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Corrugated fiberboard
1
Corrugated fiberboard
Corrugated fiberboard
Corrugated fiberboard is a paper-based material consisting of a
fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. It is widely
used in the manufacture of corrugated boxes and shipping containers.
The corrugated medium and linerboard are made of containerboard, a
paper-like material usually over 0.01 inches (0.25mm) thick.
Corrugated fiberboard is sometimes called corrugated cardboard,
although cardboard might be any heavy paper-pulp based board.
History
Corrugated (also called pleated) paper was patented in England in 1856, and used as a liner for tall hats, but
corrugated boxboard was not patented and used as a shipping material until December 20, 1871. The patent was
issued to Albert Jones of New York City for single-sided (single-face) corrugated board.
[1]
Jones used the corrugated
board for wrapping bottles and glass lantern chimneys. The first machine for producing large quantities of corrugated
board was built in 1874 by G. Smyth, and in the same year Oliver Long improved upon Jones' design by inventing
corrugated board with liner sheets on both sides,
[2]
thereby inventing corrugated board as it came to be known in
modern times.
The Scottish-born Robert Gair invented the pre-cut paperboard box in 1890`flat pieces manufactured in bulk that
folded into boxes. Gair's invention came about as a result of an accident: he was a Brooklyn printer and paper-bag
maker during the 1870s, and one day, while he was printing an order of seed bags, a metal ruler normally used to
crease bags shifted in position and cut them. Gair discovered that by cutting and creasing in one operation he could
make prefabricated paperboard boxes. Applying this idea to corrugated boxboard was a straightforward development
when the material became available in the early twentieth century.
[3]
The corrugated box was initially used for packaging glass and pottery containers. Later, in the mid-1950s, the case
enabled fruit and produce to be brought from the farm to the retailer without bruising, improving the return to the
producers and opening up export markets.
Manufacture of corrugated board
Main flutes for corrugated fiberboard
Corrugated board is manufactured on large
high-precision machinery lines called
corrugators, usually running at about 500
feet per minute (2.5m/s) or more. These
machines, over time, have become very
complex with the objective of avoiding
some common problems in corrugated board
production, such as warp and washboarding.
Corrugated fiberboard
2
The key raw material in corrugating is paper, different grades for each layer making up the corrugated box. Due to
supply chain and scale considerations, paper is produced in separate plants called paper mills. Most corrugating
plants keep an inventory of paper reels.
In the classical corrugator, the paper is softened with high-pressure steam. After the board is formed it is dried in the
so-called dry-end. Here the newly formed corrugated board is heated from the bottom by hot plates. On the top,
various pressures are applied by a load system on the belt.
The corrugated medium is often 0.026 pounds per square foot (0.13kg/m) basis weight in the U.S.; in the UK, a 90
grams per square metre (0.018lb/sqft) fluting paper is common. At the single-facer, it is heated, moistened, and
formed into a fluted pattern on geared wheels. This is joined to a flat linerboard with a starch based adhesive to form
single face board. At the double-backer, a second flat linerboard is adhered to the other side of the fluted medium to
form single wall corrugated board. Linerboards are test liners (recycled paper) or kraft paperboard (of various
grades). The liner may be bleached white, mottled white, colored, or preprinted.
Common flute sizes are "A", "B", "C", "E" and "F" or microflute. The letter designation relates to the order that the
flutes were invented, not the relative sizes. Flute size refers to the number of flutes per linear foot, although the
actual flute dimensions for different corrugator manufacturers may vary slightly. Measuring the number of flutes per
linear foot is a more reliable method of identifying flute size than measuring board thickness, which can vary due to
manufacturing conditions. The most common flute size in corrugated boxes is "C" flute.
Standard US Corrugated Flutes
[4]
Flute Designation Flutes per linear foot Flute thickness (in) Flutes per linear meter Flute thickness (mm)
A flute 33 +/a3 3/16 108 +/a10 4.8
B flute 47 +/a3 1/8 154 +/a10 3.2
C flute 39 +/a3 5/32 128 +/a10 4.0
E flute 90 +/a4 1/16 295 +/a13 1.6
F flute 128 +/a4 1/32 420 +/a13 0.8
Corrugated fiberboard can be specified by the construction (single face, singlewall, doublewall, etc.), flute size, burst
strength, edge crush strength, flat crush, basis weights of components (pounds per thousand square feet, grams per
square meter, etc.), surface treatments and coatings, etc. TAPPI and ASTM test methods for these are standardized.
The choice of corrugated medium, flute size, combining adhesive, and linerboards can be varied to engineer a
corrugated board with specific properties to match a wide variety of potential uses. Double and triple-wall corrugated
board is also produced for high stacking strength and puncture resistance.
Most corrugators are two knife corrugators, which means that they can produce two different sheet lengths
side-by-side. This leads to an optimisation problem, known as the cutting stock problem.
Corrugated fiberboard
3
Box manufacture process
Box design
Regular slotted container
Box blank showing score lines, slots, and
manufacturer's joint
Packaging engineers design corrugated boxes to meet the particular
needs of the product being shipped, the hazards of the shipping
environment, (shock, vibration, compression, moisture, etc.), and the
needs of retailers and consumers.
The most common box style is the Regular Slotted Container (RSC).
All flaps are the same length from the score to the edge. Typically, the
major flaps meet in the middle and the minor flaps do not.
The manufacturer's joint is most often joined with adhesive but may
also be taped or stitched. The box is shipped flat (knocked down) to the
packager who sets up the box, fills it, and closes it for shipment. Box
closure may be by tape, adhesive, staples, strapping, etc.
The size of a box can be measured for either internal (for product fit) or
external (for handling machinery or palletizng) dimensions. Boxes are
usually specified and ordered by the internal dimensions.
Box styles in Europe are typically defined by a 4-digit code specified by FEFCO: for example, a regular slotted
container (RSC) is coded 0201. FEFCO styles are normally the basis for more complicated special designs that
incorporate, for instance, locking tabs or internal fittings.
Manufacturing
Boxes can be formed in the same plant as the corrugator. Part of the scoring and cutting takes place in-line on the
corrugator. Alternatively, sheets of corrugated board may be sent to a different manufacturing facility for box
fabrication; these are sometimes called "sheet plants".
The corrugated board is creased or scored to provide controlled bending of the board. Most often, slots are cut to
provide flaps on the box. Scoring and slotting can also be accomplished by die-cutting.
Single-face laminate
A limitation of common corrugated material has been the difficulty in applying fine graphic print for informative and
marketing purposes. The reasons for this stem from the fact that prefabricated corrugated sheets are relatively thick
and spongy, compared to the thin and incompressible nature of solid fibre paper such as paperboard. Due to these
characteristics of corrugated, it has been mainly printed using a flexographic process, which is by nature a coarse
application with loose registration properties.
A more recent development popular in usage is a hybrid product featuring the structural benefits of corrugated
combined with the high-graphics print of lithography previously restricted to paperboard folding cartons. This
application, generally referred to as 'Single-Face Laminate', begins its process as a traditional fluted medium adhered
to a single linerboard (single-face), but in place of a second long-fibered liner, a pre-printed sheet of paperboard such
as SBS (solid bleached sulfate) is laminated to the outer facing. The sheet can then be converted with the same
processes used for other corrugated manufacturing into any desired form.
Specialized equipment is necessary for the material construction of SFL, so users may expect to pay a premium for
these products. However, this cost is often offset by the savings over a separate paperboard sleeve and the labor
necessary to assemble the completed package.
Corrugated fiberboard
4
Recycling
A corrugated fiberboard shredder.
Old corrugated containers are an excellent source of fibre for recycling.
They can be compressed and baled for cost effective transport. The
baled boxes are put in a hydropulper, which is a large vat of warm
water for cleaning and processing. The pulp slurry is then used to make
new paper and fiber products.
Mill and corrugator scrap, or broke, is the cleanest source for
recycling. The high rates of post-consumer recycling reflect the
efficiency of recycling mills to clean and process the incoming
materials. Several technologies are available to sort, screen, filter, and
chemically treat the recycled paper.
Many extraneous materials are readily removed. Twine, strapping, etc.
are removed from the hydropulper by a "ragger". Metal straps and
staples can be screened out or removed by a magnet. Film-backed
pressure sensitive tape stays intact: the PSA adhesive and the backing
are both removed together.
[5]
Materials which are more difficult to remove include wax coatings on corrugated boxes and "stickies", soft rubbery
particles which can clog the paper maker and contaminate the recycled paper. Stickies can originate from book
bindings, hot melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives from paper labels, laminating adhesives of reinforced
gummed tapes, etc.
[6][7]
Corrugated fiberboard shredders are now available which convert post-consumer corrugated board into
packing/cushioning materials by means of a specialized shredding process.
[8]
Recycling corrugated fiberboard helps countries without sustainable wood resources build a paper and packaging
industry locally.
ASTM Standards
D1974 Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, sucking, blowing and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
D4727 Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut
Shapes
D5118 Standard Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
D5168 Standard Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
D5639 Standard Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box Construction Based on
Performance Requirements
D6804 Standard Guide for Hand Hole Design in Corrugated Boxes
- and others

Flutes
The Flute describes the structure of the wave shaped cardboard material that makes up a boards corrugation.
Flutes come in several sizes, known as flute profiles. The standard profiles range from A-flute (the largest) to F-
flute and below (microflutes).
A-flute = 33 flutes/linear foot
B-flute = 47 flutes/linear foot
C-flute = 39 flutes/linear foot
E-flute = 90 flutes/linear foot
F-flute = 128 flutes/linear foot
Generally, larger flutes provide greater strength and cushioning, while smaller flutes have better printability and
foldability.
Flute profiles can be mixed and matched within the same piece of combined board, to manipulate printability,
compression strengths, cushioning strengths and the total thickness of the board. For instance, CE double wall gets
its durability from its C-flute layer, while the E-flute gives it a smoother printing surface.
A-Flute
A-Flute, the original flute, is the highest flute size, and therefore, when combined with an inner and outer facing, is
the thickest. With 36 flutes to the foot, A-Flute makes the most of corrugateds cushioning and stacking properties
for fragile and delicate items. Because A-Flute offers excellent stiffness qualities and short column crush resistance,
it has application across a broad range of customer uses.
36 Flutes / Foot
1/4"
B-Flute
B-Flute, the second flute size adopted by the corrugated industry, has lower arch heights than A and more flutes
per foot (50). This means that the medium contacts and supports the liners at a greater number of points,
providing a stiff, flat surface for high quality printing and die cutting and with excellent crush resistant properties.
B-Flute is also preferred for high speed, automatic packing lines and for pads, dividers, partitions and other forms
of inner packing. Complex die cuts and beverage trays are excellent applications for B-Flute as are can cases, wrap-
around blanks, glass-to-glass packs and slipsheets. B-Flute is generally combined with light weight liners but can be
used with heavier facings if the need arises.
49 Flutes / Foot
good puncture resistance
less space consumed in warehouse
uses: canned goods, displays
C-Flute
C-Flute came along next to split the difference between A and B Flutes. With 42 flutes per foot, it's thinner than A-
flute, thicker than B, and offers good cushioning, stacking and printing properties. C-Flute is by far the most widely
used flute size. An estimated 80% of today's corrugated containers are made of C-Flute board.
41 Flutes / Foot
good stacking strength
good crushing resistance
very common
uses: glass, furniture, dairy
E-Flute
E-Flute has the greatest number of flutes per foot at 94 which gives it the greatest crush resistance and the flattest
surface for high quality printing applications. The thin board profile of E-Flute (it is one-fourth the thickness of C-
Flute) reduces box size and saves storage space. Because of its thin profile and excellent cushioning properties, E-
Flute can often substitute for conventional folding cartons or solid fiber containers. Examples of E-Flute
applications include boxes for cosmetics, fragile glass and ceramic items and delicate instruments. Another
growing end-use is for pizza boxes where the retailer wants a cost effective container with good graphics and
excellent product protection.
95 Flutes / Foot
light weight ,strong alternative to paper board ,superior printing surface ,excellent for custom die cut boxes
uses: displays, point of purchase boxes
F-Flute
F-Flute, the newest flute, is just a little more than half the thickness of E-Flute and is the newest growth segment in
the corrugated industry. The idea behind the new flute, originally developed in Europe, is to make packages with
lower fibre content.
With F-Flute, converters can reduce the total amount of fibre in the packaging, thereby creating a more rigid box
with less solid waste going into landfills. In Europe, F-Flute is being used for specialty packaging, point-of-purchase
displays, jewelry and cosmetic packages and shoe boxes. In the U.S., the McDonalds Big Mac clamshell in F-Flute
has received great attention. Dairy Queen, too, is using the F-Flute clamshell for its Ultimate sandwich and its hot
dogs.
128 Flutes / Foot
1/32"
Types of Corrugated Materials
Single Face Sheet
A corrugated medium with a linerboard facing adhered to one side. It can be manufactured in sheets or rolls.
Single face is principally used as a wrapping material, and occasionally for interior packing or padding.
Single Wall Corrugated
A corrugated medium with a linerboard facing adhered to both sides. It is also referred to as Double Face. This
popular and versitile 3-ply construction is converted into a wide variety of containers and packaging
components.most popular wide range of strengths
Double Wall Corrugated
Two corrugated mediums with a linerboard facing adhered between them and to both sides. This 5-ply
construction is most applicable for packing heavy items where high rigidity and protection is required.
made up of B and C Flutes ,extra padding and strength ,great for stacking heavy items
Triple Wall Corrugated
Three corrugated mediums and four linerboard facings. This 7-ply construction is used where large container sizes
are involved, such as pallet packs.
made up of two layers of C Flute and one layer of B Flute ,very strong and crush resistant ,excellent for storage and
transit .
To vary the look of your corrugated box, you have the following choices in outside liner grades:
Kraft Naturally brown in color. The most commonly used and least expensive liner.
White Mottled white, with underlying kraft showing through. Provides a cleaner look and better printability
than kraft.
1 White Bleached bright white. Offers very good printability, but easily soils during transit.
Premium Grades Surfaces have a bright white clay coating, minimizing porosity so printing inks sit up on the
surface. Gives excellent printability as colors are more vibrant and lower absorbency improves registration.
However, because of the high hold-out, ink rub can be a problem.
Litho-printed labels (for labels laminated onto corugated boxes).
Edge-Crush-Test (ECT) measures the stacking strength of corrugated cardboard boxes or fiberboard. Determining a
finished box's compression-strength is defined by the amount of force that is needed to crush cardboard by standing it on its
edge. This test is also measured in lbs.- per-square-inch. For example, a box with an ECT of 32 lbs.-per-square-inch
indicates that the board, standing on edge, can withstand a force of 32 lbs.-per-square-inch before crushing. ECT =
distribution & transportation of boxes and their stacking strength.
Burst-Test (aka Mullen Test) is the force of pounds per square inch required to rupture - or burst - the side of a corrugated
box. This method indicates the box's ability to withstand external or internal forces, and how the box will contain its contents
during rough handling. For example, a box with a burst-strength of 200 lbs.-per-square-inch, indicates that the corrugated
paper used to make the box can withstand 200 lbs. of pressure-per-square-inch.- The Burst Test = containment and
handling ability of a box.
Look on the underside of your corrugated cardboard boxes. You may see the 'Box Manufacturer's Certificate' (BMC) clearly
printed on one of the bottom flaps. The BMC will indicate the strength of the board used to construct the box as well as its
size and weight limit.
Within this seal you may also see Edge Crush Test or The Burst Test. Both are procedures evaluating the strength of a
cardboard box in lbs per square inch. Let's look at both.
Edge Crush Test (ECT) measures the stacking strength of corrugated cardboard boxes or fiberboard. Determining a finished
box's compression strength is defined by the amount of force that is needed to crush cardboard by standing it on its edge.
This test is also measured in lbs per square inch. For example, a box with an ect 32 lbs per square inch indicates that the
board, standing on edge, can withstand a force of 32 lbs per square inch before crushing.
Think about the movement of your boxes during transportation. At some point during a move it is likely your boxes will be
stacked on a pallet, in a container or in the back of a truck. Yes, stacking is the key concept behind ect. Know the strength of
your corrugated cardboard boxes before stacking.
-ECT = distribution & transportation of boxes and their stacking strength.
The Burst Test (aka Mullen Test) is the force of pounds per square inch required to rupture or burst the side of a cardboard
box. This method indicates the box's ability to withstand external or internal forces and how the box will contain its contents
during rough handling. For example, a box with a burst strength of 200 lbs per sq. inch indicates that the cardboard used to
make the box can withstand 200 lbs of pressure per square inch.
- The Burst Test = containment and handling ability of a box.
Which is the best test for deciding on corrugated cardboard boxes?
That's your call or that of a professional mover. Factors to consider:
nature of the product being packaged
total weight and size of the box
how the dimensions relate to each other (i.e. large depth relative to the length and width of the box)
how the corrugated cardboard boxes will be stacked, stored and transported.