Test Procedure ISTA 1B is an integrity test for individually packaged products. It can be used to evaluate the performance of a packaged product and to compare the relative performance of packaging and product design alternatives. Transit conditions such as humidity, pressure, or unusual handling may not be covered by this procedure. Other ISTA procedures may be suitable for different conditions or to achieve different objectives.
Test Procedure ISTA 1B specifically covers the testing of individually packaged products weighing over 150 lb (68 kg) when prepared for shipment. Before testing, the shipper must determine what constitutes damage to the product, the acceptable level of damage tolerance if required, the correct method for determining the product's condition at the end of the test, and the acceptable condition of the packaging at the end of the test. A sample is required for testing in this procedure.
ISTA recommends conducting the test five or more times using new samples each time to allow for an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged product. To ensure ideal test conditions, products and packaging intended for testing in certified laboratories should either be overpacked for shipment to the laboratory or repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.
The sequencing of the tests should be performed as outlined in the document, including:
- atmospheric preconditioning (ambient),
- vibration,
- shock (with various alternative methods possible),
- and tilt-drop (in certain cases).
The recommended alternatives to ISTA 1B by ISTA are:
1. ISTA 1H: Recommended if you want to use random vibration instead of fixed displacement vibration.
2. ISTA 1D: Recommended for packaged products where a minimum compression value needs to be tested.
3. ISTA 1E: Recommended for unit loads, i.e., one or more products or packaged products typically on a pallet but still secured together or restrained for distribution as a single load.
4. ISTA 2B: Recommended for packaged products intended for international distribution.