Testing Standard:
ISTA 3F Packaged-Products for Distribution Center to Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less (Mixed Pallet Configuration) ie. ISTA Procedure 3F Packaged Products
Standard Number
ISTA 3F
Standard Title
Packaged-Products in Mixed Pallet Loads for Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or LessÂ
Overview for ISTA Procedure 3F Packaged Products:
ISTA Procedure 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.Â
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.Â
3. Test conditions: The packaged products are subjected to various distribution hazards, such as vibrations, shocks, drops, and temperature and humidity cycles.Â
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.Â
5. Data analysis: The collected data is analyzed to determine if the package meets the required performance criteria.Â
6. Report preparation: A detailed report is prepared outlining the test procedure, results, and conclusions.Â
By following the ISTA Procedure 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 Procedure 3F Packaged Products:
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.
Key Points:
- Evaluates the performance of packaged-products in a mixed pallet load for retail outlet shipments
- Provides a guide to evaluate packaging-systems in a regulated laboratory environment
- 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
As always, Purple Diamond offers you the ability to either schedule an initial consultation, complimentary, OR you can book a facility tour and come on in and visit. Definitely feel free to stop in to the lab if you are close to the Lehigh Valley. The packaging and whole Purple Diamond team is here to assist you anyway that we can. The initial consultation can be either a phone call or a zoom call, whatever is more convenient for you. Reach out via the Contact Us page by either filling out the contact us form OR booking some time on the calendar below the contact form. Either way we will get back to you! 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
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Accreditations
Affiliations
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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).
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.Â
