1、 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 s
2、upported 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 publi
3、cation 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
4、 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 t
5、o 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 sho
6、uld 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 al
7、so 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
8、 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 shoul
9、d 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
10、 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 sy
11、stems 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
12、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
13、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 cov
14、ered. 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 sho
15、uld 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
16、 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
17、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 el
18、igible 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 dete
19、rmine 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 p
20、ackage 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 perfor
21、mance 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 re
22、present 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
23、 test sample in the sequence indicated in the following table: Sequence # Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification 1 Vibration Fixed 1 in. (25 mm) peak to peak at a Required Displacement frequency to be determined 2 Shock Drop Height varies with packaged-product weight Required 2 Sh
24、ock 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 Vibration Equipment required for the Fixed Displacement Vibration Test: Vibration Test
25、 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 leng
26、th. 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
27、the apparatus section of ASTM. Procedure Identification of Faces, Edges and Corners 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 shippin
28、g 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,
29、 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 manufacurers joint connecting a side and an end face? If Yes, continue to next Step. If No, then go to Ste
30、p 8. 7 Turn the packaged-product so that you are looking directly at a face with the manufacturers joint on the observers 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 formin
31、g 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 Bloc
32、k. Packaged-Product Weight and Size Measurement 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). Before You Begin Vibration Testing Caution: A restraining device or dev
33、ices 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. For Fixed Displacement Vibration:
34、 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 (H
35、z) 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 Vibration Test The table below indicates the steps to perform a Fixed
36、 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 machines lowest frequency. 3 Maintain a fixed displacement at 1 inch (25 mm) and s
37、lowly 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 p
38、ackaged-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
39、 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
40、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 t
41、he 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
42、-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
43、 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. Before You Begin Shock Testing The test drop height varies with the weight of the packaged-product. Find the weight of the packaged-product
44、 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
45、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
46、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 i
47、mpact velocity meets the minimum. Shock Test 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 identifi
48、ed 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 corne
49、r 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
