Testing Standard:
Standard Number
ASTM D3103
Standard Title
Test Method for Thermal Insulation Performance of Distribution Packages
Overview for ASTM D3103:
According to https://www.document-center.com/standards/show/ASTM-D3103, “1.1Â This test method covers the determination of the thermal insulation quality of a package and the thermal stability of its contents when exposed to variable ambient temperature conditions. It is suitable for testing packages with various internal energy sources with or without product payloads.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 5.3.
1.3Â This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Significance and Use
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4.1Â This test method is intended for use for evaluating the performance of thermal insulated packaging used for high-value, high-risk materials. This test method may also be used for any product that requires accurate internal package temperature readings while being exposed to a range of external air temperatures.
4.2Â Certain items, such as biological materials, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and blood products, must be shipped inside temperature-controlled packages. Factors affecting the rate of heat transfer of the package include the insulation of the exterior package, the energy source, and the product payload.
4.3 Because of the variety of factors affecting the performance of a thermally insulated package, testing should be conducted with the actual package whenever possible. When simulated packages are used, special care must be exercised so that the simulated payload and coolant will be as close as possible to the actual packages in temperature and other relevant physical properties.”
Rationale for ASTM D3103:
Key Points:
- Instills confidence in design when shipping high risk products
- Optimize costs by mitigating damages accrued through transit
- Validates material selection during box design
- Verifies the physical performance of materials used to maintain an internal temperature range over a specific range of time
Related Standards:
- ISO 22982-2 – Transport Packaging – Temperature Controlled Transport Packages for Parcel Shipping – Part 2: General Specifications of Testing
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Related Testing Standards
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
Accreditations
Affiliations

- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039