Quest Engineering Solutions is a leading provider of package testing and many other testing services.
Package testing is the process of evaluating packaging materials and designs under various conditions to ensure they meet specific standards for protection, durability, and regulatory compliance before products are shipped to consumers or businesses. This type of testing is critical for manufacturers and distributors to minimize damage during shipping, handling, and storage, thereby reducing costs and maintaining product integrity.
Below is list of the physical handling tests that Quest routinely performs. These tests include vibration, shock, and compression tests meant to simulate real-world hazards of shipping. The most common test standards for package testing include ISTA 2 and 3 Series tests, as well as ASTM D4169.
Optionally, environmental conditioning can be included prior to physical handling tests, which are intended for packages that may be degraded due to temperature or humidity exposure. Materials such as cardboard or paperboard are more susceptible to degradation due to temperature and/or humidity exposure. Environmental conditioning can be performed to according to ISTA, ASTM D4332, and ASTM F2825 standards. For a comparison of environmental conditioning options, please check out our page comparing ASTM D4332 and ASTM F2825.
We have developed a useful calculator tool which can be used to determine the compression value for packaged compression testing per Schedule C of ASTM D4169-23e1 (Editorial Change 1). In the latest version of the standard, the computed compression value has increased significantly for certain sizes and densities of packages as compared to older versions of the test standard. The calculator tool allows you to enter in the required variables and determine the amount of force needed to be applied to the test sample per the test standard. Click the button below to start using the tool.
Quest provides package testing services independent of the companies that are designing and selling packaging to you. We test existing or proposed package designs to ensure the contents will survive the hazards of domestic and international shipping.
Our package testing services result in lower packaging costs, fewer product losses and quality issues as a result of shipping, and improved product performance.
Quest has been performing package testing for over 25 years. Our engineers have extensive expertise in performing shipping validations studies and will guide you through the shipping testing process.
Transportation Simulation Testing Offered
- Vibration
- Repetitive Shock
- Bump and Drop Tests
- Compression
- Sea Level Altitude Simulation
- High Pressure Altitude Simulation
- Low Pressure Altitude Simulation
- Rapid Decompression
- Fragility
- Impact Tests
Package Testing Standards
Package Testing Standards
- International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Standards (See ISTA Testing page)
- EIA, ISO and IEC
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D4169-23e1
- ASTM D7386
- MIL-STD-810
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D4728
- Limited UN 38.3 Testing
Quest’s Package Testing Equipment
Quest’s Package Testing Equipment
- Truck Ride Simulator
- Maximum Size: 1.8 meters wide by 1.8 Meters Long
- Maximum Displacement: 1″ peak to peak
- Vibration Table Motion: Linear or Circular Synchronous
- Frequency Range: 2 to 5 Hz
- Drop Testers
- Automated dropping to ensure consistency and repeatability
- Maximum Height: 48 inches
- Maximum Test Sample Weight: 150 lbs
- Compression Tester
- Max Force: 15,000 lbs
- Capable of performing “Apply and Hold”, “Apply and Release”, or “Stepped Compression” tests
- Capable of output graph of stress-strain
- Platen Size of 48″ x 48″, with capability to test samples as tall as 78″
- Fixed/floating platen, providing the ability to either lock the platen during testing, or allow it to swivel as the test item deforms and/or fails.
- Vibration Table
- 60″ x 60″ Test Table
- Capable of 8,500 pounds of force
- A top load, or weight can be placed on the sample during vibration to increase severity
- Table can perform all random vibration shipping profiles including all ISTA and ASTM profiles
- Horizontal Impact Barrier
- For palletized or crated test samples – Velocity at impact can be controlled to standard or custom specifications
- Forklift Test Course
- Testing is designed for palletized or crated test samples
- Includes ISTA 3 Series and ASTM D4169 floor-anchored test course obstacles
- Forklift test course includes a forklift which can be used to maneuver around the test course while lifting a test sample
- Environmental Testing Chambers
- Our chambers range in size from 1 cubic foot, up to walk-in chambers exceeding 1,000 cubic feet in volume
- Includes humidity, Gaseous Nitrogen purge, dry air, and fast-ramp capability
- International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Standards (See ISTA Testing page)
- EIA, ISO and IEC
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D4169-23e1
- ASTM D7386
- MIL-STD-810
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D4728
- Limited UN 38.3 Testing
Quest’s Package Testing Equipment
- Truck Ride Simulator
- Maximum Size: 1.8 meters wide by 1.8 Meters Long
- Maximum Displacement: 1″ peak to peak
- Vibration Table Motion: Linear or Circular Synchronous
- Frequency Range: 2 to 5 Hz
- Drop Testers
- Automated dropping to ensure consistency and repeatability
- Maximum Height: 48 inches
- Maximum Test Sample Weight: 150 lbs
- Compression Tester
- Max Force: 15,000 lbs
- Capable of performing “Apply and Hold”, “Apply and Release”, or “Stepped Compression” tests
- Capable of output graph of stress-strain
- Platen Size of 48″ x 48″, with capability to test samples as tall as 78″
- Fixed/floating platen, providing the ability to either lock the platen during testing, or allow it to swivel as the test item deforms and/or fails.
- Vibration Table
- 60″ x 60″ Test Table
- Capable of 8,500 pounds of force
- A top load, or weight can be placed on the sample during vibration to increase severity
- Table can perform all random vibration shipping profiles including all ISTA and ASTM profiles
- Horizontal Impact Barrier
- For palletized or crated test samples – Velocity at impact can be controlled to standard or custom specifications
- Forklift Test Course
- Testing is designed for palletized or crated test samples
- Includes ISTA 3 Series and ASTM D4169 floor-anchored test course obstacles
- Forklift test course includes a forklift which can be used to maneuver around the test course while lifting a test sample
- Environmental Testing Chambers
- Our chambers range in size from 1 cubic foot, up to walk-in chambers exceeding 1,000 cubic feet in volume
- Includes humidity, Gaseous Nitrogen purge, dry air, and fast-ramp capability
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