Ista 2a 08-09

ISTA 2A 2008 - Page 1of 16
2009 International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.

Pac k aged-Pr oduc t s 150 l b (68 k g) or Less

2A
2
0
0
8
ISTA, Distributing Confidence, Worldwide
ISTA 2 Series tests are a combination of basic test elements from ISTA 1 Series (Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Testing)
andadvanced test elements from ISTA 3 Series (General Simulation Performance Testing).
They challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, but
They only simulate some actual transport hazards, and
They do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
When properly applied, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:
Shortened packaged development time and confidence in product launch
Protection of products and profits with reduced damage and product loss
Economically balanced distribution costs
Customer satisfaction and continued business.
There are three sections: Overview, Testing and Report
Overviewprovides the general knowledge required before going into the testing laboratory and
Testing presents the specific instructions to do the testing in the laboratory and
Reportindicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report to ISTA.
Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures. They are the English system (Inch-Pound) and the
international system SI (Metric). Inch-Pound units are shown first with Metric units in brackets, except in some tables where they
are shown separately.
Either system may be used as the unit of measure (standard units), but
The standard units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.
Units are converted to two significant figures and
Not exact equivalents.

VERY IMPORTANT:
The entire document shall be read and understood before proceeding with a test.

OVERVIEWOF PROCEDURE 2A

Test Procedure 2A is a partial simulation test for individual packaged-products.
It can be used to evaluate the performance of a packaged-product.
It can be used to compare relative performance of package and product design alternatives.
It should be considered for the evaluation of packaged-products intended for international distribution.
The package and product are considered together and not separately.
Some conditions of transit, such as moisture, pressure or unusual handling, may not be covered.

Other ISTA Procedures may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.

Specific suggestions:
For packaged-products that may be transported in a small parcel delivery system consider ISTA General Simulation
Performance Test Procedure 3A.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects for additional information.

ISTA 2 Series
Partial
Simulation
Performance
Test
Procedure

VERSION
DATE
Last
TECHNICAL
Change:
JANUARY
2008

Last
EDITORIAL
Change:
JANUARY
2009

For complete
listing of
Procedure
Changes and
Version Dates
go to
www.ista.org

Preface

2A OVERVIEWOF PROCEDURE 2A

Test Procedure 2A covers testing of individual packaged-products weighing 150 lb (68kg) or less when prepared for shipment.

EXCEPTION:
Individual packaged-products on a visible skid or pallet and that weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg) may be tested according to Test
Procedure 2B or 3E.

The shipper shall determine the following prior to testing:
what constitutes damage to the product and
what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test and
the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.

NOTE:
When conducting the Compression Test:
box failure that could result in a stacking failure is considered a failed test, if
the packaged-product may be warehoused in a stack for more than 24 hours during distribution.
box failure is allowed if the packaged-product provided is not stacked for more than 24 hours, and
at the conclusion of all testing, the product is not damaged according the Product Damage Tolerance established and
the package still meets the acceptable package condition, both of which are determined above.

For additional information on this determination process refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects.

Samples should be the untested actual package and product, but if one or both are not available, the substitutes shall be as
identical as possible to actual items.

Number of samples required:
One sample is required for the tests in this procedure.

Replicate Testing Recommended:
To permit an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged-product, ISTA:
Requires the procedure to be performed one time, but
Recommends performing the procedure five or more times using new samples with each test.

NOTE:
Packages that have already been subjected to the rigors of transportation cannot be assumed to represent standard conditions. In
order to insure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to certified laboratories for testing must be:
over-packaged for shipment to the laboratory or
repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.

Scope

Product Damage
Tolerance and
Degradation
Allowance

Samples

2A OVERVIEWOF PROCEDURE 2A

The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following table:

Sequence # Test Category Test Type Test Level For ISTA Certification
1 Atmospheric
Preconditioning
Temperature and Humidity Ambient Required
2 Atmospheric
Conditioning
Controlled Temperature and
Humidity
Temperature and Humidity
chosen from chart
Required
Machine Apply and Release Calculated Test Force x
1.4
Machine Apply and Hold Calculated Test Force
3 Compression
(Alternative methods
allowed select one
test type)
Weight and Load Spreader Calculated Test Load
Required
Fixed Displacement 1 in (25mm) peak to peak
at a frequency to be
determined
4 Vibration
allowed select one
test type)
Random Overall Grms level of 1.15
Required
Drop Height varies with
packaged-product weight
Incline Impact (Conbur) Impact Velocity varies with
5 Shock
allowed select one
test type)
Horizontal Impact Impact Velocity varies with
Required
Fixed Displacement 1 in (25mm) peak to peak
at a frequency to be
determined
6 Vibration
allowed select one
test type)
Random Overall Grms level of 1.15
Required

* Note: It is permissible to use either the same method of vibration or different methods of vibration in Sequences #4 and
#6. Both Sequences may use Fixed Displacement vibration, both may use Random vibration, or one may use Fixed
Displacement and the other Random. The Test Report should clearly document which type of vibration was used for each
Sequence number.

Test Sequence

2A EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 2A

Atmospheric Conditioning:
Chamber and Control apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.
Humidity recording apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.
Temperature recording apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332.

The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Compression Test:

Type of Compression Test Equipment In compliance with the apparatus section of:
Apply and Release Test Compression test system
Apply and Hold Test Compression test system
ASTM D 642
Fixed-Platen Testing Machine requirements
Apply and Hold Test Weight and load spreader NA

The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Vibration Test:

Fixed Displacement Vibration Test:
Vibration Test System with a 1 in (25 mm) fixed or controlled displacement complying with Method A1 or A2 of the apparatus
section of ASTM D 999.
Rotary or vertical linear motion of the platform is acceptable.
Metal shim 0.06 in (1.5 mm), thick approximately 2 in (50 mm) wide and at a convenient length.
Tachometer or suitable indicator for determining vibration frequency in cycles per second (Hz) or cycles per minute (CPM).
Automatic timer or stopwatch.

RandomVibration Test:
Random Vibration Test System complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4728.

The following alternatives are acceptable for the equipment required for the Shock Test:

Type of Shock Test Equipment In compliance with the apparatus section of:
Drop Test Free fall drop tester ASTM D 5276
Vertical Shock Test Shock test machine ASTM D 5487
Alternative Incline Test Incline impact tester (conbur) ASTM D 880
Alternative Horizontal Test Horizontal impact test system ASTM D 4003

Equipment
Required
Atmospheric
Conditioning

Equipment
Required
Compression

Equipment
Required
Vibration

Equipment
Required
Shock

2A BEFORE YOU BEGIN PROCEDURE 2A

Prior to beginning the tests identify the faces, edges and corners according to the procedure below.

Step Action
1 Place the packaged-product in its intended shipping position as determined by shipper. If the shipping
position can be variable, place the packaged-product so that the primary shipping label location is on the
top face.
2 Does the packaged-product have only six faces (2 sides, 2 ends, top and bottom)?
If Yes, then go to Step 5.
If No, continue to next Step.
3 Develop a method to identify each face, edge and corner and document with a diagram.
4 Go to next page for further Before You Begin details.
5 Is the package a corrugated container?
If Yes, continue to next Step.
If No, then go to Step 8.
6 Does the package have a manufacturer's joint connecting a side and an end face?
If Yes, continue to next Step.
7 Turn the packaged-product so that you are looking directly at a face with the manufacturers joint on the
observers right and go to Step 9.
8 Position one of the smallest width faces of the packaged-product directly in front of you.
9 Identify faces according to the diagram below.
1 6

2
4

5 Manufacturers Joint

3

10 Identify edges using the numbers of the two faces forming that edge.
Example: Edge 1-2 is the edge formed by face 1 and face 2 of the packaged-product.
11 Identify corners using the numbers of the three faces that meet to form that corner.
Example: Corner 2-3-5 is the corner formed by face 2, face 3, and face 5 of the packaged-product.
12 Go to next page for further Before You Begin details.
Corner 2-3-5
Edge 1-2
Identification
of Faces,
Edges and
Corners


You shall know the packaged-products:
gross weight in pounds (kg), and
outside dimensions of Length, Width and Height (L x W x H) in inches (mm or m)

Required Preconditioning:
The packaged-product should be stored prior to climate conditioning at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity for six (6)
hours.

Required Conditioning(to be performed after the required preconditioning):
To permit an adequate determination of packaged-product performance at anticipated atmospheric limits and where it is known
that the atmospheric extremes are detrimental to the product, ISTA:
Requires the highest temperature and humidity limits of the product be used, but
Recommends that both the highest and lowest atmospheric conditions be used.

Condition packaged-products according to one or more of the conditions listed in the table below.
Remaining test requirements should be performed as soon as possible after removing the packaged-product from
environmental conditioning apparatus.
If more than one conditioning sequence is selected, a new and complete test should be performed following each sequence.

Anticipated Conditions Time in Hours Temperature in C 2C (F 4F) Humidity in %
Extreme Cold,
Uncontrolled RH
72 -29C (-20F) uncontrolled RH
Cold, Humid 72 5C (40F) 85% RH 5%
Controlled Conditions 72 23C (73F) 50% RH 5%
Hot, Humid 72 38C (100F) 85% RH 5%
Hot, Humid
then
Extreme Heat, Moderate
RH:
72
then
6
38C (100F)
then
60C (140F)
85% RH 5%
then
30% RH 5%
Elevated Temperature,
Uncontrolled RH
72 50C (120F) uncontrolled RH
Extreme Heat, Dry 72 60C (140F) 15% RH +/- 5%
Severe Cold,
Uncontrolled RH
72 -18C (0F) uncontrolled RH
User Defined High Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions
User Defined Low Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions
User Defined Cycle 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions

Packaged-
Product
Weight and
Size
Measurement

Before You
Begin
Atmospheric
Conditioning


CAUTION:
When using weights and a load spreader use extreme care to prevent injury.
Familiarity with the following formula is required:

Compression Test System Test Force English Units - Pounds Force (lbf) Metric Units - Newtons(N)
Apply and Release Test Force AR [Wt x (S - 1) x F] x 1.4 [Wt x (S- 1) x F x 9.8] x 1.4
Apply and Hold Test Force AH Wt x (S - 1) x F Wt x (S- 1) x F x 9.8
Weight &Load Spreader Test Load English Units Pounds (lb) Metric Units Kilograms (kg)
Dead Weight AH Test Load DW-AH Wt x (S - 1) x F Wt x (S- 1) x F
Where
AR Test Load for Apply and Release Pounds Force (lbf) Newtons
AH Test Load for Apply and Hold -Machine Pounds Force (lbf) Newtons
DW-AH Test Load for Apply and Hold -Dead Weight Pounds (lb) Kilograms (kg)
Wt Total weight of the packaged-product Pounds Kilograms
S Total number of packaged-products in a stack

NOTE: If nothing is stacked on the packaged-product,
then the S value = 1 (one), the test load or force = 0
(zero) and no compression test is required.

See below if you do not know the number of
packaged-products that may be in a stack.

1 Represents the bottom container in a Stack 1 1
F Compensating factor Typical range 3-6, ISTA recommends a
minimum of 5 if the packaged-product may
be warehoused in a stack for more than 24
hours during distribution; otherwise a
minimum of 4 is recommended.*
1.4 Compensating Factor for time of compression 1.4 1.4
9.8 Metric conversion factor (Kilograms to Newtons) NA 9.8

* Compensating factors account for effects not tested, such as temperature/humidity, stacking patterns, long-duration loading, etc.
Other factors may be used in certain situations. For example, if compression testing is performed in conjunction with atmospheric
conditioning which reduces container strength (e.g. corrugated containers under high humidity, plastic containers under high
temperature), Compensating Factors may be reduced. If the ISTA recommendations above are not followed, sufficient justification
must be included in the Test Report.

If you do not knowthe number of packaged-products that may be in a stack (S), determine the number to use by
performing the appropriate action as indicated below:

Step Action
1 Will the packaged-product be stacked for more than 24 hours during distribution?
For example: in a warehouse or cross docking
If Yes, then go to the next Step.
2 Divide 270 in (6.9 m) by the height of one packaged-product in inches (m). Round the value calculated
up to a whole number and use the number just determined as S in the appropriate formula above.
H . in 270 S = (Metric: H m 9 . 6 S = )
3 Divide 90 inches (2.3 m) by the height of one packaged-product in inches (m). Round the value
calculated up to a whole number and use the number just determined as S in the appropriate formula
above.
H . in 90 S = (Metric: H m 3 . 2 S = )

Before You
Begin
Compression
Testing


CAUTION:
A restraining device or devices shall be used with the vibration test system to:
Prevent the test specimen from moving off the platform and
Maintain test orientation of the packaged-product, but
The device or devices shall not restrict the vertical motion of the test specimen during the test.

Select Fixed Displacement Vibration or RandomVibration as a test method.

For Fixed Displacement Vibration:
Familiarity with the following formula is required to calculate the test duration after the frequency required to bounce the packaged-
product is determined in the Vibration Test Block:

14, 200 Vibratory Impacts
Test Duration in Minutes =
Cycles Per Minute (CPM) or [Cycles Per Second (Hz) x 60]
NOTE:
The test duration for the Second Vibration Test Block may be different from that calculated for the First Vibration Test Block
because the frequency required to bounce the packaged-product in the Second Vibration Test Block may be different.

The chart below shows exampleTest Durations calculated for several frequencies:

CPM Hz Test Duration in Minutes
150 2.5 95
180 3.0 79
210 3.5 68
240 4.0 60
270 4.5 53
300 5.0 48

For RandomVibration:
The following breakpoints shall be programmed into the vibration controller to produce the acceleration versus frequency profile
(spectrum) below with an overall Grms level of 1.15. The theoretical stroke required to run this vibration profile is 22.45 mm (0.884
in) peak to peak.
Frequency (Hz) PSD Level, g
2
/Hz
1.0 0.0001
4.0 0.01
100.0 0.01
200.0 0.001

Before You
Begin
Vibration
Testing

Random Vi brati on Spectr um
0.0001
0.001
0.01
0.1
1 10 100 1000
Fr equen cy, Hz
P
S
D
,

g
2
/
H
z


The test drop height varies with the weight of the packaged-product. Find the weight of the packaged-product in the following chart
to determine a drop height or an equivalent impact or velocity change to be used for a substituted drop:

Packaged-Product Weight Drop Height

Impact Velocity
Equal to or greater than But Less than Free Fall Incline or Horizontal
lb kg lb kg In mm ft/s m/s
0 0 21 10 38 970 14 4.4
21 10 41 19 32 810 13 4.0
41 19 61 28 26 660 12 3.6
61 28 100 45 20 510 10 3.2
100 45 150 68 12 310 8 2.5

The test method requires the packaged-product to be dropped in several different package orientations.
A drop test must be performed in all required orientations where dropping the packaged-product is practical.
If dropping in a required orientation is not practical an equivalent incline or horizontal test can be substituted for that
orientation.
When using impact velocity or velocity change, if any velocity in a Test Sequence is below the required minimum level,
that sequence event must be repeated until the test velocity meets the minimum.

Before You
Begin
Shock
Testing

2A TEST SEQUENCE FOR PROCEDURE 2A

The test blocks that follow contain tables that indicate the required steps for each test in the procedure.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Step Action
1 The packaged-product should be stored prior to climate conditioning at laboratory ambient temperature
and humidity for six (6) hours.
2 Select an anticipated condition from the Before You Begin Block.
3 Check the conditioning apparatus to insure that the temperature and humidity are at the required levels.
4 Place the packaged-product in the conditioning.
5 At the completion of the required conditioning time period remove the packaged-product from the
conditioning apparatus.
6 Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when testing starts. Go to TEST BLOCK 2
(Compression) and perform the remaining test sequences as quickly as possible.

COMPRESSION
Step Action
Testing is to be conducted using the test force or load from Before You Begin Compression Testing and
by performing the appropriate action as indicated in the table below:
IF the testing equipment to be used is a THEN go to
Compression Test System Step 2.
1
Weight and load spreader Step 7.
2 Center the packaged-product with face 3 resting on the lower platen of the compression tester.
3 Start the test machine and bring the platens together at the rate of one-half (0.5) in (13 mm) per minute.
Perform the appropriate action as indicated in the table below:
IF the compression test is a THEN
Apply and Release Test Increase the force until it reaches the AR Test Force
value determined in Before You Begin Compression
Testing, then go to Step 5.
4
Apply and Hold Test Increase the force until it reaches the AH Test Force
value determined in Before You Begin Compression
Testing, then go to Step 6.
5 Release the force. Go to Step 11.
6 Maintain the force for one (1) hour, and then release the force. Go to Step 11.
7 Place the packaged-product with face 3 resting on a smooth, flat, rigid surface.
8 Place a rigid load spreader that is larger than the top face of the test specimen on the packaged-product.
9 Add weight to the load spreader to bring the total weight up to the DW-AH Test Load determined in
Before You Begin Compression Testing and maintain for one (1) hour.
10 Remove the weight and load spreader.
11 Is the product damaged or the package degraded according to the Product Damage Tolerance and
Package degradation Allowance?
If Yes, then the packaged-product has failed the test, go to the Reporting an ISTA Test section at
the end of this Procedure.
If No, then go to TEST BLOCK 3 (Vibration).
TEST BLOCK 1
Atmospheric
Conditioning

TEST BLOCK 2
Compression


VIBRATION - FIXED DISPLACEMENT
Step Action
Determine if testing is going to be Fixed Displacement or Random Vibration.
IF Vibration testing is going to be THEN go to
Fixed Displacement Step 2.
1
Random TEST BLOCK 4 (Vibration Random)
2 Put the packaged-product on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the platform.
3 Start the vibration system to vibrate at 1 in (25 mm) total displacement at the machines lowest
frequency.
4 Maintain a fixed displacement at 1 in (25 mm) and slowly increase the frequency (speed) of the vibration
table until the packaged-product begins to momentarily leave the surface of the platform.
5 Hold the vibration frequency to that determined in Step 4.
6 Can a metal shim be intermittently moved between the bottom of the longest dimension of the packaged-
product and the surface of the platform?
If Yes, hold that frequency and then continue to next Step.
If No, then increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 6 is met and hold that vibration
frequency.
7 Determine the test duration in minutes using the formula indicated in Before You Begin Vibration testing
and the CPM or Hz frequency identified in Step 6.
8 Begin vibration duration.
9 Are you using a vertical linear motion on the vibration system?
If No, then continue with the next Step.
Stop the vibration test half way through the vibration duration and perform the appropriate action as
indicated in the table below:
IF a single 90horizontal rotation is THEN performa horizontal rotation of
Possible 90 as the specimen rests on the platform.

10
Not practical because of the size of the
packaged-product or the stability of the
packaged-product.
180 as the specimen rests on the platform.
11 Start the vibration system and continue the vibration test at the frequency used in Step 8.
If Yes, then continue to next Step.
If No, then slowly increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 12 is met.
13 Complete vibration duration.
14 Vibration testing is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 5 (Shock).

TEST BLOCK 3
Vibration:
First
Sequence
(Fixed
Displacement)


VIBRATION - RANDOM
STEP ACTION
TESTING
ORIENTATION
VIBRATION
DURATION
1 Put the packaged-product on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the
platform.
2 Start the vibration system to produce the random vibration spectrum
indicated in Before You Begin Vibration Testing.
3 Stop the vibration system after the completion of 30 minutes. Invert the
packaged-product so that face 1 (top) rests on the platform.
Face 3 on table
surface
30 minutes
4 Begin the vibration duration for this orientation.
5 Stop the vibration system after the completion of 10 minutes. Place the
packaged-product so that either face 2 or 4 rests on the platform.
Face 1 on table
surface
10 minutes
Face 2 or 4 on
table surface
10 minutes
Face 5 or 6 on
table surface
10 minutes
9
Stop the vibration testing at the end of 10 minutes.
10
Vibration testing is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 5 (Shock).

TEST BLOCK 4
Vibration:
First
Sequence
(Random)


SHOCK - DROP
Step Action
1 Determine the method(s) of test and the required drop height or impact velocity in Before You Begin Shock
Testing.
2 Do you have a packaged-product with only 6 faces as identified in the Face, Edge and Corner Identification
Block?
If Yes, continue with the next Step.
3 Test the packaged-product according to the method and level determined in Step 1. Follow the sequence
in the table below.
Sequence # Orientation Specific face, edge or corner
1 Corner most fragile face-3 corner, if not known, test 2-3-5
2 Edge shortest edge radiating from the corner tested
3 Edge next longest edge radiating from the corner tested
4 Edge longest edge radiating from the corner tested
5 Face one of the smallest faces
6 Face opposite small face
7 Face one of the medium faces
8 Face opposite medium face
9 Face one of the largest faces
4
10 Face opposite large face
5 Shock testing is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 6 (Vibration Fixed Displacement) or TEST BLOCK 7
(Vibration Random).
6 Select a bottom face corner to replace the corner required in Step 4 Sequence 1 to begin the test.
7 Identify the edges of the packaged-product that meet the Step 4 Sequence 2 and 3 requirements.
8 Select any 6 faces to replace the faces required in Step 4 Sequence 5 through 10.
9 Using the corner, edges and faces from Steps 6 through 8 go to Step 3 and proceed.
10 Shock testing is now complete. Go to TEST BLOCK 6 (Vibration Fixed Displacement) or TEST BLOCK 7
(Vibration Random).

TEST BLOCK 5
Shock
(Drop or
Impact)


VIBRATION - FIXED DISPLACEMENT
Step Action
Determine if testing is going to be Fixed Displacement or Random Vibration.
IF Vibration testing is going to be THEN go to
Fixed Displacement Step 2.
1
Random TEST BLOCK 7 (Vibration - Random).
2 Put the packaged-product on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the platform.
3 Start the vibration system to vibrate at 1 in (25 mm) total displacement at the machines lowest
frequency.
4 Maintain a fixed displacement at 1 in (25 mm) and slowly increase the frequency (speed) of the vibration
table until the packaged-product begins to momentarily leave the surface of the platform.
5 Hold the vibration frequency to that determined in Step 4.
If Yes, hold that frequency and then continue to next Step.
If No, then increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 6 is met and hold that vibration
frequency.
7 Determine the test duration in minutes using the formula indicated in Before You Begin Vibration Testing
and the CPM or Hz frequency identified in Step 6.
8 Begin vibration duration.
9 Are you using a vertical linear motion on the vibration system?
If No, then continue with the next Step.
Stop the vibration test half way through the vibration duration and perform the appropriate action as
indicated in the table below:
IF a single 90horizontal rotation is THEN performa horizontal rotation of
Possible 90 as the specimen rests on the platform.

10
Not practical because of the size of the
packaged-product or the stability of the
packaged-product.
180 as the specimen rests on the platform.
11 Start the vibration system and continue the vibration test at the frequency used in Step 8.
If Yes, then continue to next Step.
If No, then slowly increase the frequency until the requirement of Step 12 is met.
13 Complete vibration duration.
14 All testing is now complete. Go to the Reporting an ISTA Test section at the end of this Procedure.

TEST BLOCK 6
Vibration:
Second
Sequence
(Fixed
Displacement)


VIBRATION - RANDOM
STEP ACTION
TESTING
ORIENTATION
VIBRATION
DURATION
1 Put the packaged-product on the vibration table so that face 3 rests on the
platform.
2 Start the vibration system to produce the random vibration spectrum
indicated in Before You Begin Vibration Testing.
3 Stop the vibration system after the completion of 30 minutes. Invert the
packaged-product so that face 1 (top) rests on the platform.
Face 3 on table
surface
30 minutes
Face 1 on table
surface
10 minutes
Face 2 or 4 on
table surface
10 minutes
Face 5 or 6 on
table surface
10 minutes
9
Stop the vibration testing at the end of 10 minutes.
10
All testing is now complete. Go to the Reporting an ISTA Test section at the end of this Procedure.

TEST BLOCK 7
Vibration:
Second
Sequence
(Random)

2A REPORTING AN ISTA TEST

ISTA Test Report Forms may be downloaded from www.ista.org. Custom forms with additional information are acceptable, but
information on an official ISTA Report Form is considered to be the minimum.

The packaged-product has satisfactorily passed the test if, upon examination, it meets the Product Damage Tolerance and
Package Degradation Allowance.

ISTA Certified Testing Laboratories:
Should file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted.
Shall file a test report on all ISTA Test Procedures or Projects conducted to obtain Transit Tested Package Certification or
Acknowledgement.

For additional information, refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects.

ISTA Transit Tested Program

The ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark as shown is a:
registered certification mark and
can only be printed on certified packages and
can only be used by license agreement and
by a member of the International Safe Transit Association.

When a member prints this certification mark on a packaged-product, with their license number, they are showing their customer
and the carrier that it has passed the requirements of ISTA preshipment testing.
In order to maintain its certified status and eligibility for identification with the TRANSIT TESTED Certification Mark, each
packaged-product must be re-tested whenever a change is made in the:
Product or
Process or
Package.
Changes in the product can include changes in:
Design (configuration, components, accessories, etc.) or
Size / weight (dimensions, shape, mass, center of gravity, etc.) or
Materials (type, construction, fabrication, gage, etc.)
Changes in the process can include changes in:
Manufacturing / assembly (vendor, location, automation, etc.) or
Filling (equipment, speed, automation, etc.) or
Distribution system (parcel delivery, LTL, intermodal, etc.)
Changes in the package can include changes in:
Configuration (individual package or unit load, container type and sub-type, style, design, interior packaging, etc.) or
Size / weight (dimensions, shape, mass, caliper, gage etc.) or
Materials (corrugated, plastic, metal, glass, etc.) or
Components (closures, labels, straps, pallets, skids, wraps, etc.)
If corrugated packaging is used, it is recommended that the basis weights of the constituent papers/paperboards be determined
after testing and documented to provide the best indicator of equivalence or change.

As a quality control procedure, packaged-products should be re-tested frequently, for example, yearly.

This Test Procedure is published by:
International Safe Transit Association
1400 Abbot Road, Suite 160, East Lansing, Mi 48823-1900 USA

2009 International Safe Transit Association
No part of the contents of this Test Procedure may be reproduced or transmitted in any formor by any means without the written permission of
the publisher.

Order Information: Additional copies of this Test Procedure and the ISTA
RESOURCE BOOK (in print or on CD-ROM) may be ordered online at

www.ista.org or by contacting ISTA at (+1) 517.333.3437. A listing of current procedure version dates is available at www.ista.org.

Reporting an
ISTA Test:
Completing and
Submitting
an ISTA
Test Report

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What is the purpose of ISTA 2A testing?

What are the sections of an ISTA test procedure?

ISTA 2A 2008 - Page 1of 16

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