Testing Standard:
ISTA 3F Packaged-Products for Distribution Center to Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less (Mixed Pallet Configuration) ie. ISTA 3F Packaged Products
Standard Number
ISTA 3F
Standard Title
Packaged-Products in Mixed Pallet Loads for Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less
Overview for ISTA 3F Packaged Products:
ISTA 3F is a general simulation test for a mixed pallet configuration that may be shipped as an individual package from a distribution center (DC) to a retail outlet. This procedure uses general simulation of actual transport hazards by Less-Than-Truckloads (LTL) that include unitized loads made up of mixed packaged-products. Purple Diamond Testing offers ISTA 3F Testing as part of our packaging distribution testing services.
The procedure involves the following steps:
1. Selection of test samples: The packaged products to be tested are selected based on the relevant distribution environment and the intended retail market.
2. Equipment setup: The test equipment is set up based on the type of distribution environment to be simulated. This may involve setting up a truck or a pallet on a vibration table or a mechanical shaker.
3. Test conditions: The packaged products are subjected to various distribution hazards, such as vibrations, shocks, drops, and temperature and humidity cycles.
4. Data collection: During the test, various data points such as vibration intensity, impact, temperature, and humidity are collected to evaluate the package’s performance.
5. Data analysis: The collected data is analyzed to determine if the package meets the required performance criteria.
6. Report preparation: A detailed report is prepared outlining the test procedure, results, and conclusions.
By following the ISTA 3F, manufacturers can ensure that their packaged products can withstand the rigors of distribution and arrive at retail stores in good condition.
Rationale for ISTA 3F Packaged Products:
ISTA 3F can be used to evaluate the protective performance of a mixed pallet configuration related to thermal conditions, compression, shocks, random vibration, and other stressors normally met from a distribution center (DC) to a retail outlet. The procedure is used to create general simulation hazards in a regulated laboratory environment that is repeatable. Related keywords: ista 3f testing
Key Points:
- ISTA 3F evaluates the performance of packaged-products in a mixed pallet load for retail outlet shipments
- ISTA 3F provides a guide to evaluate packaging-systems in a regulated laboratory environment
- ISTA 3F challenges the package and products capability to withstand general transport hazards from a distribution center (DC) to a retail facility
- Consider ISTA Procedure 3F if the unitized load is made up of the same packaged-products
Related Standards:
- ASTM D642 – Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
- ASTM D4332 – Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or PAckaging Components for Testing
- ASTM D4728 – Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
- ASTM D5276 – Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
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The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
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