ISTA 2 Series procedures were created back in the mid-nineties when more and more labs had access to various types of drop testers and advanced compression machines with computer controls and servo hydraulic vibration. While they mimic in many ways the ISTA 1 series they are a lot more advanced and referred to as "Partial Simulation Tests".
ISTA 2A Procedure is intended for individual packages under 150 lbs. It has 5 parts, all of which are mandatory:
A. Climate Conditioning for 72 hours (there are 6 choices of temperature and humidity combinations)
B. Compression (choice of Apply and Hold (AH), Apply and Release (AR) or Dead Weights (DW) on loadspreader) C. Vibration (Mechanical or Random) if Random, 30 minutes on Bottom face, 10 minutes on Large side, 10 minutes on Small side, 10 minutes on Top face D. Shock (Free Fall Drops or Inclined Impacts) E. Vibration again - same as in C. above.
Note: This is considered (together with the FEDEX package test) to be the most severe package test in the book, considering the aggressive drop heights and the violent vibration profile. Some call it sarcastically "the product destruction program". Likely to produce a "false negative" outcome. If you don't have to do it, avoid it! It is, however, recommended for packages that will be shipped internationally, and takes into account the factor of "the unexpected".
ISTA 2B Procedure is intended for individual packages over 150 lbs. It has 6 parts, all of which are mandatory:
A. Climate Conditioning for 72 hours (there are 6 choices of temperature and humidity combinations)
B. Compression (choice of Apply and Hold (AH), Apply and Release (AR) or Dead Weights (DW) on loadspreader) C. Vibration (Mechanical or Random) if using Random Vibration, do 30 minutes on Bottom face, 10 minutes on Large side, 10 minutes on Small side, 10 minutes on Top face D. Shock (Free Fall Drops or Inclined Impacts) E. Raised Edge Drops from 8"; F. Vibration again - same as in C. above.
Note: Same as above. Likely to produce a "false negative" outcome. It is, however recommended for packages that will be shipped internationally, and takes into account the factor of "the unexpected".
ISTA 2C Procedure: For individual Packages containing Furniture. Climate Conditioning is optional. There are 2 mandatory parts: A. Random Vibration under Top Load, to total of 60 minutes, with top load. Vibration profile differs by Distribution channel, and
B. Shock (Free Fall Drops or Inclined Impacts), Careful: Exceptions apply, which modify Shock Test!