Home Appendix A Package Testing ISTA Test Procedure 1A Introduction International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 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. Preshipment Testing 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. Very Important ISTA 1 Series Integrity Test Procedure 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. 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