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus section of ASTM D 999-96. Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable.
• Metal shim 0.06 inch (1.5 mm), thick approximately 2.0 inches
(50 mm) wide and at a convenient length.
• Tachometer or suitable indicator for determining vibration frequency in cycles per second (Hz) or cycles per minute (CPM).
• Automatic timer or stopwatch.
The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Shock Test:
*In compliance with the apparatus section of ASTM.
Prior to beginning the tests identify the faces, edges and corners according to the procedure below.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Place the packaged-product in its intended shipping position as determined by shipper. If the shipping position can be variable, place the packaged-product so that the primary shipping label location is on the top face. |
| 2 |
Does the packaged-product have only six faces (2 sides, 2 ends, top and
bottom)?
• If Yes, then go to Step 5. • If No, continue to next Step. |
| 3 | Develop a method to identify each face, edge and corner and document with a diagram. |
| 4 | Go to the next Block. |
| 5 |
Is the package a corrugated container?
• If Yes, continue to next Step. • If No, then go to Step 8. |
| 6 |
Does the package have a manufacurer's joint connecting a side and an end
face?
• If Yes, continue to next Step. • If No, then go to Step 8. |
| 7 | Turn the packaged-product so that you are looking directly at a face with the manufacturer's joint on the observer's right and go to Step 9. |
| 8 | Position one of the smallest width faces of the packaged-product directly in front of you. |
| 9 | |
| 10 |
Identify edges using the numbers of the two faces forming that edge.
Example: Edge 1-2 is the edge formed by face 1 and face 2 of the packaged-product. |
| 11 |
Identify corners using the numbers of the three faces that meet to form that
corner.
Example: Corner 2-3-5 is the corner formed by face 2, face 3, and face 5 of the packaged-product. |
| 12 | Go to next Block. |
You shall know the packaged-products:
• gross weight in pounds (kg) rounded up to a whole number, and
• outside dimensions of Length, Width, and Height (L x W x H) in inches (mm or m).
Caution: A restraining device or devices shall be used with the vibration test system to:
• Prevent the test specimen from moving off the platform and
• Maintain test orientation of the packaged-product, but
• The device or devices shall not restrict the vertical motion of the test specimen during the test.
| Step | Action | ||
| 1 |
Familiarity with the following formula is required to calculate the test duration after the frequency required to bounce the packaged-product is determined in the Vibration Test Block: Test Duration in Minutes = 14, 200 Vibratory Impacts Cycles Per Minute (CPM) or [Cycles Per Second (Hz) x 60] |
||
| 2 | The chart below shows example Test Durations calculated for several frequencies: | ||
| blank | CPM | Hz | Test Duration in Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| blank | 150 | 2.5 | 95 |
| blank | 180 | 3.0 | 79 |
| blank | 210 | 3.5 | 68 |
| blank | 240 | 4.0 | 60 |
| blank | 270 | 4.5 | 53 |
| blank | 300 | 5.0 | 48 |
The table below indicates the steps to perform a Fixed Displacement Vibration Test.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Put the packaged-product on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the platform. |
| 2 | Start the vibration system to vibrate at 1.0 inches (25 mm) total displacement at the machine's lowest frequency. |
| 3 | Maintain a fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) and slowly increase the frequency (speed) of the vibration table until the packaged-product begins to momentarily leave the surface of the platform. |
| 4 | Hold the vibration frequency to that determined in Step 3. |
| 5 |
Can a metal shim be intermittently moved between the bottom of the longest
dimension of the packaged-product and the surface of the platform?
• If Yes, hold that frequency and then continue to next Step. • If No, then increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 5 is met and hold that vibration frequency. |
| 6 | Determine the test duration in minutes using the formula indicated in the Before You Begin Block and the CPM or Hz frequency identified in Step 5. |
| 7 | Begin the vibration duration. |
| 8 |
Are you using a vertical linear motion on the vibration system?
• If Yes, then go to Step 12. • If No, then continue with the next Step. |
| 9 |
Stop the vibration test halfway throught the vibration duration and perform the
appropriate action as indicated below:
• IF a single 90° horizontal rotation is possible, THEN perform a horizontal rotation of 90° as the specimen rests on the platform. • IF a single 90° horizontal rotation is not practical because of the size of the packaged-product or the stability of the packaged-product, THEN perform a horizontal rotation of 180° as the specimen tests on the platform. |
| 10 | Start the vibration system and continue the vibration test at the frequency used in Step 7. |
| 11 |
Can a metal shim be intermittently moved between the bottom of the longest
dimension of the packaged-product and the surface of the platform?
• If Yes, then continue to next Step. • If No, then slowly increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 11 is met. |
| 12 | Complete vibration duration. |
| 13 | Inspection of the packaged-product for visible damage is allowed, provided inspection does not alter, in any way, the current condition of the package or the condition or position of the product(s). |
| 14 | Vibration testing is now complete. Go to the Shock Test Block. |
The test drop height varies with the weight of the packaged-product. Find the weight of the packaged-product in the following chart to determine a drop height or an equivalent impact velocity to be used for a substituted drop:
| Packaged-Product Weight | Drop Height | Impact Velocity | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equal to or greater than | But Less than | Free Fall | Incline or Horizontal | ||||
| lb | kg | lb | kg | In. | mm | ft/s | m/s |
| 0 | 0 | 21 | 10 | 30 | 760 | 13 | 3.9 |
| 21 | 10 | 41 | 19 | 24 | 610 | 11 | 3.4 |
| 41 | 19 | 61 | 28 | 18 | 460 | 10 | 3.0 |
| 61 | 28 | 100 | 45 | 12 | 310 | 8.0 | 2.5 |
| 100 | 45 | 150 | 68 | 8 | 200 | 6.6 | 2.0 |
The test method requires the packaged-product to be dropped in several different package orientations.
A drop test must be performed in all required orientations where dropping the packaged-product is practical.
If dropping in a required orientation is not practical an equivalent incline or horizontal test can be substituted for that orientation.
When using impact velocity, if any test in a Test Sequence is below the required minimum level, that sequence event must be repeated until the test impact velocity meets the minimum.
The table below indicates the steps to perform the Drop Shock Test.
| Step | Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the method(s) of test and the required drop height or impact velocity in the Before You Begin Block. | ||
| 2 |
Do you have a packaged-product with only 6 faces as identified in the Face,
Edge and Corner Identification Block?
• If Yes, continue with the next Step. • If No, then go to Step 6. |
||
| 3 | Test the packaged-product according to the method(s) and level(s) determined in Step 1. Follow the sequence in the table below. | ||
| 4 | Sequence # | Orientation | Specific face, edge or corner |
| blank | 1 | Corner | most fragile face-3 corner, if not known, test 2-3-5 |
| blank | 2 | Edge | shortest edge radiating from the corner tested |
| blank | 3 | Edge | next longest edge radiating from the corner tested |
| blank | 4 | Edge | longest edge radiating from the corner tested |
| blank | 5 | Face | one of the smallest faces |
| blank | 6 | Face | opposite small face |
| blank | 7 | Face | one of the medium faces |
| blank | 8 | Face | opposite medium face |
| blank | 9 | Face | one of the largest faces |
| blank | 10 | Face | opposite large face |
| 5 | All testing is now complete. Go to the Test Report Block. | ||
| 6 | Select a bottom face corner to replace the corner required in Step 4 Sequence 1 to begin the test. | ||
| 7 |
Identify the edges of the packaged-product that meet the Step 4 Sequence 2 through 4 requirements. |
||
| 8 | Select any 6 faces to replace the faces required in Step 4 Sequence 5 through 10. | ||
| 9 | Using the corner, edges and faces from Steps 6 through 8 go to Step 3 and proceed. | ||
| 10 | All testing is now complete. Go to the Test Report Block. | ||
The packaged-product has satisfactorily passed the test if, upon examination, it meets the Product Damage Tolerance and Package Degradation Allowance.
ISTA Certified Testing Laboratories:
• Should file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted.
• Shall file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted to obtain Transit Tested Package Certification or Acknowledgement.
For additional information, refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Projects and Procedures.
The ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark as shown is a:
• registered certification mark and
• can only be used by license agreement and
• by a member of the International Safe Transit Association.
When a member prints this certification mark on a packaged-product with their license number they are showing their customer and the carrier that it has passed the requirements of ISTA preshipment testing.
In order to maintain its certified status and eligibility for identification with the TRANSIT TESTED Certification Mark, each packaged-product must be re-tested whenever a change is made in the:
• Product or
• Process or
• Package.
Changes in the product include changes in:
• Design or
• Size or
• Materials.
Changes in the process include changes in:
• Manufacturing or
• Assembly or
• Filling.
Changes in the package include changes in:
• Configuration or
• Dimensions or
• Weight or
• Materials or
• Components.
As a quality control procedure, packaged-products should be re-tested frequently, for example, yearly.
The following information is required when completing the Certified Laboratory Test Report:
• Complete laboratory name and address
• Test Laboratory ID number
• Test Technician who performed the test
• Test Report submitted by: name and signature
• Manufacturer/Shipper company name and address
• Test requested by (individuals name)
• Manufacturer/Shipper ISTA License Number, if applicable and known
• Test conducted for company name and address
• Test requested by (individuals name)
• Relationship to the product manufacturer/shipper
• Test Procedure or Project performed
• Date tested
• Number of samples tested
• Number of replicate tests performed
• Test Number(s) assigned by test laboratory, if applicable
• Detailed description of the product under test, including model designation or other specific means of product identification that distinguishes it from any other product.
• Describe entire shipping unit
• Type or style of package
• List materials used inside the package, if applicable
• Pallet or skid, if applicable
• Picture or drawing of any interior cushioning, if applicable
• Method of closure, if applicable
• Gross weight of packaged-product
• External container size in inches (mm or m): Length x Width x Depth
(L x W x D)
• A picture should be included
• Definition of product damage tolerance
• Name of who determined definition of product damage tolerance
• Description of the method of determining product damage
• Definition of package degradation allowance
• Name of whom determined definition of package degradation allowance
• Description of the method of determining package degradation
The following information is specific to this test procedure and shall be reported with the required general information when completing the Certified Laboratory Test Report:
Report if the packaged-product(s):
• Passed or
• Failed
• Report which unit of measure was used, English or Metric.
• Report any deviations from the required test plan.
• Include an explanation as to why the test was conducted differently.
• As a result of the testing, report any recommendations for packaged-product improvement.
• Any general comments.
• Describe restraining device or devices used
• First test orientation
- Orientation of specimen tested
- Test frequency in Hz or CPM
• Second test orientation
• Report the degrees of rotation, if applicable:
- 90° or
- 180°
- Test frequency in Hz or CPM
• Test duration in minutes
• Number of vibratory impacts, and
• Results of visual inspection for damage, if applicable
Report the following:
• Orientation of each shock
• Severity of each shock recorded:
- For Drop Test as drop height in inches (mm)
- For free fall equivalent as velocity change in inches per second (m/s)
- For incline as impact velocity in inches per second (m/s)
- Horizontal equivalent as velocity change in inches per second (m/s)
Report if an incline or horizontal shock was substituted for any test orientation.
• Which orientation
• Which test method was used
- Free fall equivalent shock, incline or horizontal
• Explain the reason for the substitution for each orientation