Drop test planner. Packed to arrive perfect.
A drop test checks that a packed product survives the knocks of handling, and ISTA 1A sets the drop height by packed weight: 76 cm for packs under 9.5 kg, down to 31 cm for 27.7 to 45.4 kg. Set your packed weight and carton board and this planner shows the height and runs the ten ISTA 1A drops: one corner, three edges and six faces.
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Three steps. One clear answer.
- 01
Set the packed weight to see the ISTA 1A drop height for your pack.
- 02
Choose single-wall or double-wall carton board.
- 03
Run the ten drops and read whether the board is right or an upgrade is worth it.
Drop heights follow ISTA 1A by packaged-product weight: under 9.5 kg (21 lb) 76 cm (30 in); 9.5 to under 18.6 kg (41 lb) 61 cm (24 in); 18.6 to under 27.7 kg (61 lb) 46 cm (18 in); 27.7 to under 45.4 kg (100 lb) 31 cm (12 in). The sequence is ten drops: one corner, the three edges that meet at that corner, and the six faces. ISTA 1A also includes a vibration test, which this planner does not simulate. The pass or upgrade result uses an illustrative board-strength model to show the method; only an accredited lab test qualifies your packaging.
Results are estimates to support your decisions. For binding figures, ask our team or your customs broker.
Straight answers.
Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.
[email protected]What is the ISTA 1A drop height?
It depends on the packed weight: 76 cm under 9.5 kg, 61 cm from 9.5 kg, 46 cm from 18.6 kg and 31 cm from 27.7 kg up to 45.4 kg.
How many drops are in ISTA 1A?
Ten: one corner, the three edges radiating from that corner, and the six faces of the pack.
What is the difference between ISTA 1A and ISTA 3A?
ISTA 1A is a basic integrity test of vibration and drops at set heights. ISTA 3A simulates parcel delivery more closely, with more drops, different orientations and optional atmospheric conditioning, and is widely used for parcel and e-commerce packs.
When should I upgrade from single-wall to double-wall board?
When the pack is heavy for its board, fragile, or stacked high in storage. A drop and compression test on the real pack is the reliable way to decide, and sometimes better inner packing does more than heavier board.
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