Tag: ASTM D4332

New ASTM D4332 2014 Edition – Preparing Packages for Testing

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.

Order at the Document Center website at www.document-center.com.  Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We can assist you in your purchases, in setting up your system to monitor and maintain your collection, or provide access to standards for your staff in a compliant environment.  Make us your Standards Experts!

New ASTM D4332 2013 for “Conditioning” Packages Prior to Testing

There’s a new ASTM D4332 2013 Edition, “Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing,” and you can buy it now from Document Center Inc.  The standard covers the set up of standard and special conditioning and testing atmospheres to simulate particular field conditions that can affect a container, package, or packaging component while in use.

The reason that this test is useful is because many materials used for containers and packages (for example, cellulosic materials) are impacted by changes in the surroundings like  temperature and relative humidity (RH).  Once the package has been brought up to the condition that it is expected to encounter in use, then the required packaging  tests can be run.

FYI: If you are testing fibreboard, you’ll need the ASTM D685 for the preconditioning requirement.

It’s been seven years since the ASTM D4332 was reviewed and twelve since it’s been revised.  The previous ASTM D4332-01(R2006) Edition is now obsolete and replaced by the new ASTM D4332-13 Edition.

Want to see more standards on packaging?  Take a look at our page for the ICS Code 55.020.  It has a wide variety of packaging standards that you can purchase from Document Center Inc.

Order standards on our website, www.document-center.com.  Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com) if you prefer to work with one of our customer service reps.  You’ll find we can help you with both the purchasing process and with any questions you may have about the standards you use.