Testing Standard:
ISTA 3F Packaged-Products for Distribution Center to Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less (Mixed Pallet Configuration)
Standard Number
ISTA 3F
Standard Title
Packaged-Products in Mixed Pallet Loads for Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less
Overview:
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 utilizes 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.
Rationale:
ISTA 3F – Packaged-Products in Mixed Pallet Loads for Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less. 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 encountered 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 3E 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
Related Testing Standards
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ISTA is revered as the certification standard for package testing for distribution. ISTA’s Testing Protocol remains a series of testing methodologies and standards well recognized within the packaging community.
A select few companies are authorized by PHMSA as an approved third-party packaging testing laboratory in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations, critical to ensuring safe transport of dangerous goods.
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