ISTA 3AISTA 3A tests packaged products for parcel delivery system shipmentweighing 150 lbs or less. This test is used to simulate courier companiesshipping environments. ISTA 3A is often required by .COM retailers.

Micom offers ISTA 3A testing as part of its Package testing services. Alternatively, the ASTM D4169 can also be considered.

ISTA 3A use and factors to be considered

ISTA 3A is a general simulation test for individual packaged products thatwill challenge the capability of the package and products to withstanddistribution hazards in the small parcel delivery system. Packages to betested to that standard must weigh less than 150 lbs. This test separatespackages by shape into four categories. The four shapes are: standard, small,flat and elongated. The tests and the test conditions change as a function ofthe package shape. While testing to ISTA 3A, the package and product areconsidered together and not separately, i.e.: they both need to be testedtogether. When specified test samples can be tested under specificatmospheric transit conditions such as moisture, low temperature or lowpressure (altitude). Should you have any question or need help please contactour material testing lab. Our test experts will be happy to work with you totailor the best possible packaging test plan for your needs.

ISTA 3A requires a minimum of 1 sample to be tested. For final packagingdesign purposes a higher number of samples is recommended; ideally 5 ormore. However only testing one is mandatory to establish compliance.

Test sequence

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

ISTA 3A – standard packaged product test

The table above is for standard size packages. As outlined above, it willchange as a function of the package shape.

Typical Experimental parameters:

Sequence# Test Category Test Type Test Level

1AtmosphericPreconditioning

TEST BLOCK 1

Temperature andhumidity

Ambient

2Atmospheric Conditioning

TEST BLOCK 1

Controlled temperatureand humidity

Temperature andhumidity chosenfrom chart

3

Shock

TEST BLOCK 3

Drop 9 drops – heightvaries withpackaged-product weight

4

Vibration

TEST BLOCKS4 & 7 forStandard

TEST BLOCKS5 & 7 for Pailsand ShortCylinders

Random with andwithout top load

Overall Gmrslevels of 0.53and 0.46

5Vibration

TEST BLOCKS2 & 6

Random VibrationUnder Low Pressure

Truck or Truck &Air dependent

6

Shock

TEST BLOCK 9

Drop 8 drops – heightvaries withpackaged-product weight.Includes drop onhazard

Number of specimens/product: 1 (min.)Maximum sample weight: 150 lbs

Other related test methods:

For additional related test methods please see; ISTA Testing, PackageTesting or ASTM Packaging.

We hope that you found the information above about the ISTA 3A testvaluable. If you have any questions about packaging testing or if you wouldlike to discuss a custom package test for your products, we invite you tocontact us today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions.

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