Flutes come in five basic heights and shapes the most common are B-Flute(used for die-cut boxes) and C-Flute (used for RSCs). It measures the force required to burst or rupture the face of a corrugated board. Shipping companies are addressing these new demands by instituting more stringent dimensional weight billing practices and/or increasing shipping rates For this purpose, scuff resistance or rub proof tests are employed. One of the most popular methods to test the stacking strength of corrugated boxes is the Edge Crush Test or ECT. Your submission has been received! But how do you store them properly? Bursting strength is reported in pounds (for example, 275#). Why E-Auction Is The Future Of Smart Sourcing? corrugated coffe cartn corrugado plegable Thickness is usually measured in (millimetres) mm and grammage is expressed in terms of grams per square meter (g/m2).

It gives us a good idea of how many boxes can be stacked together without damaging the contents of the lowermost box. The Bursting factor is given as a thousand times the bursting strength, divided by the grammage of the board. If you are shipping individual boxes and are concerned about rough handling conditions, you may be better off with Mullen-tested cartons. This can cost time and money, and hinder your business's ability to get packages out the door and into customers' hands. There are currently two tests used throughout the corrugated industry to determine strength. For example, 200# Mullen Test linerboard must be made of 42# per square inch basis weight paper and the medium or flute paper cannot be less than 23# per square inch basis weight. We put heavy contents in them and then stack cartons on top of each other. Here is the difference between straight tuck and reverse tuck boxes, so you have multiple options. Corrugated box testing procedures help you determine the right kind of box for your business requirements. readymade If you are stacking and palletizing your cartons, ECT provides a better measure of how well they will hold up in a stack. The 200# test box is rated to hold up to 65 lbs. Youll need to know this when you have to choose a suitable corrugated box for your packaging needs. Shippers must also account for the bulge: If the package is over packed or misshaped (out of square), the carriers will use the longest dimensions that their scanners will see. business alike. For certain applications, the FEFCO 9 standard is used to test the water-resistance of the gluing of the corrugated cardboard boxes. Privacy Policy It would be equivalent to a carton with an ECT of 32 or higher, and the bursting test is more of a true measure of rough handling.

And the kind of packaging you use for your e-commerce business can make the difference between impressing customers and underwhelming them. When in doubt as to which box to use, always select the Mullen Test box because the construction of the linerboard cannot be altered. Even before dimensional weight pricing went into effect in 2015, Kyana Packaging Solutions has been leading the way to educate our customers on how to navigate these changes and Some estimates indicate that dimensional weight pricing could increase shipping charges by $550 million annually beginning in 2015. Modern shipping and warehousing methods mean that most products are now shipped and stored in pallets, where boxes may be stacked several layers deep. They may be thrown about or subject to sudden forces that can puncture or rupture their sides. Note: Products can only be shipped to commercial addresses. Alternative corrugated box testing methods are also available to test resistance to abrasion. Thin boards with dense flutes have a high grammage. The length and width are the opening dimensions of the box, and the length is always the larger of the two (unless they are equal). corrugated This is an initial recommendation.

It's also a canvas that enables you to show off your brand's charm. The results of the Edge Crush test are measured in pounds per lineal inch of load-bearing edge but represented as ECT. Chemical analysis is required for certain applications where the nature of fiberboard, as well as its resistance to certain chemicals, are checked. For excellent graphic reproduction, consider E-flute. Providing for optimum end usage packaging support, these boxes can also be custom developed involving different paper types, GSM and design choices as specified by the customers. For example, if you are shipping a product that weights between 25-40 pounds, a 32 ECT single-wall carton should be sufficient, in most cases. ECT Edge Crush Test - the amount of force needed to crush an on-edge specimen of combined board is a primary factor in predicting the compression strength of the completed box. The Cobb test is required for certain certifications, especially those involving hazardous material packaging. The amount of virgin pulp fibers and the length of those fibers in a corrugated sheet substantially contribute to box strength. significantly increase the cost of doing business. The formula used for this calculation is to measure the exterior of the box used, multiply the length times the width times the height, and then divide the result by 166. When measuring, fractions are rounded up or down to the nearest inch.

Regular slotted containers, for example, are one of the most widely used types of boxes for shipping and storage. Edge crush test, right test, or flat crush test helps determine this. Or, the Box Compression Test helps determine stacking strength thats especially important when shipping and transportation. So, as a result, you decide to take a look into tuck boxes that perfectly suit your products. In this type of test, the corrugated board is immersed in water while exposing the glue lines to check for bond strength and water absorption. F: 301.223.8247. For example differing formulas for a 200# single wall corrugated will cause the equivalent ECT board to vary between 32 ECT and 44 ECT. Whether you run a business or work in a warehouse, having the proper shipping equipment is necessary. Moreover, the moisture content, as well as the pH of the board, is also determined. In addition to the increase in surcharges for packages that exceed maximum dimensions, FedEx has increased shipping rates for Express, Ground, Freight, and Home Delivery A way to be sure that the material of the box that youre purchasing meets industry standards is to look for the Manufacturers Certification Stamp, usually printed on one of the bottom flaps of the box. That is, the Burst Test requires that the base papers used to make corrugated fiberboard weigh at least a certain minimum number of pounds per given unit area.

Box measurements are always expressed in the three inside dimensions: Length X Width X Height First impressions matter. It is measured by compressing a small segment of board on edge between two rigid platens or plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is established. Kyanas Dimensional Weight Planner will use your box size and wall thickness (single, double or triple wall) to give you an estimated dimensional weight, but remember, the parcel 2014-2021 Smartpaddle Technology Pvt. This means the boxes can bear a greater amount of force from one direction. Oops! Williamsport, MD 21795, P: 800.223.6255 The difference in weight because of the retained water is known as the Cobb value. per square inch) or the Edge Crush Test (ECT 32 lbs. Thank you! The ECT eliminated this requirement, which allows the use of lighter weight materials while still providing high performance. These include rotary abrasion testers and even manual wiping. This means that ECT-rated boxes are generally lighter and use less material than a Mullen-Tested box that is considered to be equivalent. What other forces may your box be subjected to during shipping and handling. The strength of a corrugated box starts with its material. Mullen box and the 32 ECT box are comparable in stacking strength. With three production facilities, a dedicated corrugation plant and five private For example, the difference between a 200# test box and a 275# test box is that the latter has more pulp fibers in its corrugated linerboard. Edge Crush Testing, How To Customize Packaging for Your E-Commerce Business, What To Consider When Storing Shipping Boxes, The Difference Between Straight Tuck and Reserve Tuck Boxes. Connellsville, PA 15425, P: 724.626.0100 When estimating your freight, use the greater of the box actual weight or dimensional weight. Ukraine-Russia War: Combating The Increase In Raw Material Prices, make an informed decision when picking boxes, Chemical Analysis in Corrugated Box Testing. Coated surfaces such as paper, films, paperboards and all other printed materials are tested using this procedure. If you want your products shipped from point A to point B with little to no damage, you need to use efficient boxes. Testing may be required to validate these results.

mitigate their impact. FOR QUESTIONS OR SUPPORT CALL: 833-726-8376. Ltd. All rights reserved, Invoice Discounting Vs Factoring: Which Is The Better Option For MSME Financing In India. The lower the Cobb value the better the water resistance. In May of 2015, we surveyed 150+ customers like you and found that 89% were already seeing an increase in shipping prices due to dimensional weight policy. As per FICCI, cardboard products make up more than 30% of the packaging industry. Thinner boards are easier to fold, lighter, and more suitable when it comes to printing or detailing. During shipping, they may be at the bottom of a heavy pallet or stacked among boxes of different weights and sizes on a delivery truck. Each makeup will vary slightly in overall strength. An equivalent 44 ECT rated single wall carton will weigh on average 149 pounds per 1000 square feet of material used. C-flute is taller, with more air space, but offers enhanced stacking strength. Let's look at the reasons custom packaging matters and some tips on how to customize packaging for your e-commerce business. costs in general, but the savings are especially acute when dimensional weight pricing is applicable. Plot No 17/28, Chemical Zone Taloja Navi Mumbai - 410208, Thane, Maharashtra, India, Apparel, Food, Pharmaceutical, Household, Personal Care.

However, it is important to know that the above results (overall strength of a box) may vary based on the makeup of each corrugated sheet. On average, the 275# Burst Test rated single wall carton will weigh 175 pounds per 1000 square feet of material used. To determine how corrugated boxes hold up against external influences so as to help you make an informed decision when picking boxes manufacturers use multiple testing procedures. This will not matter if your primary concern is stacking and palletizing, but can make a big difference if your box is handled roughly during delivery. The Mullen Test suspends a piece of corrugated material and uses a machine to apply increasing levels of force to the face of the material until it bursts. Choosing the right corrugated material for your box depends on a few factors: There are two common methods for measuring corrugated material strength in the carton industry: the Burst (Mullen) Test, and the Edge Crush Test (ECT). Also, an ECT rated corrugated box uses less material than its equivalent Burst Test rated box, to provide an equivalent level of strength. For example compare a 275# single wall to an equivalent 44 ECT single wall corrugated board. Copyright 1996-2022 IndiaMART InterMESH Ltd. All rights reserved. The boxes are tested in different orientations. In the Edge Crush test, force is applied to one side of the box, perpendicular to the ridges, until the box gets crushed.

In this testing procedure, a rubber diaphragm is used to apply pressure to the walls of the corrugated box until it bursts. Investing in Kyana Packaging Solutions will lead to lower shipping Corrugated cartons are low cost, durable, and eco-friendly. The diaphragm is expanded using hydraulics and as the diaphragm expands, the corrugated board bursts under pressure. A minimum of $1000 per order required. The last thing you want is for your boxes to get damaged before you can use them. Here it is important to point out that the equivalent ECT values are give as a minimum value. The announced increases from FedEx are further indication that this issue is real, is not going away.

In other words, every square foot of the final corrugated material must contain at least the minimum amount of base paper material required by the standard for its Burst Test rating. The Mullen Test box is better suited for the protection of heavier contents while the Edge Crush Test box provides lighter weight cartons with good stacking characteristics. A Mullen-tested box rated at 200# can withstand 200 pounds per square inch of force applied directly to the linerboard on the face of the carton. These policies are a direct response to changing industry demand dynamics, including increases in average package size and weight and increased residential deliveries. The analysis of the fiberboard involves microscopic examination of the board to see what types of paper are used to make the fiberboard. The Cobb Sizing tester is used to the degree to which water is absorbed.

Put differently, the proper ECT rated corrugated provides an equivalent level of strength, but uses less material. The Edge Crush Test, or ECT, is a newer test developed to look specifically at how much force a corrugated material can withstand on its edges without crushing. As per the McKee formula: Compression Strength = 5.874 * ECT * CBT0.508 * P0.492. recommended box size. The Burst (or Mullen) Test has long been considered an industry standard. These tend to provide better protection against damage from external forces (such as dropping, kicking or punctures) than boxes with an equivalent ECT rating. per inch). P: 301.223.6200 MULLEN TEST VS. ECT RATINGS (SINGLE WALL), MULLEN TEST VS. ECT RATINGS (DOUBLE WALL). Something went wrong while submitting the form. The flutes of the corrugated board are larger and pack more air in them. This means its cheaper and less wasteful to purchase ECT rated boxes in bulk. Thats because corrugated boxes are pretty popular. These measurements always relate to the inside dimensions of the box.

Of those we surveyed, 83% indicated that dimensional weight pricing will impact at least 25% of their customers freight costs. Digital platforms to maximize vendor performance. Linerboard is the flat paper that covers both sides of the sheet and the medium is the fluted or arched paper found between both liners. carriers will also measure any bulges or flaps that are not completely closed. Most companies rely on tuck boxes for both delivery and stylish appearances. F:724.628.6130, 1057 Tresckow Road It also certifies the Mullen Bursting Test ( most common is 200 lbs. 833-726-8376 The compressive strength of a corrugated box can also be calculated using the McKee formula where the Edge Crush Test (ECT), Caliper or corrugated board thickness (CBT) and box perimeter (P) values are taken into account. There is the Sutherland Rub Test, which is an industry-standard testing procedure. ECT is a measure of the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. 3 Ply Corrugated Boxes offeredcome in superior grade corrugated cardboard material finish with support of other finish choices like ivory board, coated paper, Kraft paper, double-side offset paper and others. Burst Test results are given in pounds per square inch. They measure completely different things. In other words the ECT rated carton will use less corrugated material. We measure the bursting strength in Kilograms per square centimetre. Grammage and thickness are the two most fundamental properties of the corrugated fiberboards that determine the quality of the box. Unlike Mullen Test ratings, ECT ratings do not require a minimum amount of base paper in the corrugated material. There is no best grammage or thickness mentioned in corrugated boxes specifications and it is completely based on your requirements. B-flute is compressed and appears thinner, but dont be fooled. Learn about more ways to optimise corrugated box procurement from experts-, By signing up, you are indicating that you have read and agree to Bizongo's Terms & Conditions, Expert insights, industry trends & everything else around packaging, textiles, apparels and other customised goods. The raw material that is used in the manufacture of corrugated fiberboards has a tendency to absorb water and retain it. That is to say, they vary a lot in terms of compressive strength, thickness, chemical resistance, and other factors. Here's what to consider when storing shipping boxes for future use. dimensional weight. Of those, Instead of applying force to the face of the corrugated material, as the Mullen Burst Test does, ECT applies force to the edge. Mullen Test vs. ECT: which rating should you use when selecting material for your corrugated boxes? The depth is how far you can reach into the box, and is the distance measured perpendicular to the length and width. Box compression test, also known as container compression test, is a way to test how much load the box can take on top of it before it gets deformed and the extent to which it gets deformed. (please enter the inner dimensions in inches, and use decimal equivalent for fractions of your box size). It is important to understand what type of corrugated you are using before deciding to substitute any equivalent. But that is where the similarity ends. 41% were seeing increases of 10-20%. Packaging is more than just a protective encasement for your products. For example, a single-wall corrugated cardboard box with a 275# Mullen Test rating must contain at least 175 pounds of base paper per 1,000 square feet of corrugated material. Learn how integration of technology in supply chain impacts your business. McAdoo, PA 18237, P: 570.929,1600 Thicker ones are more sturdy and appropriate for heavy-duty shipping. The Mullen Test measures the bursting strength of the corrugated linerboard while the Edge Crush Test measures linerboard stacking strength. Custom packaging is the key to protected products, a strong brand identity, and a close connection with customers. The results of the test indicate the box's ability to contain and protect its contents during rough handling. Scuff Resistance test is especially important for pharmaceutical or medical industries where label legibility is of prime importance. The corrugated box testing standards for puncture resistance include FEFCO 5 or ISO 3036. If the box design makes use of inner supports, such as wood support or corrugated board cushioning, then such factors are also taken into account. We are ready to partner with you to provide the right packaging solutions to reduce and optimize your package sizes. The cardboard strength and construction directly impact the amount of weight a box can carry. The Mullen Test or Bursting Strength Test checks the toughness of the walls of the corrugated board when subjected to force or pressure. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. increases the cost of operations. The flute, when anchored to the linerboards with a starched-based adhesive, resists bending and pressure from all directions. ECT gives you an accurate idea of a boxs strength when they are stacked and shipped by pallets. In this test, corrugated fiberboard is first subjected to water. This is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), but usually reported as an ECT value (for example, 44 ECT).

Your business has an abundance of boxes that need storing. UPS is also raising rates, with a 4.9% average increase for Freight (effective October 26, 2015), a 4.9% average increase for Ground (effective December 28, 2015), and a 5.2% Every side of a corrugated box is made up of sheets that have three or more layers. Such boxes are needed when the packaging should be more compact and rigid.

Boxes are ordered using interior box dimensions, but the package carriers will measure the exterior of the box, adding the board thickness and any bulge to the calculation for Mullen Burst Test standards dictate a minimum board weight for the corrugated material.

Corrugated shipping cartons are subjected to a lot of different kinds of strain during packing, shipping and storage. A newer standard that has achieved widespread acceptance is the Edge Crush Test (ECT). Bursting factor = Bursting strength (kg/cm2) x 1000/Grammage (gm/m2). Then, the water is squeezed out of the sample using pressure. If your carton is going to be subjected to severe handling, the 200# carton might be a better option. A 350# test box is rated to hold up to 120 lbs.

(Void Fill, Bubble, Foam, Paper). Heres a round-up of common corrugated box testing methods used to check the strength of corrugated boxes. 164 Indusco Court Troy, MI 48083. What is the maximum weight that may be stacked on top of your box during bundling, palletizing or warehousing?

A corrugated sheet consists of two major components linerboard and medium.

In most instances, stacking strength, not bursting strength, is critical to box performance. The stamp identifies the material as singlewall, doublewall or triplewall.. This is because corrugators may use one of many different recipes to make each type of corrugated. of box and contents while the 275# box can hold up to 95 lbs. The force required to rupture combined board, using vacuum pressure measured by a Mullen tester, relates indirectly to the boxs ability to withstand external or internal forces. Terms Of Use Bursting Test is a measure of the force required to rupture or puncture the face of corrugated board and is measured by a Mullen Tester. 32 ECT is the most commonly used corrugated material. F: 570.929.1845, 16461 Elliott Parkway To understand stacking strength, you need to look at Edge Crush Test (ECT) ratings. Some of its features include choice of custom developed sizes, different artwork possibilities using embossing, glossy lamination, matt lamination and other techniques, can be provided with logo/design support as demanded by customers; print options of oil-printing/water-printing among others.

When measuring your box think about leaving space on all sides and also above and below cushioning products. Combining lighter materials in a properly sized carton with increasing amounts of recycled content means ECT rated corrugated reduces waste even further. It can save you a lot of costs and lower material wastage. Printing is an integral part of packaging. So, what kinds of tuck boxes get used the most for product companies and manufacturers? While in the flat crush test, excessive force is applied on one side. to cover their costs. A box too weak might puncture or collapse. Burst Strength of 200 lb. ECT has grown in popularity since its invention in the 1990s because it provides a better measure of how well boxes will hold up to stacking and palletizing. On the other hand, an excessive box means you pay extra for material and add to environmental wastage. Let's take a closer look at how each test is done, how they compare and how to understand ratings from each type of test. The Mullen Burst Test is geared towards measuring the forces a carton may be subjected to during rough handling as well as the amount of weight the box can hold. This force is indirectly related to a cartons ability to withstand external or internal forces and thus to contain and protect a product during shipment. Generally, a thin sheet with grooves and ridges is sandwiched between two flat sheets. It is made with more paper to provide stronger side wall protection from blows and punctures. The 44 ECT board will reduce the material used by 14.8%. Puncture resistance tests how well the box can handle the impact made with a pyramid or triangularly shaped weight. The following chart shows Bursting Test and Edge Crush Test performance standards of corrugated box liners based on the combined weight of a box and its contents. average increase for Air (effective December 28, 2015). of box and contents. Both carriers base their Tuck boxes mostly suit packing, so products stay safe and secure.

The material is compressed top to bottom until it buckles. If you used our "Right Size Your Box" calculator above, we have run the calculation for you with the With different types of printing methods being used, its important to check how well labels or prints can handle scuffing or abrasion. This translates into fewer raw materials, lower energy requirements, and reduced pollution, in all stages of the packages life cycle. shipment density on 10.4 lbs/cu ft and both will charge the higher of the actual weight or the dimensional weight. This can help companies reduce shipping costs and improve environmental metrics. When more padding is required, a box with a higher thickness is used. These grooves and ridges, also known as flutes, provide anisotropic strength to a box. test material means it will withstand 200 pounds of pressure per square inch as measured by the Mullen tester. The 200 lbs. This is a true performance test and is directly related to the stacking strength of a carton.

Since January, 2015 UPS and FedEx have been charging for domestic ground shipments based on dimensional weight to reflect both the size and weight of the shipment. Take time to find the perfect box.

It does not measure how much weight can be stacked on top of the carton. While there are charts that show conversions between Mullen Test and ECT ratings, it is important to remember that the tests are not equivalent.

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