Package testing services subject shipping containers to various tests, such as vibration, drop, compression, and environmental testing, to evaluate their ability to protect the contents from the point of pickup to the final destination. Shipping containers typically consist of cardboard boxes containing products like medical devices, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, and online purchases. Factors influencing the package’s effectiveness include materials, product design, assembly methods, and environmental conditions.
Delserro Engineering Solutions (DES) is a leading provider of package testing services, offering a wide range of testing solutions to ensure the safety and integrity of your products during transportation. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment and adhere to industry standards to conduct comprehensive tests on your shipping containers. DES is committed to delivering accurate results and providing valuable insights that will help you optimize your packaging design and materials, ultimately reducing damage rates, minimizing returns, and increasing customer satisfaction.
Lab-based Package Testing
Package testing in a controlled laboratory environment adheres to international standards like ASTM or ISTA. This process assesses the shipping container’s durability, the packaging’s ability to protect the item, and the product’s resilience to shipping stresses, such as vibrations, drop shocks, and climatic conditions.
Why Perform Package Testing?
Package testing evaluates the design and materials of a package and its ability to protect the contents. By preventing damage during shipping, companies can:
• Minimize reshipping products
• Save staff time and resources by reducing return claims
• Increase sales through repeat orders from satisfied customers
• Boost profits from increased sales and fewer return shipping claims
Types of Package Tests:
- Package vibration testing: Simulates transportation vibrations
- Package drop testing: Replicates drops from rough handling
- Package compression testing: Simulates load from stacking packages
- Environmental testing of packages: Assesses the effects of altitude, temperature, humidity, sealing integrity, and exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures on the package system
Common package test standards are:
- ASTM Package Test Standards: ASTM D4169 and ASTM D7386 simulate a distribution environment containing multiple events such as drops, vibration, compression loading, etc.
- ASTM Vibration Test Standards: ASTM D999, ASTM D3580 and ASTM D4728 are procedures for vibration testing of packages only.
- ASTM Environmental Package Test Standards: ASTM D4332, ASTM D6653, and ASTM F1980 are protocols for temperature and humidity conditioning, altitude testing and accelerated aging testing.
- ISTA Package Test Standards: ISTA standards are designed around distribution environments that contain multiple events such as drops, vibration, compression loading, etc.
- ISTA Series 1: ISTA 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H
- ISTA Series 2: ISTA 2A, 2B, 2C
- ISTA Series 3: ISTA 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F
- ISTA Series 6: These are specialized procedures for Amazon, Sam’s Club and Fedex
In summary, package testing services play a crucial role in ensuring that your products arrive safely at their destination, maintaining customer satisfaction, and reducing the likelihood of costly returns. By adhering to industry standards and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of package materials, design, and environmental resilience, package testing services can identify potential issues and help you optimize your packaging strategy.
DES offers expert Package Testing services within our environmentally controlled, accredited laboratory. Please contact a professional if you have any questions.
Package Testing FAQs
- How do you test packaging?
Packaging is tested using various methods such as vibration, drop, compression, and environmental testing in a controlled laboratory setting.
- What is package-level testing?
Package-level testing involves assessing the performance and durability of a shipping container and its ability to protect the contents during transportation.
- What is the function of package testing?
The function of package testing is to evaluate the effectiveness of packaging materials, design, and systems in protecting products during shipping.
- Why is packaging testing important?
Packaging testing ensures that products reach their destination undamaged, reduces return claims, and maintains customer satisfaction.
- What are the advantages of package testing?
The advantages include optimizing packaging materials, minimizing reshipping, saving staff time and resources, increasing sales, and boosting profits.
- What are the 3 levels of packages?
The term “3 levels of packages” does not specifically apply to package testing. However, in the context of package testing, there are three main aspects: the shipping container, the protective packing materials, and the product itself.
- What is product testing and packaging?
Product testing involves evaluating a product’s performance, quality, and durability under various conditions, while packaging refers to the materials and methods used to protect and transport the product. Package testing combines these concepts by assessing the effectiveness of the packaging in safeguarding products during shipping.
- What is packaging integrity testing?
Packaging integrity testing evaluates whether the packaging can protect the sterility of a medical device or sealed food products during transportation and under different environmental conditions. After subjecting the packaged product to transportation or environmental stresses, it is then tested for seal strength or leak integrity.
By understanding package testing’s importance and various aspects, companies can ensure their products reach their customers in excellent condition, minimizing returns and boosting customer satisfaction.