Distribution Testing – often referred to as Shipping Testing – is the practice of conducting tests on a package system that simulate the distribution environment. Laboratory testing provides a controlled and repeatable setting where the ability of shipping units to withstand the distribution environment can be determined. This is accomplished by subjecting package test samples to a variety of tests such as impact, compression, vibration, environmental conditioning, and altitude. These tests replicate a significant portion of what the package will encounter in the actual distribution environment.
The optimum protective package consists of a product of known ruggedness and a protective package system which together provide sufficient resistance to damage during distribution. One of the best ways to determine if a package is indeed “optimum” is to test the packaged product in the laboratory setting.
Typical Procedures/Protocols
ASTM D4169
ASTM D7386
ISTA 1A-7D
Resources
WESTPAK Capabilities
Westpak continually upgrades and expands its equipment line-up. Therefore this list is a minimum of our capabilities:
(19) Vibration test systems
(6) Compression test machines
(8) Drop Testers
(4) Altitude test systems
(4) Altitude test systems
(2) Incline Impact test systems