What are the test parameter tolerances/variances in ISTA procedures?
ISTA test procedures generally do not include tolerances on test parameters such as drop height, compression force, vibration time and intensity, etc. In such cases the requirements given in ISTA test procedures and projects are considered minimums; i.e. no variation or tolerance below the stated values is allowed. Testing to exceeded levels is perfectly acceptable when using ISTA Procedures and Projects.
If any particular test in a test sequence is below the required minimum, that test does not count and must be repeated.
In the case of the low pressures in Procedure 3A and the temperatures in Procedure 7D, this requires some interpretation but basically means that the altitudes or temperatures, respectively, must be not less than what is shown as the minimum requirement. The equipment used for these test methods should always comply with the ASTM documents referenced in all ISTA Procedures and Projects under the Equipment Required sections. The ASTM reference will give applicable variances that are allowed with the specific equipment being used.
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How can I understand the differences between two ISTA test procedures such as ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC and ISTA 6-Sam's Club for my specific packaged-product?
Unfortunately, ISTA doesn't currently have a test comparison tool so the task will be a manual one. There are a couple ways to tackle this task, Overviews - Compare test overviews from the ista.org webpage. All ISTA Overviews Test Procedures - ...
I'm Looking for Information on an ISTA Test Procedure
Information on ISTA test protocols can be found at the following link: Test Procedures - International Safe Transit Association (ista.org)
Which ISTA test should I use?
This common question cannot be answered directly, but must be determined in each case through an understanding of the various ISTA tests and their applications. Please click the following link for more information including a "Test Selection ...
What test should I select for ocean shipments?
ISTA Procedures, and other industry-standard packaging test protocols, don’t contain vibration (PSD) profiles for ocean shipment. Several studies have shown that vertical vibration during sea transport is so small that it’s negligible. This is not ...
Are ISTA test procedures available in different languages?
ISTA Procedures are currently only available in English. If you are looking to work with ISTA procedures in a different language we suggest using our new platform, PackSight. PackSight is a secure, cloud-based, global, mobile, and web access ...