ISTA Certified
ISTA Laboratory Certification assures a laboratory is properly equipped to conduct International Safe Transit Association package performance testing.
The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Orlando, FL is certified for ISTA test procedures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A and 2B.
What It Means
ISTA Laboratory Certification assures a laboratory is properly equipped to conduct International Safe Transit Association package performance testing.
The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Orlando, FL is certified for ISTA test procedures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A and 2B.
[Michelle to confirm: is package testing to these ISTA procedures still active at Orlando, and is ista.org the right verification link? The Accreditations page only says to view approvals there.]
[Michelle to confirm: the Package Testing blog that uses the NTS name is left out of Further Reading. Is that right?]
Common Questions
[Michelle to confirm: please route these answers for engineering review. They were written from ISTA public overviews, not Element documents.]
What is ISTA certification for a lab?
ISTA Laboratory Certification assures that a lab is properly equipped to conduct International Safe Transit Association package performance tests. It applies to specific procedures rather than all ISTA tests. The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Orlando, FL is certified for procedures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A and 2B.
Read the full answer →What is the difference between ISTA 1A and 1B?
Both are integrity tests for packaged products, and the difference is weight. Procedure 1A covers packaged products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or less, and 1B covers those weighing more. Element U.S. Space & Defense in Orlando, FL is certified for both, so share your packaged weight when requesting a test.
Read the full answer →What do ISTA 1C and 1D add?
Procedures 1C and 1D are extended integrity tests for individual packaged products. Procedure 1C covers products of 150 lb (68 kg) or less, and 1D covers heavier products. ISTA points to 1C when a minimum compression value should be tested. Element U.S. Space & Defense in Orlando, FL is certified for both.
Read the full answer →What are ISTA 2A and 2B?
They are partial simulation tests. They combine basic integrity test elements with at least one general simulation element, such as atmospheric conditioning or random vibration. Procedure 2A covers packaged products of 150 lb (68 kg) or less, and 2B covers heavier ones. Element U.S. Space & Defense in Orlando, FL is certified for both.
Read the full answer →What is the difference between ISTA 1, 2 and 3 Series?
The 1 Series covers non-simulation integrity tests, the 2 Series covers partial simulation and the 3 Series covers general simulation of shipment hazards. The Orlando, FL facility of Element U.S. Space & Defense is listed for 1 and 2 Series procedures, so ask the team about any other procedure your requirement names.
Read the full answer →What does an ISTA 1A test involve?
ISTA's overview for Procedure 1A lists atmospheric preconditioning, fixed displacement vibration and a shock test, typically a drop test, with levels based on packaged weight. Follow the current ISTA procedure for the exact sequence. Element U.S. Space & Defense can review your package and shipment details at its Orlando, FL facility.
Read the full answer →Which ISTA procedure do I need?
Start with any requirement from your customer or program, then consider packaged weight and the depth of testing you need. ISTA describes the 1 Series as useful for early design screening. Share your package details and shipping method with Element U.S. Space & Defense so the Orlando, FL team can discuss options.
Read the full answer →Who decides whether a package passes?
ISTA's procedure overviews ask the shipper to determine, before testing, what counts as product damage, what tolerance is allowed and what package condition is acceptable. Define those criteria before you send hardware to Element U.S. Space & Defense, so results from the Orlando, FL facility can be judged against them.
Read the full answer →Should I send new packaging for testing?
Yes, where possible. ISTA notes that packages already subjected to transport cannot be assumed to represent standard conditions, so samples should be overpacked for shipment to the lab or repacked in new packaging there. Discuss sample handling with Element U.S. Space & Defense before shipping to its Orlando, FL facility.
Read the full answer →How can I verify ISTA certification?
Element U.S. Space & Defense lists its Orlando, FL certification on the Accreditations page, which directs readers to ISTA for approvals. The ISTA website is linked in At a Glance on this page. Confirm that the procedure your program needs is covered before scheduling a test.
Read the full answer →Further Reading
More from Element U.S. Space & Defense on this topic.
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