ASTM D4332, “Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing,” has just been updated. The new 2014 Edition (released in 2015) is now available from Document Center Inc. You can get your copy in paper format, for pdf download or as part of our multi-user Standards Online subscription service. The document provides you with a methology for “conditioning” packages and packing systems in preparation for testing.
If you regularly read my blog, you know that the ASTM D4169 standard for testing shipping containers was recently revised. The ASTM D4332 is one of the referenced documents in that standard, providing a way to simulate the effect of various atmospheres on the materials of the packaging system that will be tested. It is also referenced in a number of other package testing standards like the ISTA 2A.
How will you use the document? Before you test a package or shipping container for applicability, you’ll need to simulate the conditions that it will be expected to endure. One of the most obvious conditions is atmospheric. For example, if moisture is a factor, you’ll need to test the package after it is damp. The D4169 provides you with the protocol to use to “condition” the test sample — that is, bring it to the same atmospheric conditions you’ll expect the package to be used in.
What’s new in this 2014 Edition? References to an ISO standard in the document have been removed. And updates have been made to both the scope paragraph and clause 5 on atmospheric conditions. Additionally, Clause 7 on procedure has also been modified.
If you’d like to have the exact changes in an easy-to-use format for any updated ASTM standard, just ask for the Redline Edition when you place your order. You’ll get both a clean copy of the new release and a “marked-up” copy of the previous editions which allows you to easily spot all revisions.
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