ISTA 1G testing is a basic non-simulation package integrity performance test used to evaluate the performance of packaged products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or less. The test protocol involves subjecting the package to various transport hazards that it is likely to encounter during normal shipping and handling, such as vibration and shocks.
The purpose of ISTA 1G testing is to ensure that your packaging can protect the product from damage throughout its journey. By simulating the various stresses and strains that the packaging and the product undergo, testing helps to identify any weaknesses in the packaging design or construction.
Purple Diamond Testing offers ISTA 1G Testing as part of our packaging distribution testing services.
ISTA 1G compares relative performance of package and product design variations using random vibration and shock tests (drop or incline impact). The procedure is creates harsh, worst-case hazards in a laboratory environment while comparing multiple design variation packaging systems.
Upon completion of the testing, the packaging is evaluated based on a set of criteria that includes the level of damage to the package, the integrity of the contents, and the ability of the package to protect the contents under the specified testing conditions. A passing score means that the packaging is able to withstand the stresses of shipping and handling and provide adequate protection to the product.
Interested in ISTA 1G testing? Contact us for a free quote!
| Test Category | Test Type | Test Level | For ISTA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Preconditioning | Temperature and Humidity | Ambient | Required |
| Vibration | Random | Overall Grms level of 1.15 | Required |
| Shock | Drop | Height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| Incline Impact | Impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight | - | |
| Horizontal Impact | Impact Velocity varies with packaged-product weight | - |
Packaged products weighing 150 lbs or less, such as consumer goods, electronics, or medical devices, are typically tested under ISTA 1G
A minimum of one sample is required for testing. However, ISTA recommends testing at least 5 samples for enhanced accuracy.
ISTA 1G uses random vibration, while ISTA 1A uses fixed displacement vibration.
Random vibration mimics the unpredictable nature of real-world transportation environments, such as trucks, trains, or airplanes. It uses multiple frequencies at the same time, allowing for simultaneous stimulation.
Fixed displacement vibration uses a single frequency with a fixed displacement amplitude so that the item “bounces.” As a result, it is more controlled than random vibration.
Purple Diamond is an ISTA-certified testing lab that is also ISO 17025 accredited. Our team of experts will help you optimize your packaging, prevent distribution damage, and enhance your customer experience with innovative testing solutions and data-driven analysis. If you’re looking for ISTA testing, ASTM testing, or even package engineering, design, and consulting, request a quote from our team.
Whether you’re looking for a team of experts to engineer your new packaging product for optimal sustainability, or seeking a team who can ensure your products stay safe and secure during transport, Purple Diamond can help.
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© 2025 Purple Diamond
