Industry Standards

ASTM D4169: STANDARD GUIDE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS

Changes include 1) a new definition for small and lightweight packages, 2) clarification on which shipping unit construction to use for Vehicle Stacking, 3) a safety factor reduction, 4) an update of the shipping density factor, and 5) notations regarding the use of ASTM F2825.

Changes do not affect testing; the change allows for other manufacturers/brands to be used for the dye penetration solution.

ASTM F88/F88M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SEAL STRENGTH OF FLEXIBLE BARRIER MATERIALS

Changes included: 1) A scope expansion; previously, the standard covered testing between flexible materials. However, the new revision includes testing a flexible material and another semi-rigid or rigid material. 2) An alternative for test Technique C, where the sample is supported 180° without an alignment plate, was added as a new method for testing rigid/semi-rigid trays.

Percent ranges were added to the wetting agent and carrier.

Test Technique C – Alternate (Supported 180° without alignment plate) was added as a new method for testing rigid/semi-rigid trays.

ASTM F1980: STANDARD GUIDE FOR ACCELERATED AGING OF STERILE BARRIER SYSTEMS AND MEDICAL DEVICES

Coverage expanded to include the medical device. Manufacturers must determine the effect of moisture on materials and decide if humidity should be controlled during accelerated aging testing; if uncontrolled, a justification should be written. Appendixes X3 regarding humidity as a test component was updated.

This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.

ASTM D5276: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DROP TEST OF LOADED CONTAINERS BY FREE FALL

Change affects drop testers with steel surface, which must be ½ in (13mm) thick and firmly anchored to the mass described in section 5.1.5.2. The length and width of the impact surface shall be the same or less than the width of the rigid mass. The impact surface shall be integral with a mass at least 50x that of the heaviest test container.

Two product definitions were added (Fragile Products and Liquids). A sample size of two (2) or more packaged-product samples is recommended for Fragile and Liquid product types. A leak test was added, to be conducted on products containing liquids.

The changes include updating the scope which does not affect testing.

Added identification of items related to Orientation of packaged-product. Max top-load weight of 600 lbs eliminated.

The changes include updating of references and appendices which do not affect testing.

ASTM D7386: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF PACKAGES FOR SINGLE PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Changes were made affecting testing, namely to Section 11.4, Schedule D3; Section 12.3, Test Method D5265; and Section 13, Schedule J.

This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.

This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial to add “M” to the title of the standard.

This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.