Different Kinds Of Package Testing
If you are like most people, the only thing that you notice about the packaging of a product is how hard it is to remove. Well, it is the only think that you ever notice unless you have had some kind of experience in your past that relates to package testing. If you have been exposed to this kind of process in the past, you will pay a lot more attention to the packaging because you know how many different types of testing it had to go through before it could be used. In fact, there are several different groups that set some of the various testing standards. A few of the more popular ones are ASTM test and ISTA test procedures. There are also test procedures set up by ISO, CEN, TAPPI and the International Safe Transit Association.
There are many different types of tests that can be done related to package testing. The specific tests and the specific criteria that must be met depend upon the testing structure that is being followed. One type of testing that has to be completed is materials testing. This means the physical properties of the packaging and the design are tested to ensure they are good enough. At times there are also chemical components to the testing as well depending upon the specific situation. There is also a great deal of package testing done around environmental conditions. The purpose of this type of testing is to make sure that the packaging can withstand any of the environmental conditions that come into play while the package is being shipped to its final destination. This includes testing for extreme heat, extreme cold, water and even severe dust.
Degradation is another type of testing that is completed on packaging. This is related to finding out how long the packaging can remain intact and continue to be effective. In many cases, this also relates to the environmental testing mentioned above. This connection is because many times extreme temperatures are the factors that cause the packaging to break down more quickly.
Vacuum testing is also done as a part of package testing. The main purpose of this type of testing is to ensure the package can handle any low pressures encountered on the way to delivery. This could be a factor if the shipment ends up on an airplane or on a truck that is traveling at a high altitude.
Shock and impact testing is pretty much what it sounds like. The package is tested to make sure that it has the ability to withstand being dropped, having something else dropped and the other things that are likely to happen to it during transit. Vibration testing is another type of testing that has to be completed. Regardless of the type of transit that is used to deliver the package, it will likely be subject to repetitive vibrations either in an airplane or in a truck that goes cross country. The package must stay intact and not come loose due to this repetitive vibration.
About the Author
Stewart Wrighter has been researching ASTM test options in order to write an article on the subject for a major news magazine. For more information about ASTM tests go to http://www.ghtesting.com/ .
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