Ista 6a
Ista 6a
Ista 6a
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Ships in Own Container (SIOC) for 2
Amazon.com Distribution System 0
6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC 1
Shipment 8
VERY IMPORTANT:
The entire document shall be read and understood before proceeding with a test.
* Notes Regarding ISTA “Projects” and “Procedures”
• ISTA® 6-AMAZON.COM is currently an ISTA “Project”, first released in October 2014. New ISTA test protocols are given
the designation "Project" during their implementation phase. After a minimum one-year period and required evaluation, a
"Project" will either be adopted as an established "Procedure", revised and kept as a "Project" for another period of time, or
be dropped. Therefore, a “Project” is potentially subject to greater and more frequent revision than a “Procedure”.
• ISTA members may use either Procedures or Projects for package certification.
• Comments regarding this Project and its use are encouraged and welcome. Please contact [email protected].
T
Project 6-AMAZON.COM is a general simulation test for “Ships In Own Container” (SIOC) packaged-products shipped through
Amazon’s distribution system to final customer destinations. This testing protocol has been developed by combining data from
6-AMAZON.COM previous studies of transportation environments, relevant testing protocols, Amazon Fulfillment Center environment visual
observations, and customer feedback.
This test is for packaged-products shipped by Vendors to Amazon.com Fulfillment Centers and delivered to final customer
destinations via Parcel or Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) outbound shipment methods. It challenges the capability of both package and
product to withstand transport hazards normally encountered during handling and transportation. Amazon.com Vendors with items
intended to utilize Ships In Own Container (SIOC) are encouraged to use this test to understand the protective performance of their
packaging.
Project 6-AMAZON.COM has been created by Amazon.com with help from industry experts in both the packaging and transportation
industries. This test is currently in the Project phase (pilot stage) and will be improved upon if/where needed using feedback from
industry experts and users of the test. It is requested that you share feedback and other data from any testing conducted using this
test including number of tests conducted, failure/success rate, types of failures, test performance compared to real world
comparison, and any other helpful data points. Please share your feedback with [email protected] Amazon.com will
share this data with ISTA in an effort to improve the effectiveness of the test protocol.
Project 6-AMAZON.COM is appropriate for eight (8) different types of packaged-products designated Types A through H below. The
different types are a combination of four (4) packaged-product criteria: Amazon.com Outbound Shipment Method, Amazon.com
Fulfillment Center Handling Method, Packaged-Product Weight, and Product Category. See Definitions below for an explanation of
packaged-product types and other terms used in this document.
NOTE:
Hazardous Material (Dangerous Goods) packaging that passes this test procedure may not meet international, national or other
regulatory requirements for the transport of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods). This test is not a substitute for United
Nations and/or any other required test standards for the transport of Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods), but may be used as
an additional test in conjunction with them.
Project 6-AMAZON.COM covers the testing of packaged-products prepared for shipment via Amazon.com’s Ships In Own Container
(SIOC) distribution system to North America destinations. In this system, packaged-products are typically shipped from the
Scope
manufacturer or producer to an Amazon.com fulfillment center, and then to the Consumer. Various types of handling may occur in
the fulfillment centers, including manual, fork lift, clamp truck, etc.
The shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com and/or other stakeholders shall determine the following prior to testing, to permit the
Product Damage determination of pass or fail at the conclusion of the tests:
Tolerance and
• what constitutes damage to the product and
Package
Degradation • what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
Allowance • the correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test and
• the acceptable package condition at the conclusion of the test.
For additional information on these determinations refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects.
The shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com or other stakeholders shall also provide information regarding the
Additional initial shipment configuration, approved container loading diagram, details of shipment and configurations
Information, within the distribution system, typical atmospheric conditions, etc. as required to determine proper testing
IMPORTANT parameters.
Both products and packages should be as close as possible to actual production items. Pre-production prototypes such as hand-
made samples, CAD-generated one-of-a-kind or short run samples, etc. are usually not sufficiently representative of production
Samples
items to yield meaningful test results. It may be appropriate to conduct preliminary tests of a product and package early in the
development cycle, but final official testing should be performed with actual production items.
For fragile items, five samples are required for this test procedure. Fragile items are defined as items that easily break or could leak
during the distribution process. This includes any item containing:
• Glass / Ceramic / Porcelain / Clay
• Liquids / Semi-liquids / Solids that can become liquid at high temperatures (above 70 degrees Fahrenheit)
When multiple identical samples are tested, all samples must pass all tests.
For non-fragile items, one sample is required for this test procedure. If the sample is a palletized or a unitized load and this is the
intended configuration for shipment to the end consumer, then this is constituted a single packaged-product.
TV/Monitors are considered Non-Fragile items. Establishment of a TV/Monitor test type, reduces test variability and in turn allows
for greater repeatability through fewer samples.
T Samples
Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects for additional information.
6-AMAZON.COM
(continued) NOTE: In order to ensure testing in perfect condition, products and packages shipped to an ISTA Certified Laboratory for testing
shall be:
• Adequately over-packaged for shipment or
• Repackaged in new packaging at the laboratory.
NOTE: Any pallet or skid used in this procedure should be of a type and condition which is typical of what is in actual field use for the
packaged-product being tested.
NOTE: It is important to thoroughly document the configuration, materials, and construction of the tested product and package.
Significant variations in performance can sometimes be caused by seemingly insignificant differences. Photo documentation is
strongly recommended to supplement detailed written descriptions.
The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following tables:
4 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages ≥48 in.
TEST BLOCK 3 (1.2 m) tall and any one base
dimension < ½ the height;
or
for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm)
tall and with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the
package height
5 Compression, Clamping Calculated from formula Required
Horizontal Simulation Clamp in multiple For any of the 2 axes with a
Δ
TEST BLOCK 9 orientations as directed width dimension ≥ 24 in
(610mm) and < 75 in (1905
mm)
Δ 6 Compression, Test in the intended Calculated from formula Required
Vertical shipping orientation or Maintain force for 1 hour Machine, or weights & load
TEST BLOCK 10 most stable orientation spreader
3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages ≥48 in.
TEST BLOCK 3 (1.2 m) tall and any one base
dimension < ½ the height;
or
for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm)
tall and with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the
package height
4 Shock Rotational FLAT 9 in (230 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 5 Drop
3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages ≥48 in.
TEST BLOCK 3 (1.2 m) tall and any one base
dimension < ½ the height; or
for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm)
tall and with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the package
height
4 Shock Rotational FLAT 9 in (230 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 5 Drop
3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages ≥48 in.
TEST BLOCK 3 (1.2 m) tall and any one base
dimension < ½ the height; or
for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm)
tall and with a center of gravity
vertical location > ½ the
package height
O
4 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 drops – 18 in (460 mm) max Required for packages =< 100
TEST BLOCK 4 lbs (45 kg) - Do not catch
packaged items
5 Shock Rotational FLAT 9 in (230 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 5 Drop
11 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 drops – 32 in (810 mm) Required for packages =< 100
TEST BLOCK 16 max lbs (45 kg) - Do not catch
packaged items
10 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required for packages >= 100
TEST BLOCK 20 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity lbs (45 kg)
or velocity change
12 Shock Full Rotational Flat Varies with packaged- Required
TEST BLOCK 22 Drop product dimensions
Equipment Equipment
Required Type of Shock Test Type of Equipment Additional Required Equipment
Requirements
Shock
Free-Fall Drop Tests Free-fall drop tester Compliance with the
apparatus sections of
ASTM D 5276 or
ISO 2248.
22° angle
Rotational Edge and Support Block Compliance with the Support block
Corner Drop Tests apparatus sections of 3.5 to 4.0 in (90 to 100 mm) in height
ASTM D 6179 or and width and at least 8 in (200 mm)
ISO 2876. longer than the longest package
dimension to be supported.
Concentrated Edge Free-fall drop tester with Drop tester in compliance Concentrated Edge Hazard Box
Impact Tests edge with the apparatus 12 x 12 x 12 in (305 x 305 x 305 mm)
hazard sections of wood box with a total weight of 9 lb
box ASTM D 5276 or (4.1 kg). Any required ballast weight
ISO 2248. should be dense flowable material in a
bag or bags, held in place with suitable
void fill.The impact edge of the box
shall be covered with angle iron.
Hazard Block
The block shall be made of hardwood or metal. The height shall be 0.75
to 1 in (20 to 25 mm) and the width shall be 6 in (150 mm). The length shall
be at least 8 in (200 mm) longer than the longest package dimension which
will impact. The long top edges of the block shall be rounded to a
radius equal to the height of the block.
Vertical Compression Weight(s) & Load Spreader The Load spreader must If test item is shipped on a pallet
(Top-to-Bottom) be larger than the top face (standard or custom), use an identical
Load of the test item, and shall pallet on top.
(Alternate) Weight(s)
Spreader be sufficiently rigid to Safety stops are recommended to
apply a uniform support the load spreader and
compression force. weight(s) to prevent damage or injury
Safety in the event of a rapid collapse of the
Stops test item.
Pallet
Horizontal Clamp Tester Platens must be larger than Controls must permit applying the
Compression the side dimensions of the required clamping force at a consistent
Platens test item, and with an rate and the ability to raise the test item
(Clamping Simulation)
opening sufficient to a minimum of 12” (305 mm).
accommodate the test item.
Force measurement accuracy to within
The desired compression ± 5% of the actual value, using
must be achieved with accepted calibration means.
minimum overshoot.
TEquipment Type of Vibration Test Type of Equipment Equipment Requirements Additional Required Equipment
6-AMAZON.COM
Required
Horizontal Horizontal Compression Compression Test Machine Compliance with the Rigid load applicator (such as a 3/4"{19
Compression (Clamping Simulation) apparatus section of ASTM mm} piece of plywood or a plate of
(Continued) D 642 - Fixed Platen Only. steel) that is larger than the test
(Alternative)
sample face to be tested on the
Load compression test machine.
O Applicator Test
Sample
Type of Vibration Test Type of Equipment Equipment Requirements Additional Required Equipment
Vertical Vibration Random Vibration Test Compliance with the Means must be provided to maintain
Equipment
System apparatus section of ASTM proper alignment of the test item and
Required
D 4728 or any top load apparatus, and to prevent
Vertical
ISO 13355 the test item from moving off the
Vibration
vibration system’s platform, without
restricting vertical motion of the test
item or apparatus.
Fork Lift Handling Fork Lift Truck A fork lift truck of sufficient
Equipment capacity to handle the test
Required specimens and complying
Flat Push with the apparatus sections
of ASTM D 6055 or
ISO 10531.
The Top Load Apparatus required for the vibration testing of Type A, Type B , Type C and Type G packaged-products is
detailed below
Equipment
• A fiberboard box, or other container, of sufficient strength and ability to hold a load
Required
spreader (such as a 3/4" piece of plywood or a plate of steel that is the same
Additional
length and width as the inside dimensions of the load apparatus) and required
weight for each axis and
Vibration
Top Load • The length and width dimensions of the Top-Load package or apparatus which
Apparatus for will be applied to the test specimen shall each be a minimum of 50 mm (2 in)
Type A, Type B, longer than each of the two dimensions of the test specimen’s top face when
Type C, & Type G positioned for testing [i.e., a minimum of 25 mm (1 in) overhang on each side] but
Packaged- • The length and width dimensions of the Top-Load package or apparatus may each
Products be longer by a maximum of 150 mm (6 in) than each of the two dimensions of the
test specimen’s top face when positioned for testing [i.e., a maximum of 75 mm (3
in) overhang on each side] and
• Some means of adding additional weight so that the Top-Load (TL) is distributed evenly over the entire inside face area of the
Top-Load apparatus that will apply the Top-Load to the entire top face of the test specimen when it’s positioned for testing and
• Adequate void fill that shall securely hold the weight in place to prevent the weight from moving or bouncing within the top-load
apparatus (it is also required to use stretch wrap around the test specimen and the top-load apparatus to prevent the top-load
apparatus from bouncing on top of the test specimen) and
• The top-load apparatus shall never be smaller than the test face; the calculated weight must cover the entire surface of the test
face during the testing.
TEquipment
The Top Load Apparatus required for the vibration testing of Type D, Type E, Type F and Type H packaged-products is detailed
below
6-AMAZON.COM
Required
• The Top Load Apparatus is described and shown below, and includes:
Additional
o A sturdy fiberboard box or similar container with a height of 9 in (230 mm), and with a minimum 0.75 in (20 mm)
thick plywood load spreader covering the entire inside bottom surface.
Vibration
o Some means of adding additional weight as required so that the top load is distributed evenly over the entire inside
Top Load
bottom face area of the top load apparatus.
Apparatus for
o Adequate void fill to securely hold the weight in place to prevent it from moving or bouncing within the top load
Type D, Type E,
apparatus.
Type F & Type H
o Bottom face dimensions (length and width) which are at least 2 in (50 mm) larger than the top face dimensions of
Packaged-
the
Products
test item to which it is applied [for a minimum overhang of 1 in (25 mm) on each side], but must not be greater than
6 in (150 mm) larger than the top face dimensions of the test item [for a maximum of 3 in (76 mm) overhang on
each side].
• The Top Load Apparatus must be divided into 2 separate equal portions if one of the top face dimensions of the test item
exceeds 18 in (460 mm), and into 4 separate equal portions if both of the top face dimensions of the test item exceed 18 in (460
mm).
The Top Load is to simulate the effects of 6 lb/ft3 (0.0035 lb/in3) (96 kg/m3) of assorted freight on top of a Floor-Loaded
packaged-product in a truck-trailer or ocean container with an inside height of 108 in (2.7 m). This load density has been
determined by empirical testing which resulted in correlation between damage in the test lab and damage in the field.
• Means must be provided to maintain proper alignment of the Top Load Apparatus on the test item (column stack fixtures, stretch
wrap around the test specimen and the top load apparatus, etc.), without restricting the vertical motion of the top load apparatus
and the test specimen.