Testing Standard:
ISTA 1A Integrity Testing for Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less (ISTA Procedure 1A Packaged Products 150 lb or Less)
Standard Number
ISTA 1A
Standard Title
Packaged-Products 150 lb (68 kg) or Less
Overview for ISTA Procedure 1A Packaged Products 150 lb or Less:
ISTA Procedure 1A Packaged Products 150 lb. or Less is a basic procedure of non-simulation integrity performance test. This procedure could be used as a starting point for comparing various package design types. Purple Diamond Testing offers ISTA 1A Testing as part of our packaging distribution testing services. When we apply this test method, our whole goal is to challenge the integrity of a package during transit by simulating the hazards it will experience during the shipping process.Â
The procedure:Â
1. Start by selecting the product to be tested according to the type of package it comes in.
2. Check the label for any specific test requirements or instructions.
3. Prepare a sample of the product by taking a representative sample from the package.
4. Weigh the sample using a calibrated balance or scale.
5. Place the sample in a suitable container and seal it according to instructions.
6. Label the container with the product name, weight, date, and any other relevant information.
7. Place the container in a conditioned environment, such as a freezer, refrigerator, or room temperature.
8. After the desired conditioning period, remove the sample from the conditioned environment and inspect it for any changes in appearance, texture, or flavor.
9. Perform any required tests, such as moisture content, pH, water activity, or microbial testing, according to established procedures.
10. Record all results and observations on a data sheet or computer-based software program.
11. Analyze the data and compare it to established standards or specifications.
12. Take appropriate action based on the results, such as adjusting the product formulation, packaging, or storage conditions.
13. Maintain documentation of all testing procedures, results, and corrective actions taken.
We do not supply ACTUAL transport of actual packaged products; we supply the simulations and data of the likelihood that a packaged product will or will not fail on the market. Purple Diamond engineers supply an overview of each test, what is expected, and what is needed, about your problem. We will find a solution for you, judging by what the testing data tells us. In testing, we will supply specific instructions on how it is done here on-site in the laboratory. The final report will show the testing data. Purple Diamond engineers analyze the data for you and make recommendations accordingly.Â
We recommend inquiring on our contact page if this is a service that you are even in the least bit interested in for your packaged products. We will start with a complimentary consultation to see if we are a fit for each other. From there we will agree to terms and hopefully receive a sample of a packaged product from you to begin this type of testing. Please visit the contact us page to book a consultation, via phone call or via facility tour here on-site. We appreciate you ending up on our website and reading our content about information about the International Safe Transit Association Testing Standards. It is important that all those we deal with work with integrity and the utmost professionalism when it comes to making sure their products are entering the market in the most safe and efficient way possible.Â
Rationale for ISTA Procedure 1A Packaged Products 150 lb or Less:
ISTA 1A – Packaged-Products 150 lb. (68 kg) or Less. Can be used to compare relative performance of package and product design variations. The procedure is used to create harsh worst-case hazards in a laboratory environment while comparing multiple design variation packaging systems.
Before shipping, the person with the packaged product must know what has been contributing to product damage, if any, what is the allowable amount of damage? We will need to know what is considered acceptable as a finished product on the market. For example, after this test, some packaged product samples have slight dents on one or two sides. We will decide if this type of package integrity defect is OK, or if it will ultimately lead to an entire product line fail. Some of the test categories Purple Diamond engineers will use include atmospheric preconditioning, vibration, and shock. The types of shock tests used for this procedure include the drop test, the vertical shock test, the alternative incline test, and the alternative horizontal test.Â
It is important to note that if the packages have already been subject to rigorous testing, they must be re-packaged with the proper packaging before they enter the market, even if all package testing passed. Initially, it is a clever idea to essentially over-package the packaged product for shipment to the laboratory. Anywhere from one sample to hundreds of samples are generally expected. If you would like a packaged product of yours to be evaluated or re-tested, please reach out to us via the contact page fill out form as mentioned. Do not hesitate to book a facility tour.Â
Key Points:
- Evaluates the performance of a packaged-product
- Provides a guide to evaluate packaging systems in the laboratory environment
- Consider ISTA 1G to use random vibration in place of fixed displacement vibration
- Consider the package and the product together
- Can be used to compare relative product designs
Related Standards:
- ASTM D880 – Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems
- ASTM D999 – Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
- ASTM D5276 – Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
- ASTM D5487 – Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
At Purple Diamond, we offer a free consultation or a guided tour of our facilities. If you’re nearby, feel free to drop by and see our packaging and team. Consultations can be done over the phone or on zoom, so choose what suits you best. To get in touch, go to our Contact Us page and fill out the form or book an appointment using the calendar below. Our goal is to assist you in any way possible, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our website contact form is located at www.purple-diamond.com/contact-us, but we promise to get back to you soon, no matter which method of communication you choose. Thank you so much for reading down this far and thank you for considering Purple Diamond as your dedicated testing, engineering, and design facility for all of your packaging needs.
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