ISTA 2B: Package Integrity Testing of Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb
ISTA 2B simulates transportation hazards for packaged products over 150 pounds. As an ISTA and ISO 17025 certified lab, we realize the importance of ISTA series 2B testing. Meeting the ISTA 2B requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.
Keystone Package Testing provides comprehensive reports shortly after completion of the testing. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. When packages do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. We offer competitive pricing volume discounts.
Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest-growing package test labs in the country. Contact us to receive more information on transportation testing.
Summary of ISTA 2B Integrity Testing
The ISTA Procedure 2B package testing is the standard that simulates transportation hazards for packaged products over 150 pounds. This test simulates the transport hazards. They do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
Transit testing using ISTA 2B provides a number of benefits. The ISTA 2b standard provides a shortened package development time. There is also greater confidence in the product launch. Thus, the increased protection of products will increase profits. It will also reduce product damage. An intangible benefit is greater customer satisfaction from reduced returns. This leads to increased return business.
As with most ISTA tests, the shipper must determine a number of variables before testing starts.
- What constitutes damage to the product?
- When damage tolerance is permissible?
- What is an acceptable package condition at the completion of the testing?
ISTA 2B Package Integrity Laboratory Testing Procedures
The ISTA 2B test involves a number of test sequences. Only one sample is needed to perform the ISTA 2B test program.
The first and second test sequences in this standard consist of atmospheric precondition and atmospheric conditioning.
The next sequence is compression testing. Compression can be completed in one of three ways. The first is machine apply and release. The next is machine apply and hold. The final is weight and load spreader. The shipper must determine the method to use.
When completing the compression testing, it is important to consider that box failure that could result in a stacking failure is not always considered a test failure. It is a failure if the packaged product may be warehoused during distribution. It is not a failure if it is not going to be warehoused.
Following compression is vibration, which can be either fixed displacement testing or random vibration testing. Shock is another area that requires the shipper to select from one of three alternative methods. One method is drop testing. Another method is inclined impact testing. The final method available is horizontal impact testing.
Following the first sequence of shock testing, there is another sequence of shock testing using rotational edge drop testing.
Lastly, another round of vibration testing is preformed.
Upon completion of the ISTA 2B testing, the shipper will receive a test report from Keystone Package Testing. That test report will include the results of the testing and photos of the packaged product before and after each test. This test report will be submitted by the shipper to ISTA. ISTA will review the report and issues transit tested package certification or an acknowledgment.
Included below is a chart outlining the test sequence of ISTA 2B shipping testing.
| Sequence # | Test Category | Test Type | For ISTA Certification |
| 1 | Atmospheric Preconditioning | Temperature and Humidity | Required |
| 2 | Atmospheric conditioning | Controlled Temperature and Humidity | Required |
| 3 | Compression | Machine Apply and Release | Required |
| Machine Apply and Hold | |||
| Weight and Load Spreader | |||
| 4 | Vibration (alternative methods allowed-select one test type) | Fixed Displacement | Required |
| Random | |||
| 5 | Shock (alternative methods allowed-select one test type) | Drop | Required |
| Incline Impact (Conbur) | |||
| Horizontal Impact | |||
| 6 | Shock | Rotational Edge Drop | Required when not testing face 1 |
| 7 | Vibration (alternative methods allowed-select one test type) | Fixed Displacement | Required |
| Random |
ISTA 2B Transportation and Package Integrity Test Laboratory
As an ISTA certified package test lab, Keystone Package Testing assists shippers throughout the entire e-commerce package integrity testing process. We provide timely, competitive, and affordable quotes.
Additionally, we have significant amounts of equipment meaning that scheduling typically has short lead times. Our trained technicians and engineers provide constant communication throughout the entire testing process and assist when challenges arise.
Contact us to learn why so many shippers choose Keystone Package Testing for their ISTA 2B package testing needs.
Other ISTA Standards:
Interested in the EMC/EMI, climatic, dynamic, shielding effectiveness, or IP Code testing of a product? Follow the corresponding links or www.keystonecompliance.com for more information.