Corrugated Fiberboard Packaging
An easy reference for the many corrugated materials that are most frequently used
Definition and Types of Corrugated Fiberboard Packaging
Corrugated Fiberboard: What Is It?
The liner and the medium are the two primary components of corrugated fiberboard, sometimes known as “combined board.” Both are constructed from containerboard, a unique and hefty type of paper. The flat layer that adheres to the medium is called linerboard, and it is normally on the board’s exterior surfaces but may also be present inside some constructions. The paper that is cut into arches or flutes and sandwiched between the linerboard facings is referred to as the medium.
The phrase “cardboard” is frequently used to refer to corrugated fiberboard, however, the term refers to any thick paperboard, corrugated or not.
Even though corrugated is a material that is used so frequently, it is still necessary to grasp its composition and the variety of alternatives it may provide to reap its benefits.
Types of Corrugated Fiberboard
Every piece of corrugated fiberboard has at least one liner and a layer of corrugated fluting. To make various varieties, different layers of fluting and liners can be used. The most typical varieties of corrugated board used in transportation and packing are as follows:
1. Single Face Board
Although it is very inexpensive to make and can add a layer of protection to already packed products, this form of corrugated packaging material is less durable than other corrugated packaging materials.
2. Single Wall Board
The most popular corrugated cardboard variety is single wall board. Most frequently, when someone mentions corrugated cardboard, they are referring to this kind. It has two outer liners, and a center layer of corrugated medium, and two outer liners.
3. Double Wall Board
Double wall board is very durable since it contains three liners and two layers of corrugated fluting. To create a box that can hold heavier and larger things, the double wall design adds a second layer of fluting.
4. Triple Wall Board
Use triple wall board instead of wooden crates since it is more durable. This corrugated cardboard’s three layers of fluting make it a dependable option for delivering hazardous materials or things that require particular handling.
Corrugated Flute Sizes
The letters A, B, C, E, or F are used to denote various corrugated box types. 80% of boards and boxes have C flute corrugation, which is the most common type of flute corrugation. The order in which the flutes were created is represented by their alphabetical designations rather than the dimensions of corrugated boxes. Fluting is the term for the waves, and each wave represents a flute. When viewed from the side, every corrugated packaging material will have a wavy appearance. The arches form strong columns that can carry a lot of weight when a combination board is turned on its end. The flutes maintain the linerboard sheets apart, increasing the board’s bending rigidity. The area between the flutes serves as a cushion to safeguard the container’s contents when pressure is applied to the board’s side. Additionally acting as an insulator, the flutes help insulate the goods from unexpected temperature swings. The vertical linerboard also gives the structure more strength and shields the flutes from harm.
A Flute Cardboard
Cardboard of Type A provides good compression, cushioning, and stacking strength. It is frequently used for structural strength and is excellent for packaging delicate objects. Used for double wall applications and heavy corrugated cushioning, the original form of the flute has 36 flutes per foot.
B Flute Cardboard
Cardboard of Type B is a wonderful printing surface and has high crush and puncture resistance. Commonly used for inner package elements like pads and partitions is this cardboard. contains 49 flutes per foot, the second-highest arch size, and is stackable and crush resistant.
C Flute Cardboard
A cardboard of type C works well as a printing surface. Additionally, it offers resistance to crushing and possesses compression qualities. It is most frequently used to secure glass, furniture, food, and other items as well as shipping boxes. The flute that is most frequently used for cushioning, stacking, and printing purposes has 41 flutes per foot.
E Flute Cardboard
The thin design of Type E cardboard aids in requiring less storage space. It offers a remarkable printing surface and high crush resistance. Displays, pizza boxes, ballot boxes, and the packaging of consumer items including glass, ceramics, and cosmetics are all frequent uses for it. The second common flute has 90 flutes per foot and is environmentally beneficial.
F Flute Cardboard
The printing surface of Type F cardboard is exceptional, and it offers good crush resistance. Due to their thin construction, the boxes can be stiffer while using less fiber. It is frequently utilized in the packaging of consumer items including shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics as well as fast food clamshell containers. 128 flutes per foot, smaller, tighter, and environmentally beneficial.
Corrugation: What Does It Mean?
Corrugation is the process of stacking paper to form a structure robust enough for secure shipping and handling in cardboard packaging. To create columns of air between the outer layers, a central layer of paper is heated and bent into a “wavy” shape. This results in a “flute.” The shape of the box is then formed by combining all three levels.