How would you label the faces, corners and edges of an irregularly shaped package such as a hexagon?
For test procedures ISTA 3A or ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC, the instructions state that you should "Develop a method to identify each face, edge and corner and document with a diagram."
A common method for determining faces and edges of non-six-sided packages such as an hexagon involves drawing a virtual six-sided box directly overtop of the test sample. This
virtual six-sided box should be large enough to allow for the entire test
sample to fit within it. The next step is identifying the faces of the virtual box by utilizing the establish
method within ISTA 3A or 6-Amazon.com-SIOC for six-sided packages.
Those resulting face, edge and corner numbers are then transferred and assigned to the corresponding
test sample contact areas - see illustration below.
Another reference to consider is the instructions and diagrams found within ISTA 3B (see below) that indicate how to calculate and apply the top loads.
These methodologies can be leveraged for other ISTA test protocols. However, protocols in the 1-Series and 2-Series (excluding 1E) take into consideration the manufacturers joints for identification. Ensure those factors are included in any method developed for those specific tests.
It is important to document the method with a diagram in the test report.
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