Drop Testing (Package Testing)

Drop Testing (Package Testing)

Drop testing assesses a product’s packaging resilience by analyzing the effects of random drops and repeated impacts brought on by shipping, handling, and other field service circumstances. It is used to identify mechanical and structural flaws not always seen in shock and vibration tests. This helps manufacturers identify potential warranty issues resulting from subpar packaging or mishandling.

The ISTA 3A test is used to assess the resilience of the packaging for items sent through postal delivery systems. The heights of drops vary by package. Additionally, ASTM D5276 and D5487, MIL-STD 810 Test Method 516, and MIL-STD 202 are all drop testing standards that evaluate the effects of impacts on an item’s structural and functional integrity.

Packaged items are divided into three categories – standard, small, and flat – depending on their volume, weight, and longest dimension. Standard packages are cylindrical containers, plastic, hardwood, or traditional fiberboard cartons. Small packaged items have a volume of less than 13,000 cm3 (800 in3), longest dimension of 350 mm (14 in) or less, and a weight of 4.5 kg (10 lb) or less. Flat packages have the shortest dimension of 200mm (8 inches) or less and the longest dimension four times bigger than the shortest one with a volume of at least 13,000 cm3 (800 in3). Lastly, lengthy packages have a longest dimension of 900mm (36 in) or more with other dimensions no more than 2% of the longest one.

Video 01: ISTA 3A Drop Test