ISTA 2A Package Test

The ISTA Procedure 2A transport test is designed for packaged products of 150 pounds or less. Products packed individually on a cradle or pallet weighing more than 100 pounds should not be tested according to this procedure.

ISTA 2 series standards combine the basic test elements of the ISTA 1 series with the advanced test elements of the ISTA 3 series.

The test sequence of ISTA 2A includes atmospheric preconditioning, which is essentially a soak at ambient room temperature for six hours. The next step is atmosphere conditioning. This includes controlled temperature and humidity over a period of time. Most test times are 72 hours. After the package is conditioned, it is compressed. There are three options. The first is the machine application and release. Second, machine application and retention. The third is the use of weight and load distributors.

After the compression test, the package will pass the vibration test. Like compression, vendors can choose between methods. One method is constant displacement vibration. The other method is random vibration. When the vibration test is complete, the next step is the shock test.

The shock test offers three methods, one of which must be selected. The first available method is quitting. The next method is the slope effect. The third method is horizontal effect. The test drop height depends on the weight of the packaged product. This applies to all three shock test methods.

Another vibration test tour after the shock test. It is important to note that the vibration test in the sixth sequence does not have to match the vibration test method used in the fourth sequence. The methods may match or be different. Which methods to choose depends entirely on the seller. The vibration test is completed on all four sides of the package. The vibration test time varies depending on the face being tested, but ranges from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.