Ships in Own Container (SIOC) for

Amazon.com Distribution System 2

6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC 01
Shipment 6

ISTA 6 Series ISTA, Distributing Confidence, Worldwide™

Member
Performance ISTA® 6-Series Member Performance Tests are protocols created by ISTA members to suit their own particular purposes and
Test applications. This 6-AMAZON.COM test was developed by ISTA in cooperation with Amazon.com, and is designed as a General
Simulation protocol. General Simulation tests
PROJECT*
 Challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, but
 Utilize general simulation of actual transport hazards, and
 Do not necessarily comply with carrier packaging regulations.
When properly executed, ISTA procedures will provide tangible benefits of:
VERSION  Product to market time reduction
DATE  Confidence in product launch
 Reduction in damage and product loss
 Balanced distribution costs
Last  Customer satisfaction contributing to increased market share
TECHNICAL
Change: There are three sections to this procedure: Overview, Testing, and Reporting
May  Overview provides general knowledge required before testing and
2016  Testing presents the specific instructions to do laboratory testing and
 Reporting indicates what data shall be recorded to submit a test report.
Last
Two systems of weights and measures are presented in ISTA test procedures: English system (Inch-Pound) or SI (Metric).
EDITORIAL
Inch-Pound units are shown first followed by the Metric units in parentheses; there may be exceptions in some tables
Change:
(when shown separately).
May
2016 Familiarity with the following units and symbols used in this document is required:
For measuring English units and symbols Metric units and symbols
Weight pounds (lb) kilograms (kg) or grams (gm)
For complete
Force pounds force (lbf) newtons (N)
listing of
Procedure Distance feet (ft) or inches (in) meters (m) or millimeters (mm)
Changes and meters per second (m/sec) or
Version Dates Velocity inches per second (in/sec)
millimeters per second (mm/sec)
go to
www.ista.org Volume cubic inches (in3) cubic centimeters (cm3) or cubic meters (m3)
Density pounds per cubic inch (lb/in3) kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3)
Temperature Fahrenheit (°F) Celsius (°C)

 Either system may be used as the unit of measure, but

 The units chosen shall be used consistently throughout the procedure.
 Units are typically converted to two significant figures and
 Not exact equivalents.

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].

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Project 6-AMAZON.COM is a general simulation test for “Ships In Own Container” (SIOC) packaged-products shipped through
T Preface Amazon’s distribution system to final customer destinations. This testing protocol has been developed by combining data from
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 six (6) different types of packaged-products designated Types A through F below. The
different types are a combination of three (3) packaged-product criteria: Amazon.com Outbound Shipment Method, Amazon.com
Fulfillment Center Handling Method, and Packaged-Product Weight. See Definitions below for an explanation of packaged-product
types and other terms used in this document.

Packaged-Product Test Types

 Type A:
o Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
o Weight: Less than 50 lb (23 kg)
 Type B:
o Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
o Weight: 50 lb (23 kg) to Less than 100 lb (43 kg)
 Type C:
o Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
o Weight: 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater
 Type D:
o Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
o Weight: Less than 100 lb (43 kg)
 Type E:
o Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
o Weight: 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater
 Type F:
o Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Handling Method: Pallet Handling Method
o Weight: N/A

Packaged-Product Criteria
 Amazon.com Outbound Shipment Method:
o Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
o Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
 Packaged-Product Weight Greater than 150 lb or
 Any Packaged-Product Dimension Greater than 108 inches or
 Packaged-Product Girth Greater than 165 inches (Girth = Length + 2 * (Width + Height)) or
 Palletized Packaged-Product or
 Special Delivery Requirement by Amazon

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 Amazon.com Fulfillment Center (FC) Handling Method:
T Preface o Standard Handling Method (Floor Loaded) – Individual packaged-products that are received at Amazon.com
Fulfillment Center with no pallet or with multiple packaged products on a single pallet and are intended to ship to the
(continued)
end consumer without a pallet.
o Pallet Handling Method - Individual packaged-products that are received at Amazon.com Fulfillment Center on its own
individual pallet and is intended to ship to the end consumer on a pallet.
 Weight of Packaged-Product:
o Less than 50 lb (23 kg)
o 50 lb (23 kg) to Less than 100 lb (43 kg)
o 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater

Definitions
 Parcel Delivery.
o Any individual packaged-product shipped by Amazon.com to the consumer via a Parcel delivery system such as
UPS, FedEx, etc. (including elongated and flat packaged-product)
 Less than Truckload (LTL) Standard Packaged-Product
o Any packaged-product shipped by Amazon.com to the consumer via an LTL delivery system (including elongated
and flat packaged-product) that is not palletized or skidded
 Less than Truckload (LTL) Palletized Packaged-Product
o Any packaged-product shipped by Amazon.com to the consumer via an LTL delivery system (including elongated
and flat packaged-product) that is individually palletized or skidded

 Standard and Custom Pallet. A standard pallet is a design which is in wide industry use, with published specifications,
quality, and applications, used within those specifications and in a typical application. Standard pallets have information,
provided by their manufacturers or distributors, available on the internet. A custom pallet is one designed for a specific product
or narrow range of products, and with its design and performance characteristics not widely known or published.

 Elongated Packaged-Product
o A packaged-product where the longest dimension is 36 in (910 mm) or greater and
o both of the other dimensions are each 20 percent or less of the longest dimension
 Flat Packaged-Product
o A packaged-product where the shortest dimension is 8 in (200 mm) or less and
o the next longest dimension is four (4) or more times larger than the shortest dimension, and
o the volume is 800 in3 (13,000 cm3) or greater
NOTE: If a packaged-product is both Elongated and Flat in accordance with the above definitions, it should be
tested as Elongated.
 Non-Rigid Containers are defined as having one or more of the following characteristics:
o the outer package may offer insufficient protection from concentrated low-level impacts or
o the design has large unsupported spans of outer packaging material or
o the outer package utilizes a stretch- or shrink-wrap design, a thin-flute or light grade corrugated board,
a paper wrap or similar lightweight material only, etc. or
o the outer package wall is in direct contact with the product

General
 Testing can be used to evaluate the protective performance of a packaged-product related to vibrations, shocks and
other stresses normally encountered during handling and transportation in the Amazon.com distribution system.
 The package and product are considered together and not separately.
 Some conditions of transit, such as moisture, pressure, or unusual handling may not be covered.
Other ISTA Procedures or Projects may be appropriate for different conditions or to meet different objectives.
Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects for additional information.

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.

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Project 6-AMAZON.COM covers the testing of packaged-products prepared for shipment via Amazon.com’s Ships In Own Container
T Scope (SIOC) distribution system to North America destinations. In this system, packaged-products are typically shipped from the
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.

Product Damage The shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com and/or other stakeholders shall determine the following prior to testing, to permit the
Tolerance and determination of pass or fail at the conclusion of the tests:
Package  what constitutes damage to the product and
Degradation
Allowance  what damage tolerance level is allowable, if any, and
 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.

Additional The shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com or other stakeholders shall also provide information regarding the
Information, initial shipment configuration, approved container loading diagram, details of shipment and configurations
IMPORTANT within the distribution system, typical atmospheric conditions, etc. as required to determine proper testing
parameters.

Both products and packages should be as close as possible to actual production items. Pre-production prototypes such as hand-
Samples made samples, CAD-generated one-of-a-kind or short run samples, etc. are usually not sufficiently representative of production
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 the Type A 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.

To permit an adequate determination of representative performance of the packaged-product, ISTA:

 Requires the test procedure, with the required number of samples, to be performed one time, but
 Recommends performing the entire test procedure five or more times using new samples for each test.

Refer to Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Test Procedures and Projects for additional information.

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.

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The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in the following tables:
T
Test Sequence Type A - Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Less Than 50 lb (23 kg)
Type A
Sequence
Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Parcel Delivery Number
of Individual
1 Atmospheric Temperature and Lab ambient, 12 hours Required
Packaged-
Preconditioning Humidity
Products
Less Than TEST BLOCK 1
50 lb (23 kg) 2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity Optional
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

3 Shock Free-Fall Drop 9 Drops - height varies with Required

TEST BLOCK 2 packaged-product weight

4 Vibration Random Overall Grms levels of 0.53 Required

TEST BLOCK 12 With and Without and 0.46
Top Load
5 Shock Free-Fall Drop 8 Drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 15 packaged-product weight.
Includes drop on hazard

6 Shock Rotational 9 in (230 mm) Required for

TEST BLOCK 21 Edge Drop Elongated and Flat Packages
7 Shock Full Rotational Varies with packaged- Required for
TEST BLOCK 22 Flat Drop product dimensions Elongated and Flat Packages

8 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped Required for

TEST BLOCK 23 16 in (400 mm) Elongated Packages Only

9 Shock Concentrated Hazard Box dropped Required for

TEST BLOCK 24 Edge Impact 16 in (400 mm) Flat Packages Only

10 Integrity Leak Test 8 hours Required for Liquids ONLY

TEST BLOCK 25

For fragile items, five samples are required for the Type A 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.

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Type B - Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products 50 lb (23 kg) to Less Than 100 lb (43
T
Test Sequence
kg)
Type B Sequence
Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Number
Parcel Delivery
of Individual 1 Atmospheric Temperature and Lab ambient, 12 hours Required
Packaged- Preconditioning Humidity
Products TEST BLOCK 1
50 lb (23 kg) to 2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity chosen Optional
Less Than Conditioning Temperature and from table
100 lb (43 kg) TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity
3 Shock Free-Fall Drop 9 Drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 2 packaged-product weight

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, Test in the intended Calculated from formula Required
Vertical shipping orientation Maintain force for 1 hour Machine, or weights & load
TEST BLOCK 9 or most stable spreader
orientation
6 Compression, Clamping Calculated from formula Required
Horizontal Simulation Clamp in multiple For any of the 2 axes with a
TEST BLOCK 10 orientations as directed width dimension ≥ 24 in
(610mm) and < 75 in (1905
mm)
7 Vibration Random Overall Grms levels of 0.53 and Required
TEST BLOCK 12 With and Without 0.46
Top Load
8 Shock Free-Fall Drop 8 Drops - height varies with Required
TEST BLOCK 15 packaged-product weight.
Includes drop on hazard
9 Shock Rotational 9 in (230 mm) Required for
TEST BLOCK 21 Edge Drop Elongated and Flat Packages
10 Shock Full Rotational Varies with packaged-product Required for
TEST BLOCK 22 Flat Drop dimensions Elongated and Flat Packages
11 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 23 16 in (400 mm) Elongated Packages Only
12 Shock Concentrated Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 24 Edge Impact 16 in (400 mm) Flat Packages Only
13 Integrity Leak Test 8 hours Required for Liquids ONLY
TEST BLOCK 25

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Type C - Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater
T
Test Sequence
Note: Parcel Delivery has a weight limitation of 150 lb (70 kg)
Type C Sequence
Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Number
Parcel Delivery 1 Atmospheric Temperature and Lab ambient, 12 hours Required
of Individual Preconditioning Humidity
Packaged- TEST BLOCK 1
Products
100 lb (43 kg) 2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity Optional
or Greater Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity
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

5 Shock Rotational EDGE 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 6 Drop

6 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required

TEST BLOCK 8 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity
or velocity change

7 Compression, Test in the intended Calculated from formula Required

Vertical shipping orientation Machine, or
Maintain force for 1 hour
TEST BLOCK 9 or most stable weights & load spreader
orientation
8 Compression, Clamping Calculated from formula Required
Horizontal Simulation Clamp in multiple For any of the 2 axes with a width
TEST BLOCK 10 orientations as directed dimension ≥ 24 in (610mm) and
< 75 in (1905 mm)
9 Vibration Random Overall Grms levels of Required
With and Without 0.53 and 0.46
TEST BLOCK 12
Top Load
10 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required
TEST BLOCK 20 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or
velocity change
11 Shock Rotational 9 in (230 mm ) Required for
TEST BLOCK 21 Edge Drop Elongated and Flat Packages
12 Shock Full Rotational Varies with packaged- Required for
TEST BLOCK 22 Flat Drop product dimensions Elongated and Flat Packages
13 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 23 16 in (400 mm) Elongated Packages Only
14 Shock Concentrated Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 24 Edge Impact 16 in (400 mm) Flat Packages Only

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Type D - LTL Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Less Than 100 lb (43 kg)
T
Sequence
Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Number
Test Sequence
Type D 1 Atmospheric Temperature and Lab ambient, 12 hours Required
Preconditioning Humidity
LTL Delivery TEST BLOCK 1
of Individual
Packaged- 2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity Optional
Products Conditioning Temperature and chosen from table
Less Than TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity
100 lb (43 kg)
3 Shock Tip/Tip Over Use a 22 degree tip angle Required for packages ≥48 in. (1.2 m)
TEST BLOCK 3 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 Free-Fall Drop 6 drops – 18 in (460 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 4 max

5 Compression, Test in the Calculated from formula Required

Vertical intended shipping Maintain force for 1 hour Machine, or weights
TEST BLOCK 9 orientation or most and load spreader
stable orientation
6 Compression, Clamping Calculated from formula Required
Horizontal Simulation Clamp in multiple For any of the 2 axes with a width
TEST BLOCK 10 orientations as directed dimension ≥ 24 in (610mm) and < 75
in (1905 mm)

7 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required

TEST BLOCK 13 With Top
Load
8 Shock Free-Fall Drop 6 drops – 32 in (810 mm) Required
TEST BLOCK 16 max

9 Shock Full Rotational Varies with packaged- Required for

TEST BLOCK 22 Flat Drop product dimensions Elongated and Flat Packages
10 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 23 16 in (400 mm) Elongated Packages Only
11 Shock Concentrated Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 24 Edge Impact 16 in (400 mm) Flat Packages Only

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Type E - LTL Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater
T
Test Sequence Sequence
Type E Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Number

LTL Delivery 1 Atmospheric Temperature Lab ambient, 12 hours Required

of Individual Preconditioning and Humidity
Packaged- TEST BLOCK 1
Products
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity Optional
100 lb (43 kg)
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from table
or Greater
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

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

5 Shock Rotational EDGE 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 6 Drop

6 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required

TEST BLOCK 8 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity
or velocity change

7 Compression, Test in the intended Calculated from formula Required

Vertical shipping orientation Maintain force for 1 hour Machine, or weights and load
TEST BLOCK 9 or most stable spreader
orientation
8 Compression, Clamping Calculated from formula Required
Horizontal Simulation Clamp in multiple For any of the 2 axes with a
TEST BLOCK 10 orientations as directed width dimension ≥ 24 in
(610mm) and < 75 in (1905 mm)
9 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required
TEST BLOCK 13 With Top Load

10 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required

TEST BLOCK 20 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
3 in. (76 mm) drops
11 Shock Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 23 16 in (400 mm) Elongated Packages Only
12 Shock Concentrated Edge Hazard Box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 24 Impact 16 in (400 mm) Flat Packages Only

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Type F - LTL Delivery of Individual Palletized Packaged-Products
T
Test Sequence Sequence
Type F Test Category Test Type Test Level Remarks
Number

LTL Delivery 1 Atmospheric Temperature and Lab ambient, 12 hours Required

of Individual Preconditioning Humidity
Palletized TEST BLOCK 1
Packaged-
2 Atmospheric Controlled Temperature and humidity Optional
Products
Conditioning Temperature and chosen from chart
TEST BLOCK 1 Humidity

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

5 Shock Rotational EDGE 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 6 Drop

6 Shock Rotational CORNER 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 7 Drop

7 Shock Inclined or 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required

TEST BLOCK 8 Horizontal Impact (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or
velocity change

8 Compression, Top-to-Bottom Calculated from formula Required

Vertical Pallet on top Machine or
TEST BLOCK 9 weights and load spreader
9 Shock Fork Lift Simulation Flat Push and Rotate tests, Required
TEST BLOCK 11 Elevated Push and Pull tests

10 Vertical Vibration Random Overall Grms level of 0.54 Required

TEST BLOCK 14 With Top Load

11 Shock Rotational FLAT 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 17 Drop

12 Shock Rotational EDGE 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 18 Drop

13 Shock Rotational CORNER 9 in (230 mm) Required

TEST BLOCK 19 Drop

14 Shock Inclined or Horizontal 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) Required

TEST BLOCK 20 Impact (1.2 m/sec) impacts or
3 in. (76 mm) drops
15 Shock Concentrated Edge Hazard box dropped Required for
TEST BLOCK 24 Impact 16 in (410 mm) Flat Packages Only

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 6-AMAZON EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PROJECT 6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC
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Atmospheric Pre-Conditioning and Conditioning:
TEquipment  Humidity recorder complying with of the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.
Required  Temperature recorder complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.
Atmospheric
Conditioning Controlled Temperature and Humidity:
 Chamber and Control apparatus complying with the apparatus section of ASTM D 4332 or ISO 2233.

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.

Tip/Tipover Tests ASTM D 6179 or

ISO 2876

22° angle

Rotational Flat Drop Compliance with the

Tests apparatus sections of
ASTM D 6179 or
ISO 2876.

Full Rotational ASTM D 6179 or

Drops ISO 2876

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.

Inclined or Horizontal Inclined Compliance with the

Impact Tests apparatus sections of
(Alternates) ASTM D 880 or
ASTM D 4003 or
Horizontal ISO 2244.

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.

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TEquipment Bridge Impact Tests Free-fall drop tester with edge

hazard
Compliance with the
apparatus section of
Concentrated Edge Hazard Box and
Support Blocks
Required box ASTM D 5265, with the See above for description of the
Shock exception of the Hazard Concentrated Edge Hazard Box.
(continued) Box (Impactor).
Support blocks (2 ea) shall be 3.5 to
4.0 in (90 to 100 mm) in height and
width and at least 8 in (200 mm) longer
than the longest package dimension to
be supported.
Drop Onto Hazard Free-fall drop tester Hazard Block
and hazard
See below.
block

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.

Type of Compression Equipment

Type of Equipment Additional Required Equipment
Equipment Test Requirements
Required
Vertical Compression Compression Test Compliance with the If test item is shipped on a pallet
Compression
(Top-to-Bottom) Machine apparatus section of (standard or custom), use an identical
ASTM D 642 - pallet on top.
Pallet Fixed or Swivel Platen
on top Acceptable.

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
(Clamping Simulation)
Platens test item, and with an rate and the ability to raise the test item
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.

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TEquipment Type of Vibration Test Type of Equipment Equipment Requirements Additional Required Equipment
Required
Vertical Vertical Vibration Random Vibration Test Compliance with the Means must be provided to maintain
Vibration System apparatus section of ASTM proper alignment of the test item and
D 4728 or any top load apparatus, and to prevent
ISO 13355 the test item from moving off the
vibration system’s platform, without
restricting vertical motion of the test
item or apparatus.

Equipment Type of Test Type of Equipment Equipment Requirements Additional Required Equipment
Required
Flat Push
Fork Lift Handling Fork Lift Truck A fork lift truck of sufficient
capacity to handle the test
specimens and complying
with the apparatus sections
of ASTM D 6055 or
ISO 10531.

Equipment The Top Load Apparatus required for the vibration testing of Type A, Type B and Type C packaged-products is detailed below
Required
Additional  A fiberboard box, or other container, of sufficient strength and ability to hold a
load spreader (such as a 3/4" piece of plywood or a plate of steel that is the
Vibration same length and width as the inside dimensions of the load apparatus) and
Top Load required weight for each axis and
Apparatus for  The length and width dimensions of the Top-Load package or apparatus
Type A, Type B which will be applied to the test specimen shall each be a minimum of 50 mm
and Type C (2 in) longer than each of the two dimensions of the test specimen’s top face
Packaged- when positioned for testing [i.e., a minimum of 25 mm (1 in) overhang on
Products each side] but
 The length and width dimensions of the Top-Load package or apparatus may
each 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.

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The Top Load Apparatus required for the vibration testing of Type D, Type E and Type F packaged-products is detailed below
TEquipment
 The Top Load Apparatus is described and shown below, and includes:
Required
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)
Additional
thick plywood load spreader covering the entire inside bottom surface.
o Some means of adding additional weight as required so that the top load is distributed evenly over the entire inside
Vibration
bottom face area of the top load apparatus.
Top Load
o Adequate void fill to securely hold the weight in place to prevent it from moving or bouncing within the top load
Apparatus for
apparatus.
Type D, Type E
o Bottom face dimensions (length and width) which are at least 2 in (50 mm) larger than the top face dimensions of
and Type F
the
Packaged-
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
Products
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).

TOP LOAD APPARATUS (4 SHOWN)

o Use an undivided apparatus if both top face
dimensions of the test item are
9 in (230 mm) 18 in (460 mm) or less.
o Divide the apparatus into two separate
equal portions if one top face dimension of
the test item exceeds 18 in (460 mm).
Divide the apparatus perpendicular to the
longest dimension.
o Divide the apparatus into four separate
equal portions if both top face dimensions
TEST ITEM 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.

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