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Overview

Preface

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.

Scope

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.

Product Damage Tolerance and Degradation Allowance

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

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.

Test Sequence

The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following table:

Equipment Required Vibration

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 AS™ 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.

Equipment Required for Shock Test

The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Shock Test:

*In compliance with the apparatus section of AS™.