Computer Electronics Package Testing

Electronic devices and their associated packaging must work in harmony to find the balance between product ruggedness and package suitability.  Whether your product is small and compact, or a large data storage system, proper testing is an essential element to reduce shipping damage and improve product reliability.

The packaging for such devices and products will focus on the protective and utility functions to deal with the shock & vibration, temperature & humidity extremes, condensation, electrostatic discharge, and similar hazards of the distribution environment. Testing for such packages follows the functions as described below.

Package Functions Hazards & Sources Typical Test Procedures Typical Specs WESTPAK Capabilities
Impact/shock protection Shock related damage from manual or mechanical handling during storage and transportation
  • Package freefall drop tests
  • Rotational impact tests
  • Horizontal or inclined impact tests
  • Cushion material analysis
ASTM D5276
ASTM D880
ASTM D4003ASTM D5414
ASTM D5277
ASTM D6065
ASTM D6179

ASTM D1596

(8) drop test systems

True Horizontal Impact Test System

(3) complete Inclined Impact test systems

Complete cushion test capabilities

Protection: Vibration attenuation Loosening of fasteners, fatigue cracking, scuffing, etc from vehicle-induced vibration
  • Sinusoidal resonance search test
  • Sinusoidal resonance dwell test
  • Random vibration tests
ASTM D3580
IEC 60068-2-64
ASTM D951
ASTM D999
ASTM D1185
ASTM D4169
ASTM D4504
ASTM D5112
ASTM D4278
ASTM D5415
ASTM D5416
ASTM D5094
ASTM D5277
ASTM D7387
More than (12) different vibration test systems to meet all types of test requirements
Temperature and Humidity protection Temperature and humidity extremes in storage and distribution High temperature and humidity extremes: Low temperature extremes ASTM D4332 More than (65) different temperature & humidity test chambers
Protection from moisture condensation Products are often covered with a barrier bag to keep them clean and protect them from electrostatic discharge. If the package is subjected to temperatures below the dew point of the air with the sealed barrier, condensation can form on the product resulting in electronic failures. Temperature and humidity exposure ASTM D4332 Many different chambers available along with recording instruments for temperature and humidity.
Utility: ability to stack the packages for better space utilization Top load compression from storage and from stacking in vehicles Compression test to failure; Compression test, max load and release ASTM D642

ISTA procedure 2 and similar

(4) complete container compression test systems
Utility: stability of the package to resist tipping over Shipping and handling in the LTL (less than truckload) environment Tip test to determine if the package system can withstand a 22.5° tilt and return to its base after the tipping force is removed ASTM D6179
ASTM D6633
ASTM D6654
Complete test capabilities at all lab locations

By subjecting your product/package system to above suggested test procedures, or others (ie, ASTM D4169 or the appropriate ISTA procedure), you will quickly determine the ability of the package system to perform its intended functions in the anticipated distribution environment. Minor adjustments, major changes, or complete system overhaul can normally be accomplished quickly and easily at this point, prior to disappointing your customer with a damaged product upon delivery.