Test Protocol - ISTA 3A Modified – Standard (Packages for Parcel Delivery Shipment less than 150 lbs or 70 kg)
This procedure consists of a drop test, loose load vibration test, second drop test, and a hazard impact test designed to assess the
integrity of packaged products considered Standard shaped. This procedure is a partial simulation representing transport and handling
through the distribution environment. The test protocol is referenced from the International Safe Transit Association test procedure,
ISTA 3A.
Standard packages are defined as any package that does NOT meet any of the following definitions:
•
•
•
Small packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where:
o The volume is less than 13,000 cm3 (800 in.3), and
o The longest dimension is 350 mm (14 inches) or less and
o The weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less.
Flat packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where:
o The package’s shortest dimension is 200 mm (8 inches) or less and
o The package’s next shortest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, and
o The volume is 13,000 cm3 (800 in3) or greater.
Elongated packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where:
o The package’s longest dimension is 900 mm (36 inches) or greater and
o 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, test it as Elongated
This test protocol applies to all UPS shipped products. Packages that do not meet the “ISTA 3A Modified – Standard” criteria should
be evaluated for testing under either the Small, Flat, or Elongated ISTA 3A Modified Testing Protocols.
The package faces are identified as follows:
6
4
1
5
2
Corner 3-4-6
Manufacturer's Joint
3
Corner 2-3-5
1
2.
Drop Test
This test consists of a series of nine (9) free-fall impacts from drop heights that vary with weight as noted below. The eighth
drop in this sequence is performed at twice the initial drop height.
Package Weight
English
Drop Height
Double Drop Height
Package Weight
Metric
Drop Height
Double Drop Height
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
18 in
15 in
12 in
36 in
30 in
24 in
0 - 34 Kg
35 - 45 Kg
46 - 68 Kg
46 cm
38 cm
31 cm
92 cm
76 cm
62 cm
Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
1.
Longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-4)
2.
2nd longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-6)
3.
Shortest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 4-6)
4.
Critical corner (e.g. Corner 3-4-6)
5.
Opposite corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 2-3-5)
6.
Long edge next to corner 2-3-5 (e.g. Edge 2-3)
7.
Parallel long edge on same face as edge 2-3 (e.g. Edge 1-2)
8.
Bottom Drop, Double Height (e.g. Face 3)
9.
Bottom Drop (e.g. Face 3)
3.
Loose Load Vibration Test
A 45 minute package vibration test: 15 minutes in the base down (Face 3), 15 minutes in the side down (Face 2) and 15
minutes in the back down (Face 5) orientations. The frequency of the test platform will be adjusted until the package just
leaves the platform surface.
4.
Second Drop Test
This test consists of a series of seven (7) free-fall impacts from drop heights that vary with weight as noted below.
English
Metric
Package Weight
Drop Height
Package Weight
Drop Height
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
18 in
15 in
12 in
0 - 34 Kg
35 - 45 Kg
46 - 68 Kg
46 cm
38 cm
31 cm
Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
10. Longest edge next to critical corner or same as Drop #1above (e.g. Edge 3-4)
11. 2nd longest edge next to critical corner or same as Drop #2 above (e.g. Edge 3-6)
12. Upper second longest edge (e.g. Edge 1-5)
13. Critical corner or same as Drop #4 above (e.g. Corner 3-4-6)
14. Next Corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 1-2-6)
15. Next Corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 1-4-5)
16. Top Face, Double Height (e.g. Face 1)
2
4.
Hazard Impact (Hazard Block)
This test consists of a drop tester aided, free-fall drop onto a wooden or metal hazard block that is 1in (25 mm) thick, 6 in wide
(150 mm), and at least 8 in. (200mm) longer than the second shortest package dimension. The top long edges of the block should
have a radius equal to the height or thickness of the block.
English
Metric
Package Weight
Drop Height
Package Weight
Drop Height
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
18 in
15 in
12 in
0 - 34 Kg
35 - 45 Kg
46 - 68 Kg
46 cm
38 cm
31 cm
Place the packaged product on the drop test platen surface in the normal resting orientation (Face 3 Down). The package should
impact the Hazard Block across the longest dimension of Face 3 and parallel to the shortest dimension of Face3. The center of
Face 3 (the impacting face) should impact the center of the Harzard Block. The required drop height is measured from the bottom
of Face 3 to the impact surface (not the top of the Hazard block). Let the package drop freely onto the Hazard Block.
Drop Testing Apparatus
Drop Height
Hazard Block
Example of a Drop onto a Hazard Block
Radius equal to Height of Block +/- 0.02mm
20-25 mm (0.75 - 1 in)
150 mm (6 in)
Example of a Hazard Block
3
Test Protocol - ISTA 3A Modified – Small (Packages for Parcel Delivery Shipment less than 10 lbs or 4.5 kg)
This procedure consists of a drop test, loose load vibration test, drop test in a bag, and a hazard impact test designed to assess the
integrity of packaged products considered Standard shaped. This procedure is a partial simulation representing transport and handling
through the distribution environment. The test protocol is referenced from the International Safe Transit Association test procedure,
ISTA 3A.
Small Packages are defined by the following criteria:
•
•
•
•
Small packaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product where:
The volume is less than 13,000 cm3 (800 in3), and
The longest dimension is 350 mm (14 inches) or less and
The weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less.
This test protocol applies to all UPS shipped products. Packages that do not meet the “ISTA 3A Modified – Small” criteria should be
evaluated for testing under either the Standard, Flat, or Elongated ISTA 3A Modified Testing Protocols.
The package faces are identified as follows:
•
Small Box
6
4
1
2
5
Manufacturer's Joint
Corner 3-4-6
3
Corner 2-3-5
•
United States Postal Service #1 Mailbag or Equivalent 40 inch (Height) x 24 inch (Width) Bag
4 (Bottom Seam)
1
24 in (610 mm)
40 in (1016 mm)
3 (Opening)
2
4
1.
Drop Test
This test consists of a series of nine (9) free-fall impacts (not in bag) from drop heights that vary with weight as noted below.
The eighth drop in this sequence is performed at twice the initial drop height.
Package Weight
English
Drop Height
Double Drop Height
Package Weight
Metric
Drop Height
Double Drop Height
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
18 in
15 in
12 in
36 in
30 in
24 in
0 - 34 Kg
35 - 45 Kg
46 - 68 Kg
46 cm
38 cm
31 cm
92 cm
76 cm
62 cm
Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
1.
Longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-4)
2.
2nd longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-6)
3.
Shortest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 4-6)
4.
Critical corner (e.g. Corner 3-4-6)
5.
Opposite corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 2-3-5)
6.
Long edge next to corner 2-3-5 (e.g. Edge 2-3)
7.
Parallel long edge on same face as edge 2-3 (e.g. Edge 1-2)
8.
Bottom Drop, Double Height (e.g. Face 3)
9.
Bottom Drop (e.g. Face 3)
2.
Loose Load Vibration Test
A 45 minute package vibration test: 15 minutes in the base down (Face 3), 15 minutes in the side down (Face 2) and 15
minutes in the back down (Face 5) orientations. The frequency of the test platform will be adjusted until the package just
leaves the platform surface.
3.
Drop Test in Mailbag
This test consists of a series of seven (7) free-fall impacts with the package inside a Mailbag from drop heights that vary with
weight as noted below. Randomly fill the Mailbag (See drawing above), approximately one-half full of dunnage packages
described in the table below. Place the package in the middle of the Mailbag then insert the remaining dunnage packages into
the Mailbag to simulate a typical filled Mailbag. Close the top of the Mailbag.
Dunnage Packages
Quantity
Package Type
3
Over-night
envelope
#5 Padded mailer
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
#6 Fiberboard
mailer
Corrugated RSC
Book –wrap or
Telescoping Tray
Corrugated RSC
box
Approximate Size
LxWxH
In.
mm
8x5x2
9x6x2
11 x 11 x 4
11 x 8 x 4
7x6x4
12 x 12 x 3
8 x8 x 8
6x6x6
10 x 5 x5
200 x 125 x 50
225 x 150 x 50
275 x 275 x 100
275 x 200 x 100
175 x 150 x 100
300 x 300 x 75
200 x 200 x 200
150 x 150 x 150
250x 125 x 125
5
Contents
25 sheets of
paper
50 sheets of
paper
50 sheets of
paper
Each corrugated
package type and
size shall be
filled with foam,
paper, sand, etc
until the desired
weight indicated
in this table is
achieved.
Approximate
Weight
Lbs.
Kg.
1.0
1.0
2.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
10.0
2.0
2.0
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
1.8
1.8
4.5
1.0
1.0
All drops are from 24 inches. Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
10. Side opposite the opening or bottom of Mailbag (e.g. Seam 4)
11. Face 1 per the Mailbag Drawing above
12. Face 2 per the Mailbag Drawing above
13. Top or opening of Mailbag (e.g. Face 3)
14. Repeat Face 1 per the Mailbag Drawing above
15. Repeat Face 2 per the Mailbag Drawing above
16. Side opposite the opening or bottom of Mailbag (e.g. Seam 4)
Drop Testing Apparatus
24 in (610 mm)
Example of a Mailbag Drop
6
Test Protocol - ISTA 3A Modified – Flat (Packages for Parcel Delivery Shipment less than 150 lbs or 70 kg)
This procedure consists of a drop test, loose load vibration test, rotational edge drop, full rotational flat drop, and a hazard impact test
designed to assess the integrity of packaged products considered Flat shaped. This procedure is a partial simulation representing
transport and handling through the distribution environment. The test protocol is referenced from the International Safe Transit
Association test procedure, ISTA 3A.
Flat Packages are defined by the following criteria:
• The package’s shortest dimension is 200 mm (8 inches) or less and
• The package’s next shortest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, and
• The volume is 13,000 cm3 (800 in3) or greater.
This test protocol applies to all UPS shipped products. Packages that do not meet the “ISTA 3A Modified – Flat” criteria should be
evaluated for testing under either the Standard, Small, or Elongated ISTA 3A Modified Testing Protocols.
The package faces are identified as follows:
1
Corner 3-4-6
6
4
2
5
Edge 2-3
Manufacturer's Joint
3
Corner 2-3-5
7
1.
Drop Test
This test consists of a series of nine (9) free-fall impacts from drop heights that vary with weight as noted below.
English
Package Weight
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
Metric
Package Weight
Drop Height
0 - 34 Kg
46 cm
35 - 46 Kg
38.1 cm
46 - 68 Kg
31 cm
Drop Height
18in
15 in
12 in
Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
1.
Longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-4)
2.
2nd longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-6)
3.
Shortest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 4-6)
4.
Critical corner (e.g. Corner 3-4-6)
5.
Opposite corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 2-3-5)
6.
Long edge next to corner 2-3-5 (e.g. Edge 2-3)
7.
Parallel long edge on same face as edge 2-3 (e.g. Edge 1-2)
8.
Bottom Drop, Double Height (e.g. Face 3)
9.
Bottom Drop (e.g. Face 3)
2.
Loose Load Vibration Test
A 45 minute package vibration test: 15 minutes in the base down (Face 3), 15 minutes in the side down (Face 2) and 15
minutes in the back down (Face 5) orientations. The frequency of the test platform will be adjusted until the package just
leaves the platform surface.
3.
Rotational Edge Drop
This test consists of 3 rotational edge drops, on different edges, with a timber or support 3.5 in to 4.0 in (90 mm to 100 mm)
in height and width. Rest one edge (the edge not tested) of the package on the timber. Lift the edge to be tested 8 inches
(200 mm) off the surface. Release and let it fall freely onto a flat, rigid surface.
Drop #
Orientation
10
Edge
Edge Impacted
Longest bottom edge (e.g. Edge 2-3)
11
Edge
Second longest radiating edge from previous drop (e.g. 3-6)
12
Edge
Third longest radiating edge (e.g. 2-6)
Face 1
8 in (20 cm)
Corner 2-3-6
Face 3
Edge 3-6
Timber Support
Example of a Rotational Edge Drop #11
8
4.
Full Rotational Flat Drop
This test consists of 2 full rotational flat drops. On a rigid surface, rest the package on one of its smallest faces. Apply enough
force to the upper portion of the package to tip it over without moving it horizontally from its position. Face 3 should impact the
the rigid surface. The package should rotate freely and impact a flat rigid surface.
Next, rest the package on the next largest face. Apply enough force to the upper portion of the package to tip it over without
moving it horizontally from its position. Face 1 should impact the rigid surface. The package should rotate freely and impact a
flat rigid surface.
Face 1
Face 3
Example of a Rotational Flat Drop
5.
Hazard Impact
This test consists of a free-fall drop with a wooden hazard box that is 12 x 12 x 12 in (300 x 300 x 300 mm) with at least one
bottom edge covered with an angle iron. The box can be filled with a sand bag which is further blocked and braced inside the
wooden box. The wooden box must weigh 9 lb (4.1 Kg).
Place the packaged product on a rigid surface in the normal resting orientation (typically Face 3 Down). Identify the center of the
package face (e.g. Face 1). Hold the wooden hazard box with the angle iron parallel to the shortest face dimension and 16 inches
above the package center. You may use a 16 inch string taped to the bottom of the hazard box to help achive the proper drop
height. Let the hazard box drop freely onto the face of the package. Do not catch any rebound of the hazard box.
Face 1
16 in (41 cm)
Face 3
Example of a Hazard Impact on a Flat Package
9
Test Protocol - ISTA 3A Modified – Elongated (Packages for Parcel Delivery Shipment less than 150 lbs or 70 kg)
This procedure consists of a drop test, loose load vibration test, rotational edge drop, full rotational flat drop, and a hazard impact test
designed to assess the integrity of packaged products considered Elongated shaped. This procedure is a partial simulation representing
transport and handling through the distribution environment. The test protocol is referenced from the International Safe Transit
Association test procedure, ISTA 3A.
Elongated Packages are defined by the following criteria:
• The package’s longest dimension is 900 mm (36 inches) or greater and
• Both of the package’s other dimensions are each 20 percent or less of that of the longest dimension.
This test protocol applies to all UPS shipped products. Packages that do not meet the “ISTA 3A Modified – Elongated” criteria
should be evaluated for testing under either the Standard, Small, or Flat ISTA 3A Modified Testing Protocols.
The package faces are identified as follows:
Corner 3-4-6
1
6
4
2
5
Edge 2-3
3
Corner 2-3-5
Manufacturer's Joint
1.
Drop Test
This test consists of a series of nine (9) free-fall impacts from drop heights that vary with weight as noted below.
English
Package Weight
0 - 75
76 - 100 lb
101 - 150lb
Drop Height
18in
15 in
12 in
Metric
Package Weight
Drop Height
0 - 34 Kg
46 cm
35 - 45 Kg
38.1 cm
46 - 68 Kg
31 cm
Orientations of the impacts are as follows: (Must be performed in the following order)
2.
1.
Longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-4)
2.
2nd longest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 3-6)
3.
Shortest edge next to critical corner (e.g. Edge 4-6)
4.
Critical corner (e.g. Corner 3-4-6)
5.
Opposite corner on same face as critical corner (e.g. Corner 2-3-5)
6.
Long edge next to corner 2-3-5 (e.g. Edge 2-3)
7.
Parallel long edge on same face as edge 2-3 (e.g. Edge 1-2)
8.
Bottom Drop, Double Height (e.g. Face 3)
9.
Bottom Drop (e.g. Face 3)
Loose Load Vibration
A 45 minute package vibration test: 15 minutes in the base down (Face 3), 15 minutes in the side down (Face 2) and 15 minutes
in the back down (Face 5) orientations. The frequency of the test platform will be adjusted until the package just leaves the
platform surface.
10
3.
Rotational Edge Drop
This test consists of 3 rotational edge drops, on different edges, with a timber or support 3.5 in to 4.0 in (90 mm to 100 mm)
in height and width. Rest one edge (the edge not tested) of the package on the timber. Lift the edge to be tested 8 inches
(200 mm) off the surface. Release and let it fall freely onto a flat, rigid surface.
Drop #
Orientation
10
Edge
Edge Impacted
Longest bottom edge (e.g. Edge 2-3)
11
Edge
Second longest radiating edge from previous drop (e.g. 3-6)
12
Edge
Third longest radiating edge (e.g. 2-6)
Face 1
8 in (20 cm)
Corner 2-3-6
Face 3
Timber Support
Edge 3-6
Example of Rotational Edge Drop #11
5.
Full Rotational Drop
This test consists of 2 full rotational flat drops. On a rigid surface, rest the package on one of its smallest faces. Apply enough
force to the upper portion of the package to tip it over without moving it horizontally from its position. Face 3 should impact the
the rigid surface. The package should rotate freely and impact a flat rigid surface.
Next, rest the package on the next largest face. Apply enough force to the upper portion of the package to tip it over without
moving it horizontally from its position. Face 1 should impact the rigid surface. The package should rotate freely and impact a
flat rigid surface.
Face 1
Face 3
Example of a Rotational Flat Drop
11
6.
Hazard Impact (Bridge Impact)
This test consists of a drop tester aided, free-fall drop with a wooden hazard box that is 12 x 12 x 12 in (300 x 300 x 300 mm)
with at least one bottom edge covered with an angle iron. The box can be filled with a sand bag which is further blocked and
braced inside the wooden box. The wooden box must weigh 9 lb (4.1 Kg).
Place the package in such that Face 3 rests on two supporting blocks at opposite ends of the longest dimension and parallel to one
another. The mid-point of the package shall be directly under the end of the platen, where the edge of the wooden hazard box
shall be dropped. Hold the wooden hazard box on the platen with the angle iron parallel to the shortest face dimension and 16
inches above the package center. You may use a 16 inch string taped to the bottom of the hazard box to help achive the proper
drop height. Let the hazard box drop freely onto the face of the package. Do not catch any rebound of the hazard box.
Face 1
16 in (41 cm)
Timber Supports
Face 3
Example of a Bridged Hazard Drop
12