ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 1 of 25

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 1 of 25

ISTA, Your Alliance in Transport Packaging, is the world leader in Performance Tests for Packaged-Products.

ISTA 3 Series tests are advanced tests and are designed to:

• Challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, but

• Utilize general simulation of actual transport hazards, and

• Do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.

When properly executed, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:

• Product to market time reduction

• Confidence in product launch

• Reduction in damages and product loss

• Balanced distribution costs

• Customer satisfaction contributing to increased market share

There are three sections to this Procedure: Overview, Testing and Reporting

• Overview provides general knowledge required before testing and

• Testing presents the specific instructions to do laboratory testing and

• Reporting indicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report to ISTA.

Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures: SI (Metric) or English system (Inch-Pound).

Metric units are shown first followed by the Inch-Pound units in parentheses; there are exceptions in some tables (when

shown separately).

Familiarity with the following units and symbols used in this document is required:

For measuring Metric units and symbols English units and symbols

Weight kilograms (kg) or grams (gm) pounds (lb)

Distance meters (m) or millimeters (mm) feet (ft) or inches (in)

Volume Cubic centimeters (cm3) Cubic inches (in3)

Density kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) pounds per cubic inch (lb/in3)

Temperature Centigrade (°C) Fahrenheit (°F)

Absolute Pressure Kilopascal (kPa) Pounds per square inch (psi)

• 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.

NOTE:

In other ISTA Test Procedures 68 kilograms is used as the conversion from

150 pounds. In 3A, 70 kilograms and 150

pounds are used because it’s a common dividing point found in parcel delivery systems from countries that use either metric

(SI) or English (inch-pounds) units of measure.

VERY IMPORTANT:

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

Copyright © 2006 by International Safe Transit Association. All rights Reserved.

ISTA 3 Series

General Simulation

Performance

Test Procedure

3A2

0

0

6

Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment

70 kg (150 lb) or Less

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 2 of 25

OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3A

Test Procedure 3A is a general simulation test for individual packaged-products shipped through a parcel delivery system.

The test is appropriate for four different types of packages commonly distributed as individual packages, either by air or

ground. The types include standard, small, flat and elongated packages. 3A includes an optional combination of a Vibration

and Vacuum (high altitude’s lowered air pressure) test. This tests the

container’s (whether primary package or transport

package) ability to hold a seal or closure and the retention of contents (liquid, powder or gas) without leaking.

STANDARD packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product that does not meet any of the definitions below

for a small, flat or elongated packaged-product. A Standard packaged-product may be packages such as traditional

fiberboard cartons, as well as plastic, wooden or cylindrical containers.

SMALL packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where the:

• volume is less than 13,000 cm3 (800 in3), and

• longest dimension is 350 mm (14 in) or less and

• weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less.

FLAT packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where the:

• shortest dimension is 200 mm (8 in) or less and

• next longest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, and

• volume is 13,000 cm3 (800 in3) or greater.

ELONGATED packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where the:

• longest dimension is 900 mm (36 in) or greater and

• both of the package’s other dimensions are each 20 percent or less of that of the longest dimension.

NOTE:

If a packaged-product is both Flat and Elongated, the package should be tested as Elongated

• Testing can be used to evaluate the protective performance of a packaged-product related to vibrations, shocks and

other stresses normally encountered during handling and transportation in a

parcel delivery system.

• Test levels are based on general data and may not represent any specific distribution system.

• 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.

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

NOTE:

Hazardous material packaging that passes this test procedure may not meet international, national or other regulatory

requirements for the transport of hazardous materials. This test in not a substitute for United Nations and/or any other

required test standards for the transport of hazardous materials, but should be used as an additional test in conjunction with

them.

Test Procedure 3A covers testing of individual packaged-products weighing 70 kilograms (150 pounds) or less when

prepared for shipment via a parcel delivery carrier.

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.

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

Projects.

Preface

Scope

Product Damage

Tolerance and

Package Degradation

Allowance

3A

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 3 of 25

OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3A

Samples should be an untested actual package and product, but if one or both are not available, the substitutes shall be as

identical as possible to actual items.

One sample is required for this test procedure.

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.

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

NOTE:

In order to ensure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to an ISTA laboratory for testing shall be:

• Adequately over-packaged for shipment or

• Repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.

NOTE:

It is important to thoroughly document the configuration, materials, and construction of the tested product and package.

Significant variations in performance can sometimes be caused by seemingly insignificant differences. Photo

documentation is strongly recommended to supplement detailed written descriptions.

Basis Weights of Corrugated Board

When the outer package is a corrugated box, it is strongly recommended that the basis weights of the papers/paperboards

used to make the box be determined and documented. It has been determined that basis weights are better indicators of

box equivalence than ECT or Burst ratings.

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

basis weight determination.

Samples

3A

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 4 of 25

OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3A

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

3A - STANDARD Packaged-Product Test

Sequence

Number

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

Optional

3 Shock Drop

9 Drops - height varies

with packaged-product

weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and Without Top

Load

Overall Grms levels of 0.53

and 0.46

Required

5 Vibration Random under a

Vacuum

Truck or Truck & Air

dependent

Optional

6 Shock Drop

8 Drops - height varies

with packaged-product

weight. Includes drop on

hazard

Required

3A – SMALL Packaged-Product Test

Sequence

Number

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

Optional

3 Shock Drop

(not in a bag)

9 Drops - height varies

with packaged-product

weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and Without Top

Load

Overall Grms level of 0.53

and 0.46

Required

5 Vibration Random under a Vacuum Truck or Truck & Air

dependent

Optional

6 Shock Drop

(in a bag)

7 Drops – height varies

with packaged-product

weight

Required

Test Protocols

3A

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 5 of 25

OVERVIEW OF PROCEDURE 3A

3A – FLAT Packaged-Product Test

Sequence

Number

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

Optional

3 Shock Drop

9 Drops - height

varies with packagedproduct

weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and Without

Top Load

Overall Grms levels of

0.53 and 0.46

Required

5 Vibration Random under a

Vacuum

Truck or Truck & Air

dependent

Optional

6 Shock Rotational Edge

Drop

200 mm (8 in) Required

7 Shock Full Rotational Flat

Drop

Varies with

packaged-product

dimensions

Required

8 Shock Hazard Impact Hazard Box dropped

400 mm (16 in)

Required

3A – ELONGATED Packaged-Product Test

Sequence

Number

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

Optional

3 Shock Drop

9 Drops - height

varies with packagedproduct

weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and Without

Top Load

Overall Grms levels of

0.53 and 0.46

Required

5 Vibration Random under a

Vacuum

Truck or Truck & Air

dependent

Optional

6 Shock Rotational Edge

Drop

200 mm (8 in) Required

7 Shock Full Rotational Flat

Drop

Varies with

packaged-product

dimensions

Required

8 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped

400 mm (16 in)

Required

Test Sequence

3A

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 6 of 25

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3A

Atmospheric Conditioning:

• Humidity recorder complying with of the apparatus section of ISO 2233-00 or ASTM D 4332-00(-01).

• Temperature recorder complying with the apparatus section of ISO 2233-00 or ASTM D 4332-00(-01).

Optional Atmospheric Conditioning

• Chamber and Control apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ISO 2233-00 or ASTM D 4332-00(-01).

Shock Tests:

All Protocols Flat and Elongated Flat Elongated

Type of

Shock Test

Drop Test

Rotational Edge Drop

Test

Full Rotational Test

Hazard Impact Test

Bridge Impact Test

Type of

Equipment

Free-fall drop tester

1) Support Block

2)

Hand Drop

with Hazard Box

Free-fall Drop Tester

with Hazard Box

In

compliance

with the

apparatus

section of…

ISO 2248-85 or

ASTM D 5276-98

ISO 2876-85 or

ASTM D 6179-97

ASTM D 5265-98 with

the exception of the

Hazard Box (Impactor).

See below

Hazard box

300 x 300 x 300 mm (12 x 12 x 12 in) dense

wooden box with a total weight of 4.1 kg (9 lb)

The box shall have least one bottom edge

covered by angle iron.

The box should be filled with a sand bag and void

fill to hold the bag in place.

Hazard block

See below.

Support block

90 to 100 mm

(3.5 to 4.0 in) in height

and width and at least

200 mm (8 in) longer

than the shortest

dimension of face 3.

Support blocks (2)

90 to 100 mm (3.5 to

4.0 in) in height and

width and at least 200

mm (8 in) longer than

the shortest dimension

of face 3.

Additional

Required

Equipment

Hazard block: The block shall be made of hardwood or metal. The height shall be 20 to 25 mm (0.75 to

1.0 in) and the width 150 mm (6.0 in). The length shall be at least 200 mm (8.0 in) longer than the

second shortest package dimension of the length, width and height. The long top edges of the block

shall be rounded to a radius equal to the height of the block ± 0.02 mm (0.0625 in).

Equipment

Required

Atmospheric

Equipment

Required

Shock

6 in. (150 mm)

1 in. (25 mm)

150 mm (6.0 in)

20-25 mm (0.75–1.0 in)

3A

ISTA 3A 2006 - Page 7 of 25

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURE 3A

Random Vibration Test:

• Random Vibration Test System complying with the apparatus section of ISO 13355-01 or ASTM D 4728-95(-01).

• A form of column stack fixturing

• Top-Load Apparatus

• Plastic bags

• Sand or other dense, flowable material

Optional Random Vibration under Vacuum:

• Vacuum Chamber: complying with the apparatus section of ISO 2873-00 or ASTM D6653-01; able to fit on the

vibration table; able to draw down the internal absolute pressure to 60 kPa (8.7 psi) for the truck and air test, or 70 kPa

(10 psi) for the truck-only test; and able to withstand the air and/or truck random vibration input.

3A - SMALL

• Two (2) United States Postal Service #1 Mailbags or equivalent [canvas or like material, approximately 1.0 x 0.7 m (39

x 27 in)] are used throughout the testing sequence.

􀂃 One bag is filled with 36 kg (80 lb) of sand suitably packaged in smaller bags.

􀂃 One bag is the Sample Bag to be filled with the Test Specimen and

dunnage packages, to simulate a typical pack.

• Three (3) over-night style envelopes, 1-#5 padded mailer and 1-#6 fiberboard mailer.

• Fiberboard containers as described in the table below are to be constructed of C-flute board with any of the following

minimum values and construction:

􀂃 Burst Test: 1380 kPa or 14 kg/cm2 or 200 lb/in2 or

􀂃 ECT Value: 7.0 kN/m width or 40 lb/in width.

􀂃 RSC style boxes shall be used for any dunnage package 125 mm (5 in) or more in height and

􀂃 Book-wrap or telescoping tray style may be used for any dunnage package less than 125 mm (5 in) in height.

• Fill each envelope, mailer and corrugated container as indicated in the table below. Corrugated boxes and book wraps

are filled until the desired weight is achieved.

􀂃 It is allowable to substitute dunnage packages with Test Specimen packages or envelopes. The dunnage

package that most closely represents the Test Specimen shall be substituted.

The following describes the numbers and sizes of each dunnage package:

Approximate Size

L x W x H

Approximate

Quantity Package Type Weight

Millimeters

(mm)

Inches

(in)

Contents

Kilograms

(kg)

Pounds

(lb)

3 Over-night envelope 25-sheets of paper

1 #5 Padded mailer 50-sheets of paper

1 #6 Fiberboard mailer 50-sheets of paper

1 200 x 125 x 50 8 x 5 x 2 0.5 1.0

1 225 x 150 x 50 9 x 6 x 2 0.5 1.0

1 275 x 275 x 100 11 x 11 x 4 1.0 2.0

1 275 x 200 x 100 11 x 8 x 4 1.0 2.0

1 175 x 150 x 100 7 x 6 x 4 1.8 4.0

1

Fiberboard box or

Book-wrap or

Telescoping tray

300 x 300 x 75 12 x 12 x 3 1.8 4.0

1 200 x 200 x 200 8 x 8 x 8 4.5 10.0

1 150 x 150 x 150 6 x 6 x 6 1.0 2.0

1

Fiberboard box

250 x 125 x 125 10 x 5 x 5

Each corrugated

package type and

size shall be filled

with foam, paper,

sand, etc until the

desired weight

indicated in this

table is achieved.

1.0 2.0

Equipment

Required

Vibration

Equipment

Required

Additional

3A