ISTA Procedure 1B Packaged Products 150 lb or More

ISTA 1B – Packaged-Products Over 150 lb (68 kg). 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.  The test categories for this procedure are very similar to the test categories for ISTA Procedure 1A. The tests shall be performed using atmospheric preconditioning, vibration, and shock. 

For the vibration system, a vertical linear motion is acceptable. A tachometer is suitable for determining vibration frequency in cycles per second or minute. There is an automatic timer or stopwatch. 

For the shock tests, the types can vary, and include but are not limited to: the drop test, the vertical shock test, the alternative incline test, the alternative horizontal test, and the rotational test. 

Pre-conditioning of the packaged product needs to happen before the test procedure can actually begin. This is the first step and essentially means that the packaged product should be stored at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity for 12 hours prior to testing. The temperature and humidity are then taken and recorded when the testing begins. At the end of the testing, the temperature and humidity are also taken and recorded. After the initial temperature is recorded, the vibration testing can begin by placing the packaged product on the vibration table. The packaged product is going to need to be firmly placed on the platform so it does not fall loose. After the vibration testing, comes the shock testing which is usually known as drop or impact testing. Then another round of vibration testing comes, shock impact and rotational edge drop. And lastly, the data is recorded and analyzed. Not to mention the ISTA test itself is reported to the International Safe Transit Association in order for the testing to be complete. Purple Diamond is proud to be an ISTA Certified Testing Laboratory. In order to obtain an initial certification of a packaged-product, the product manufacturer must be a shipper member of ISTA and in good standing. As a general rule of thumb, mainly as part of quality control, packaged products should be re-tested frequently, sometimes yearly. 

This procedure is also a huge part of the testing processes and comprehensive package testing plans that Purple Diamond offers. This test method is especially important if number one your load is over 150 pounds, and number two if you are looking to see the performance of your packaged-product in action. It is important to determine the performance especially if this is just one sample of many. You do not want a product to go un-tested and end up on the mass market, being produced for thousands of folks, with potential damages. Un-seen or un-tested damages may lead to extremely high costs and product loss in the long run. If you are interested at all in having your packaged product tested, it is imperative that you reach out. We will help you and consult you along the process of package testing, and if need be, design and engineering.