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ISTA 3A 2004 Page 1 of 21

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

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

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Utilize general simulation of actual transport hazards,

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Do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.

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

Product to market time reduced

Confidence in product launch

Reduction in damages and product loss

Balanced distribution costs

Customer satisfaction contributing to increased market share

There are three sections: Overview, Testing and Report

O Ovveerrvviieewwprovides general knowledge required before testing aanndd

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presents the specific instructions to do laboratory testing

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tindicates 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 (whenshowed separately).

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

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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),

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The standard units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.

Units are converted to two significant figures

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Not exact equivalents.

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In other ISTA Test Procedures 68 kilograms is used as the conversion from 150 pounds. In 3A, 70 kilograms and 150pounds are used because its a common dividing point found in parcel delivery systems from countries that use either metric(SI) or English (inch-pounds) units of measure.

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

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3A2004

Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment70 kg (150 lb) or Less

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OOVVEERRVVIIEEWWOOFFPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AATest 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 orground. The types include standard, small, flat and elongated packages. 3A includes an optional combination of Vibrationand Vacuum (high altitudes lowered air pressure) test. It tests the containers (whether primary package or transportpackage) ability to hold a seal or closure and the retention of contents (liquid, powder or gas) without leaking.

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dpackaged-products shall be defined as any packaged-product that does not meet any of the following definitionsfor small, flat or elongated packaged-product:

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

volume is less than 13,000 cm3(800 in.3),

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longest dimension is 350 mm (14 inches) or less

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weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less.

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

shortest dimension is 200 mm (8 inches) or less aanndd

next shortest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, aanndd

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

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

longest dimension is 900 mm (36 inches) or greater

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both of the packages other dimensions are each 20 percent or less of that of the longest dimension.

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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 andother 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

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sfor additional information.

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Hazardous material packaging that pass this test procedure may not meet international, national or other regulatoryrequirements for the transport of hazardous materials.

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efor United Nations and/or any otherrequired test standards for the transport of hazardous materials, but should be used as additional test in conjunction withthem.

Test Procedure 3A covers testing of individual packaged-products weighing 70 kilograms (150 pounds) or less whenprepared for shipment via a parcel delivery carrier.

The shipper shall determine the following prior to testing:

what constitutes damage to the product

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what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any,

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the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the testa

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the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.

For additional information on this determination process refer to GGuuiiddeelliinneessffoorrSSeelleeccttiinnggaannddUUssiinnggIISSTTAAPPrroocceedduurreessaannddPPrroojjeeccttss

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3A

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OOVVEERRVVIIEEWWOOFFPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

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

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Recommends performing the procedure five or more times using new samples with each test.

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

Adequately over-packaged for shipment

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Repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.

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1 AtmosphericPreconditioning

Temperature and Humidity Ambient Required

2 AtmosphericConditioning

Controlled Temperature andHumidity

Temperature and HumidityChosen from chart

Optional

3 Shock DropIndividual Package

9 Drops - Height varieswith packaged-productweight

Required

4 Vibration RandomWith and without Top Load

Overall Grmslevels of .53and 0.46.

Required

5 Vibration Random under a Vacuum Truck or Truck & Air

Dependent

Optional


8 Drops-Height varies withpackaged-product weight.Includes drop on hazard

Required

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Optional


9 Drops - Height varieswith packaged-productweight

Required

4 Vibration RandomWith and without Top Load

Overall Grmslevel of .53 Required

5 Vibration Random under a Vacuum Truck or Truck & AirDependent

Optional

6 Shock DropIn a Bag

7 Drops Height varieswith packaged-productweight

Required

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OOVVEERRVVIIEEWWOOFFPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

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Optional


9 Drops - Heightvaries with packaged-product weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and without TopLoad

Overall Grmslevels of0.53 and 0.46.

Required


Dependent

Optional

6 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 200 mm (8 in.) Required

7 Shock Full Rotational FlatDrop

Varies withpackaged-productdimensions

Required

8 Shock Hazard Impact Hazard Box dropped400 mm (16 in.)

Required

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1 AtmosphericPreconditioning Temperature and Humidity Ambient Required




Optional


9 Drops - Heightvaries with packaged-product weight

Required

4 Vibration Random

With and without TopLoad

Overall Grmslevels of0.53 and 0.46.

Required


Dependent

Optional

6 Shock Rotational Edge Drop 200 mm (8 in.) Required

7 Shock Full Rotational FlatDrop

Varies withpackaged-productdimensions

Required

8 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped400 mm (16 in.)

Required

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EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTTRREEQQUUIIRREEDDFFOORRPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

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).

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

Shock Tests:

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Drop Test Rotational Edge DropTest

Full Rotational Test

Hazard Impact Test Bridge Impact Test

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Free-fall drop tester 1) Support Block

2)

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with Hazard Box

Free-fall Drop Tester

with Hazard Box

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ASTM D 6179-97ASTM D 5265-98 Withthe exception of theHazard Box (Impactor)

See below

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300 x 300 x 300 mm (12 x 12 x 12 in.) densewooden box with a total weight of 4.1 kg (9 lb)

The box shall have least one bottom edgecovered by angle iron.

The box should be filled with a sand bag and voidfill to hold the bag in place.

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25 mm in height150 mm in width(1 in. x 6 in.) and atleast 200 mm (8 in.)longer than the secondshortest packagedimension.

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90 to 100 mm(3.5 to 4.0 in) in heightand width and at least200 mm (8 in) longerthan the shortestdimension of face 3.

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90 to 100 mm (3.5 to

4.0 in)in height and width andat least 200 mm (8 in)longer than the shortestdimension of face 3.

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The block shall be made of hardwood or metal. The height shall be 20 to 25 mm (0.75 to1.0 in.) and the width 150 mm (6.0 in.). The length shall be at least 200 mm (8.0in.) longer that thesecond shortest package dimension of the length, width and height. The long top edges of the blockshall be rounded to a radius equal to the height of the block 0.02mm (0.0625 in).

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Random Vibration Test:

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

Some form of column stack fixturing

Top-Load RSC corrugated package

Plastic bags

Sand

Optional Random Vibration under Vacuum:

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

33AA--SSmmaallll

Two United States Postal Service #1 Mailbags or equivalent [approximately 1.0 x 0.7 meters (39 x 27 inches)] are usedthroughout the testing sequence.

One bag is filled with 36 kilograms (80 pounds) 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 over-night style envelopes, 1 #5 padded mailer and 1 #6 fiberboard mailer.

Corrugated fiberboard containers as described in the table below are to be constructed of C-flute board with any of thefollowing

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mvalues:

Burst Test: 1380 kPa or 14 kg/cm2or 200 lb/in2

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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

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

Fill each envelop, mailer and corrugated container as indicated in the table below. Corrugated boxes and book wrapsare filled until the desired weight is achieved.

It is allowable to substitute dunnage packages with Test Specimen packages or envelopes. The dunnagepackage that most closely represents the Test Specimen shall be substituted.

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

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Millimeters (mm) Inches (in.) Kilograms Pounds

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

Corrugated RSC 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

Corrugated RSC box

250 x 125 x 125 10 x 5 x 5

Each corrugatedpackage type andsize shall be filled

with foam, paper,sand, etc until thedesired weightindicated in thistable is achieved.

1.0 2.0

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BBEEFFOORREEYYOOUUBBEEGGIINNPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

Prior to beginning the tests identify the faces, edges and corners according to the procedure below.

SStteepp A Accttiioonn

Place the packaged-product so the package is in its most stable orientation.

I

I

F

F

t

t

h

h

e

e

t

t

e

e

s

s

t

t

s

s

p

p

e

e

c

c

i

i

m

m

e

e

n

n

i

i

s

s

I

I

F

F

t

t

h

h

e

e

t

t

e

e

s

s

t

t

s

s

p

p

e

e

c

c

i

i

m

m

e

e

n

n

i

i

s

s

A Standard, Small, Flat or Elongated with only sixfaces (2 sides, 2 ends, top and bottom)

Turn the packaged-product so that one of thesmallest side faces is directly in front of you. Nowgo to Step 2.

A Standard, Small, Flat or Elongated with less thanor more than six faces

Develop a method to identify each face, edge andcorner and document with a diagram. Now go tothe next Block.

A filled #1 mail bag Turn the filling end toward you and a side seam (ifany) is on the right and downward (nearest thesurface). A longitudinal seam (middle seam), ifpresent should be downward and resting on the

surface. Now go to Step 2.

1

An express envelope or similar type mailer Position the envelope or mailer so that is it lying flatand the opening is toward you. Now go to Step 3.

2

S

S

t

t

a

a

n

n

d

d

a

a

r

r

d

d

F

F

i

i

l

l

l

l

e

e

d

d

#

#

1

1

M

M

a

a

i

i

l

l

B

B

a

a

g

g

F

F

l

l

a

a

t

t

E

E

l

l

o

o

n

n

g

g

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

d

I

I

d

d

e

e

n

n

t

t

i

i

f

f

y

y

f

f

a

a

c

c

e

e

s

saccording to the diagrams.

I

I

d

d

e

e

n

n

t

t

i

i

f

f

y

y

e

e

d

d

g

g

e

e

s

susing the numbers of the two faces forming that edge. Example: Edge 1-2 is the edgeformed by face 1 and face 2 of the packaged-product.

I

I

d

d

e

e

n

n

t

t

i

i

f

f

y

y

c

c

o

o

r

r

n

n

e

e

r

r

s

susing the numbers of the three faces that meet to form that corner.Example: Corner 2-3-5 is the corner formed by face 2, face 3, and face 5 of the packaged-product.

IIddeennttiiffyyoorriieennttaattiioonn oofftthheepprroodduuccttinside the package as it rests on the vibration table.

3 Mark the face that is up as 1. EExxpprreessssEEnnvveellooppeeoorrMMaaiilleerr

The right end is 2.

The left end is 4

The opening of the envelope shall be 5 (top)The end opposite 5 (top) shall be 6 (bottom).

Turn it over and mark the face opposite of face 1 as 3.

IIddeennttiiffiiccaattiioonnooffFFaacceess,,EEddggeessaannddCCoorrnneerrss

3A

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

8/21



You shall know the packaged-products:

Gross weight in kilograms (kg) for Metric and pounds (lb) for English units

Outside dimensions of Length, Width and Height (L x W x H) in millimeters (mm) or meters (m) for Metric and inches(in.) or feet (ft) for English units.

R

R

e

e

q

q

u

u

i

i

r

r

e

e

d

d

P

P

r

r

e

e

c

c

o

o

n

n

d

d

i

i

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

i

i

n

n

g

g

:

:

The packaged-product shall be preconditioned to laboratory ambienttemperature and humidity for twelve (12) hours before testing.

O

Op

pt

ti

io

on

na

al

l

C

Co

on

nd

di

it

ti

io

on

ni

in

ng

g

R

Re

ec

co

om

mm

me

en

nd

de

ed

d:

:After the required preconditionTo permit an adequate determination of packaged-product performance at anticipated atmospheric limits and where it isknown that the atmospheric extremes are detrimental to the product, ISTA:

R Reeqquuiirreessthe highest temperature and humidity limits of the product, bbuutt

R Reeccoommmmeennddssthat both the highest and lowest atmospheric conditions be used.

A separate test sequence should be conducted following each atmospheric condition selected from the table below:

A

A

n

n

t

t

i

i

c

c

i

i

p

p

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

d

C

C

o

o

n

n

d

d

i

i

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

s

s

T

T

i

i

m

m

e

e

i

i

n

n

H

H

o

o

u

u

r

r

s

s

T

T

e

e

m

m

p

p

e

e

r

r

a

a

t

t

u

u

r

r

e

e

i

i

n

n

C

C

2

2

C

C

(

(

F

F

4

4

F

F

)

)

H

H

u

u

m

m

i

i

d

d

i

i

t

t

y

y

i

i

n

n

%

%

Frozen or winter ambient 72 -29C (-20F) uncontrolled RH

Refrigerated packages 72 5C (40F) 85RH 5

Controlled temperature 72 23C (73F) 85RH 5

Standard Laboratory* 8* 23C (73F) 50RH 5

Tropical (Wet) climate 72 38C (100F) 85RH 5

Tropical (Wet)

then desert (Dry):

72

then 6

38C (100F)

then 60C (140F)

85RH 5

then 30RH 5

Desert or summer ambient 72 50C (120F) uncontrolled RH

User Defined High Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions

User Defined Low Limit 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions

User Defined Cycle 72 Based upon known conditions Known conditions

* Conditioning of the test specimen only required before the start of the Optional Vibration under Vacuum Test Block.

Drop heights and package orientations are determined by the package type and/or its weight:

P

P

a

a

c

c

k

k

a

a

g

g

e

e

T

T

y

y

p

p

e

e

:

:

S

S

t

t

a

a

n

n

d

d

a

a

r

r

d

d

S

S

m

m

a

a

l

l

l

l

(not in bag)

F

F

l

l

a

a

t

t

E

E

l

l

o

o

n

n

g

g

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

d

PPaacckkaaggeeTTyyppee WWeeiigghhtt D DrrooppOOrriieennttaattiioonnss

S

S

t

t

a

a

n

n

d

d

a

a

r

r

d

d

S

S

m

m

a

a

l

l

l

l

(not in bag)

F

F

l

l

a

a

t

t

E

E

l

l

o

o

n

n

g

g

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

dless than (

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

9/21



NNOOTTEE::

When drop testing Flat or Elongated Packages on small or narrow faces, or edges and corners adjoining those faces, youshould prevent the package from falling over and incurring a second impact unless safety is a major concern. You may usea restraining system or catch the package. Please make a note in the test report as to whether or not the package was

caught.

C

C

A

A

U

U

T

T

I

I

O

O

N

N

:

:

Catching a package after a drop test may be dangerous. Great care should be taken to insure the safety of anyonecatching a package after an initial drop.

C

C

A

A

U

U

T

T

I

I

O

O

N

N

:

:

A restraining device or devices shall be used with the vibration test system to:

Prevent the Top-Load from moving off the package being tested aanndd

Prevent the test specimen from moving off the platform aanndd

Maintain test orientation of the stack, bbuutt

The device or devices shall not restrict the vertical motion of the test specimen during the test.

C

C

A

A

U

U

T

T

I

I

O

O

N

N

:

:

When using weights and a load spreader use extreme caution to prevent injury during stacking, testing and removal.

Number of axes and package orientations to be tested:

T

T

y

y

p

p

e

e

o

o

f

f

P

P

a

a

c

c

k

k

a

a

g

g

e

e

N

N

u

u

m

m

b

b

e

e

r

r

o

o

f

f

A

A

x

x

e

e

s

s

t

t

o

o

T

T

e

e

s

s

t

t

O

O

r

r

i

i

e

e

n

n

t

t

a

a

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

s

s

t

t

o

o

T

T

e

e

s

s

t

t

D

D

y

y

n

n

a

a

m

m

i

i

c

c

T

T

o

o

p

p

-

-

L

L

o

o

a

a

d

d

R

R

a

a

n

n

g

g

e

e

Standard 3 3 11 kg 140 kg (25 lb 300 lb)

Small in Bag 1 2 36 kg (80 lb)

Flat 3 3 11 kg 140 kg (25 lb 300 lb)

Elongated 3 3 11 kg 140 kg (25 lb 300 lb)

DDyynnaammiiccTToopp--LLooaaddSSmmaallll

A #1 Mailbag or equivalent filled with 36 kg (80 lb.) of sand suitably packaged in smaller bags.

S

S

a

a

m

m

p

p

l

l

e

e

B

B

a

a

g

g

w

w

i

i

t

t

h

h

T

T

e

e

s

s

t

t

S

S

p

p

e

e

c

c

i

i

m

m

e

e

n

n

-

-

S

S

m

m

a

a

l

l

l

l

Randomly fill the second #1 Mailbag or equivalent approximately one- half full of the filled dunnage packages described inthe table found in the Vibration Equipment section, pack the test specimen into the middle of the bag and then insert theremaining dunnage packages into the bag to simulate a typical pack.

D

D

y

y

n

n

a

a

m

m

i

i

c

c

T

T

o

o

p

p-

-

L

L

o

o

a

a

d

d

S

S

t

t

a

a

n

n

d

da

a

r

r

d

d,

,

F

F

l

l

a

a

t

t

a

a

n

n

d

d

E

E

l

l

o

o

n

n

g

g

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

d

The Top-Load is to simulate the effect of 100 kg/m3(6 lb/ft3- .0035 lb/in3) of assorted freight on top of a floor loadedshipping unit in an over-the-road trailer with an inside height of 2.7 m (108 in.).

The Dynamic Top-Load for each axis is determined by

Starting with the possible height within a tractor trailer of 2.7 meters (108 inches) aanndd

Subtracting the vertical dimension of the package in the axis of the test

a

a

n

n

d

d Taking the resultant and multiply it by each dimension of the other two axes,

a

a

n

n

d

d

Multiplying that resultant by the Loading Factor

a

a

n

n

d

d

That will be the Top-Load in kilograms (pounds) for the vibration test,

u

u

n

n

l

l

e

e

s

s

s

s

That value is less than 11 Kilograms (25 pounds) then you will not use a Top-Load,

o

o

r

r

If that value is greater than 140 kilograms (300 pounds) you will use a Top-Load of 140 kilograms (300 pounds).

The Loading Factor has been determined by empirical testing that resulted in correlation between damage in the test laband damage in the field. The Loading Factor is calculated by

Starting with the estimated average density of a trailer of parcel packages at 200 kg/m3(12 lb/ft3) aanndd

For Metric units use 200 kg/m3 oorr

For English units, divide 12 lb/ ft3by (1728 in3/ft3) to get .007 lb/in3 aanndd

Multiply 200 kg/m3(0.007 lb/in3) by 0.5 to get the Loading Factor of 100 kg/m3(.0035 lb/in3).

C

C

o

o

n

n

t

t

i

i

n

n

u

u

e

e

d

d

B

B

e

e

f

f

o

o

r

r

e

e

Y

Y

o

o

u

u

B

B

e

e

g

g

i

i

n

n

V

Vi

ib

br

ra

at

ti

io

on

n

U

Un

nd

de

er

r

DDyynnaammiiccLLooaaddTTeessttiinngg

3A

BBeeffoorreeYYoouuBBeeggiinn

SShhoocckkTTeessttiinngg

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

10/21



The Top-Load package shall be

A Regular Slotted Container (RSC) of sufficient strength and ability to hold a load spreader and required weight foreach axis aanndd

The face dimensions of the Top-Load package which will be applied to the Top-Load shall not be shorter than the two

dimensions of the test specimens top face when positioned for testing,

b

b

u

u

t

t

The face dimensions may be longer by 25 mm (1 in.) than the two dimensions of the test specimens top face whenpositioned for testing

a

a

n

n

d

d

Some means of adding additional weight so that the Top-Load (TL) is distributed evenly over the entire inside facearea of the Top-Load package that will apply the Top-Load to the top face of the test specimen when its positioned fortesting

a

a

n

n

d

d

Adequate void fill that shall securely hold the weight in place to prevent the weight from moving or bouncing within thetop-load package

a

a

n

n

d

d

The combined weight of the Top-Load package shall equal the Top-Load weight, three percent (3%) as determinedin the following tables.

Familiarity with the following formulas is required:

TToopp--LLooaad

d

FFoorrmmuullaassTTLLMetric Units in Meters English Units in Inches

Top-Load (TLH) with face 3 down TL1 (2.7 H) x L x W x 100 (108 H) x L x W x 0.0035

Top-Load(TLW) with face 4 down TL2 (2.7 W) x L x H x 100 (108 W) x L x H x 0.0035

Top-Load (TLL) with face 6 down TL3 (2.7 L) x W x H x 100 (108 L) x W x H x 0.0035

Where

TL Total Weight of the Top-Load Package Kilograms Pounds

2.7 m (108 in.) Height of typical trailer Meters Inches

H Height of shipping unit Meters Inches

L Length of shipping unit Meters Inches

W Width of shipping unit Meters Inches

Loading Factor 50% of the Average density of freight 0.0035 lb/in3 100 kg/m3

Determine the Maximum Top-Load weight with the following Table

Maximum Top-Load weight (TL) for any Axis

Determine the Top-Load weight to be used for each axis by comparing the calculated TL against the followingstatements.

IIFFtthheeccaallccuullaatteeddTToopp--LLooaaddffoorraannaaxxiissiiss TTHHEENN

Less than 11kg (25 lb) Do not use a Top-Load during vibration testing.

11 kg (25 lb) to 140 kg (300 lb) Use the calculated Top-Load (TL) rounded up to the next closestincrement of 11 kg (25 lb) for that axis.

Greater than 140 kg (300 lb) Use 140 kg (300 lb) as the Top-Load (TL)

3ABBeeffoorreeYYoouuBBeeggiinn

VViibbrraattiioonnUUnnddeerrDDyynnaammiiccLLooaaddTTeessttiinnggCCoonnttiinnuueedd

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

11/21



Determine the Maximum Vacuum Pressure with the following Table

Maximum Vacuum Pressure (VP)

IIFFtthheeTTeessttSSppeecciimmeennwwiillllbbeesshhiippppeeddvviiaa TTHHEENN

Truck Only Use an absolute pressure of 70 kPa (10 psi)(approximate altitude equivalent of 3000 m (10,000 ft))

Truck and Air Use an absolute pressure of 60 kPa (8.7 psi)(approximate altitude equivalent of 4250 m (14,000 feet))

N

N

O

O

T

T

E

E

:

: There are two ways of measuring pressure (vacuum),

a

a

b

b

s

s

o

o

l

l

u

u

t

t

e

e

p

p

r

r

e

e

s

s

s

s

u

u

r

r

e

e or

g

g

a

a

g

g

e

e

p

p

r

r

e

e

s

s

s

s

u

u

r

r

e

e. Both measurepressure in kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Absolute pressure is measured relative to absolute zeropressure. Gage Pressure uses atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa, 14.7 psi) as a zero reference.

Examples:Given a gage pressure reading, calculate absolute pressure as follows: Absolute pressure = gage pressure reading +atmospheric pressure [101.3 kPa (14.7 psi)]. Note: gage pressure readings for vacuum (altitudes above sea level) arenegative. Given an absolute pressure reading, calculate gage pressure as follows: Gage pressure = absolute pressure

atmospheric pressure [101.3 kPa (14.7 psi)].

The following Table shows pressure conversions

M

M

e

e

t

t

r

r

i

i

c

c

U

U

n

n

i

i

t

t

s

s

E

E

n

n

g

g

l

l

i

i

s

s

h

h

U

U

n

n

i

i

t

t

s

s

AltitudeAbove Sea

Level

BarometricReading

AbsolutePressure

GagePressure

AltitudeAbove Sea

Level

BarometricReading

AbsolutePressure

GagePressure

Meters (m) mm HG kPa kPa Feet (ft) In. HG psi psi

0 760 101.3 0 0 29.92 14.7 0

3,048 522.84 69.7 -31.6* 10,000 20.6 10.11 -4.59*

4,267 446.33 59.5 -41.8* 14,000 17.57 8.63 -6.07**Negative gage pressures are sometimes referred to as vacuum kPa or vacuum psi.

O

O

v

v

e

e

r

r

-

-

t

t

h

h

e

e

R

R

o

o

a

a

d

d

T

T

r

r

a

a

i

i

l

l

e

e

r

r

S

S

i

i

m

m

u

u

l

l

a

a

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

The following breakpoints are for an over-the-road trailer typical for parcel delivery movement and shall be programmed intothe vibration controller to produce the acceleration versus frequency profile (spectrum) with an overall G r m s level of 0.53(see below). The theoretical stroke required to run this vibration profile is 1.855 inches (47.12 mm):

FFrreeqquueennccyy((HHzz))

PPSSDDLLeevveell,,

gg22//HHzz

1 0.0007

3 0.02

5 0.02

7 0.001

12 0.001

15 0.004

24 0.004

28 0.001

36 0.001

42 0.003

75 0.003

200 0.000004

C

C

o

o

n

n

t

t

i

i

n

n

u

u

e

e

d

d

B

B

e

e

f

f

o

o

r

r

e

e

Y

Y

o

o

u

u

B

B

e

e

g

g

i

i

n

n

V

V

i

i

b

b

r

r

a

a

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

U

U

n

n

d

d

e

e

r

r

D

D

y

y

n

n

a

a

m

m

i

i

c

c

L

L

o

o

a

a

d

d

T

T

e

e

s

s

t

t

i

i

n

n

g

g

C

C

o

o

n

n

t

t

i

i

n

n

u

u

e

e

d

d

3A

0.000001

0.00001

0.0001

0.001

0.01

0.1

1 10 100

Frequency, Hz.

ISTA 3A - Over-the-Road Trailer Spectrum

PSD


OOppttiioonnaallVViibbrraattiioonnUUnnddeerrVVaaccuuuumm

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

12/21



P

P

i

i

c

c

k

k

-

-

U

U

p

p

a

a

n

n

d

d

D

D

e

e

l

l

i

i

v

v

e

e

r

r

y

y

V

V

e

e

h

h

i

i

c

c

l

l

e

e

S

S

i

i

m

m

u

u

l

l

a

a

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

The following breakpoints are for a pick-up and delivery vehicle and shall be programmed into the vibration controller toproduce the acceleration versus frequency profile (spectrum) with an overall Gr m s level of 0.46 (see below). The theoreticalstroke required to run this vibration profile is 2.312 inches (58.72 mm):

F

F

r

r

e

e

q

q

u

u

e

e

n

n

c

c

y

y

(

(

H

H

z

z

)

)

P

P

S

S

D

D

L

L

e

e

v

v

e

e

l

l

,

,

g

g22

/

/

H

H

z

z

1 0.001

3 0.035

4 0.035

7 0.0003

13 0.0003

15 0.001

24 0.001

29 0.0001

50 0.0001

70 0.002100 0.002

200 0.00005

A

A

i

i

r

r

S

S

i

i

m

m

u

u

l

l

a

a

t

t

i

i

o

o

n

n

The following breakpoints are for an air shipment and shall be programmed into the vibration controller to produce theacceleration versus frequency profile (spectrum) with an overall G r m s level of 1.05 (see below). The theoretical strokerequired to run this vibration profile is 0.296 inches (7.52 mm):

N

N

O

O

T

T

E

E

:

:

Because air shipments involves some truck transport, the Air test includes Truck and Air and portions.

This spectrum is to be used for Vibration Under Vacuum only.

F

F

r

r

e

e

q

q

u

u

e

e

n

n

c

c

y

y

(

(H

Hz

z)

)

P

P

S

S

D

D

L

L

e

e

v

v

e

e

l

l

,

,

g

g22/

/H

Hz

z

2 0.0002

12 0.01

100 0.01

300 0.00001

3A

0.000001

0.00001

0.0001

0.001

0.01

0.1

1 10 100

Frequency, Hz.

ISTA 3A - Pick-up and Delivery Vehicle Spectrum

PSD

0.000001

0.00001

0.0001

0.001

0.01

0.1

1 10 100

Frequency, Hz.

ISTA 3A - Air Spectrum

PSD


VViibbrraattiioonnUUnnddeerrDDyynnaammiiccLLooaaddTTeessttiinnggCCoonnttiinnuueedd

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

13/21


TTEESSTTSSEEQQUUEENNCCEEFFOORRPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

The test blocks that follow contain tables that indicate the required steps for each test in the procedure.

TTEEMMPPEERRAATTUURREEAANNDDHHUUMMIIDDIITTYY


1 The packaged-product should be stored at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity for twelve (12)hours.

2 Is optional conditioning or vibration under vacuum going to be performed?

If

Y

Y

e

e

s

s, go to Step 6.

If

N

N

o

o, go to the next Step.

3 Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when testing starts.

4 At the end of all testing record temperature and humidity.

5 Go to the next First Shock Test Block.

6 Select an anticipated condition from the Before You Begin Block.7 Check the conditioning apparatus to insure that the temperature and humidity are at the required levels.

8 Place the packaged-product in the conditioning.

9 At the completion of the required conditioning time remove the packaged-product from the conditioningapparatus.

Condition is complete. Determine the next Test Block according to the following table:

IIFFtthheetteessttiinngg TTHHEENN

WWiillll nnoott include the OptionalVibration under Vacuum Test

Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity whentesting starts. Go to the First Shock Test Block and perform theremaining test sequence as quickly as possible.

10

W

W

i

i

l

l

l

l include the Optional Vibrationunder Vacuum Test

Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity whentesting starts. Go to the First Shock Test Block and perform theremaining test sequence as quickly as possible. Then after thecompletion of the Random Vibration test block, come back tothe Conditioning for Optional Vibration under Vacuum in thefollowing test block.

T

TE

EM

MP

PE

ER

RA

AT

TU

UR

RE

E

A

AN

ND

D

H

HU

UM

MI

ID

DI

IT

TY

Y

F

FO

OR

R

V

VI

IB

BR

RA

AT

TI

IO

ON

N

U

UN

ND

DE

ER

R

V

VA

AC

CU

UU

UM

M


1 Set the temperature and humidity according to the Standard Laboratory values in the Before You Begin

Atmospheric Conditioning (23C (73F) and 50% RH).

2 Check the conditioning apparatus to insure that the temperature and humidity are at the required levels.

3 Place the packaged-product in the conditioning.

4 At the completion of the required conditioning (8 hours) remove the packaged-product from theconditioning apparatus.

5 Record the ambient laboratory temperature and humidity when testing starts. Go to the Vibration underVacuum Test Block and perform the remaining test sequence as quickly as possible.

AAttmmoosspphheerriiccCCoonnddiittiioonniinngg

TTeessttBBlloocckk

3A

8/10/2019 ISTA_3A

14/21


TTEESSTTSSEEQQUUEENNCCEEFFOORRPPRROOCCEEDDUURREE33AA

DDRROOPP

SStteepp AAccttiioonn

1 Complete the following test sequence foreach type of package that has a check in thebox:

SSttaannddaarrddSSmmaallll((ddoonnootttteessttiinnbbaagg))

F

F

l

l

a

a

t

t

E

E

l

l

o

o

n

n

g

g

a

a

t

t

e

e

d

d

Follow the table below to determine the height and orientation for the first 9 drops.

D

D

r

r

o

o

p

p

N

N

u

u

m

m

b

b

e

e

r

r

Documents

ISTA_3A