ASTM D5639/D5639M-95(2000)e1
(Practice)Standard Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box Construction Based on Performance Requirements
Standard Practice for Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box Construction Based on Performance Requirements
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides information on corrugated fiberboard for the prospective user who wants guidance in selecting attributes of materials and box construction based on performance requirements. These attributes should be part of specifications which establish levels of the qualities a shipping container must have in order to be acceptable to the purchaser or user. The attributes and qualities should be testable, using standard methods that are recognized by both the buyer and seller. This practice will assist users in developing specifications for corrugated containers through an analysis of performance requirements and subsequent relationships to fiberboard materials and box construction attributes. This practice is intended to provide specific corrugated container performance standards as opposed to packaged product performance evaluation through distribution and handling environments, such as Practice D4169.
1.2 The attributes and their levels should be based on the intended use of the box, including the handling and environment it will encounter. Many packaging regulations include detailed descriptions of the materials that may be used and style, closure, or other construction details of allowed shipping containers. These regulations are presented as minimum requirements; they may be exceeded for functional reasons, but there is no regulatory reason to do so. Rail and motor freight classifications applicable for surface common carrier transportation have established minimum requirements for certain attributes of corrugated packaging. These may or may not be appropriate for application in the complete distribution system, as they encompass only containerboard or combined corrugated board-not finished boxes-and are not intended to provide for the distribution system beyond the transportation segment.
1.3 Corrugated containers for packaging of hazardous materials for transportation must comply with federal regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Code of Federal Regulations-49CFR).
1.4 The values stated in both SI and inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
1.5 Lists and Descriptions of Performance and Material Characteristics and Related Test Procedures--For further information on the development of performance-based specifications, please refer to the sections on Specifications and Test Procedures of the Fibre Box Handbook.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D 5639/D5639M – 95 (Reapproved 2000)
Standard Practice for
Selection of Corrugated Fiberboard Materials and Box
Construction Based on Performance Requirements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5639/D5639M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Editorial corrections were made in April 2000.
1. Scope administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Code
of Federal Regulations—49CFR).
1.1 This practice provides information on corrugated fiber-
1.4 The values stated in both SI and inch-pound units are to
boardfortheprospectiveuserwhowantsguidanceinselecting
be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
attributes of materials and box construction based on perfor-
inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in
mance requirements. These attributes should be part of speci-
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system
fications which establish levels of the qualities a shipping
shall be used independently of the other.
container must have in order to be acceptable to the purchaser
1.5 Lists and Descriptions of Performance and Material
or user. The attributes and qualities should be testable, using
Characteristics and Related Test Procedures—For further
standard methods that are recognized by both the buyer and
information on the development of performance-based speci-
seller. This practice will assist users in developing specifica-
fications,pleaserefertothesectionsonSpecificationsandTest
tions for corrugated containers through an analysis of perfor-
Procedures of the Fibre Box Handbook.
mancerequirementsandsubsequentrelationshipstofiberboard
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
materials and box construction attributes. This practice is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
intended to provide specific corrugated container performance
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
standards as opposed to packaged product performance evalu-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ation through distribution and handling environments, such as
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Practice D4169.
1.2 The attributes and their levels should be based on the
2. Referenced Documents
intended use of the box, including the handling and environ-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ment it will encounter. Many packaging regulations include
D585 Practice for Sampling andAccepting a Single Lot of
detailed descriptions of the materials that may be used and
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Products
style,closure,orotherconstructiondetailsofallowedshipping
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resis-
containers. These regulations are presented as minimum re-
tance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit
quirements; they may be exceeded for functional reasons, but
Loads
there is no regulatory reason to do so. Rail and motor freight
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
classifications applicable for surface common carrier transpor-
for Testing
tation have established minimum requirements for certain
D996 TerminologyofPackagingandDistributionEnviron-
attributes of corrugated packaging. These may or may not be
ments
appropriateforapplicationinthecompletedistributionsystem,
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
as they encompass only containerboard or combined corru-
tainers and Systems
gated board—not finished boxes—and are not intended to
D5118 Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping
provide for the distribution system beyond the transportation
Boxes
segment.
D5168 Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple Wall
1.3 Corrugated containers for packaging of hazardous ma-
Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
terials for transportation must comply with federal regulations
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD-10onPackaging
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard
Products.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1995. Published February 1996. Originally
published as D5639/D5639M–94. Last previous edition D5639/D5639–94. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D 5639/D5639M – 95 (2000)
D5276 TestMethodofDropTestforLoadedContainersby 5. Sampling
Free Fall
5.1 Selection of a sampling plan depends on the purpose of
E122 Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a
the testing. The sampling plan from Appendix X2.2.2 of
Measure of Quality for a Lot or Process
Practice D585 is recommended for acceptance criteria. An
2.2 TAPPI Methods:
example of acceptance and rejection criteria based on various
T 411 Thickness of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined
lot sizes may be found inAppendix X1. For purposes of other
Board
than acceptance criteria, use Practice E122.
T803 Puncture Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T808 Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Flexible
6. Conditioning
Beam Method
6.1 All test specimens shall be preconditioned, conditioned,
T810 Burst Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
and tested in accordance with Practice D685.
T811 Edgewise Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T825 Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Fixed
7. Fiberboard Attributes
Platen Method
2.3 Government Documents:
7.1 Corrugatedfiberboardiscommerciallyavailableinthree
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49
wall constructions, and four common flute structures.The user
2.4 Other Publications:
should specify desired wall construction and flute structure
Fibre Box Handbook
based on performance requirements.
National Motor Freight Classification Item 222
7.1.1 Construction—Singlewall board is used for lighter
Uniform Freight Classification Rule 41
contents where some structural rigidity, compression strength,
puncture resistance, and cushioning is needed. Doublewall
3. Terminology
board is used for heavier contents requiring a greater degree of
3.1 Definitions—For general definitions of packaging and
structural rigidity, compression strength, and puncture resis-
distribution environments, see Terminology D996.
tance. Triplewall is used for the heaviest contents where
maximum structural rigidity, compression strength, and punc-
4. Significance and Use
ture resistance are required.
4.1 This practice assists users in selecting appropriate per-
7.1.2 Flute Structure—“A” flute offers the highest top-to-
formance characteristics of corrugated fiberboard or box con-
bottom compression strength, but low resistance to flat crush.
struction, or both, commensurate with the user’s need for
“B”flutehashighflatcrushresistancebutlowertop-to-bottom
packing and distribution of goods. This practice describes
compression than “A” or “C”. “C” flute is the most common
several attributes of fiberboard and boxes which relate to
with average resistance to flat crush and top-to-bottom com-
various hazards encountered in distribution and describes test
pression. “E” flute generally replaces solid boxboard, has
parameters which may be specified by the user to ensure
excellent flat crush resistance, is used mostly for graphics and
sufficient strength in the box for containment, storage, han-
consumer products, but seldom used for shipping containers.
dling, and protection of contents.
The following typical flute structures are provided as a
4.2 Theusershouldspecifyonlythoseattributesandrelated
reference:
tests which are required for satisfactory performance in the
Approximate Number Approximate Flute Height
user’s operations and distribution cycle(s). When using pack-
(not including thickness
aging regulations as a basis for developing specifications, the
of facings)
Flutes/Meter Flutes/Foot mm [in.]
reason for the existence of the regulation and its function and
importance should be understood. As previously stated, regu-
A-Flute 100 to 120 [30 to 36] 4.67 [0.184]
B-Flute 145 to 165 [44 to 50] 2.46 [0.097]
lations may be exceeded and should be when the minimum
C-Flute 120 to 140 [36 to 42] 3.61 [0.142]
specifications are inadequate for the full effects of the distri-
E-Flute 280 to 310 [86 to 94] 1.19 [0.047]
bution cycle.
7.2 Burst Strength—This attribute relates to the tensile
4.3 See Appendix X7 for several examples of specification
determinations. strength and stretch elongation of the fiberboard. It also
provides rupture strength as protection against rough handling.
7.2.1 Burst Strength is measured by the burst (Mullen) test
utilizing TAPPI Method T810.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
7.2.2 There is no direct relationship, such as a formula, to
Available from the TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry, One
Dunwoody Park, Atlanta, GA 30341.
relate box handling performance to needed burst strength.
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
However, as a function of box size and weight of the filled
DC 20402.
package, minimum burst strength requirements for corrugated
AvailablefromtheFibreBoxAssociation,2850GolfRd.,RollingMeadows,IL
60008.
packaging used in surface common carrier transportation are
Available from American Trucking Association, Inc., 2200 Mill Rd., Alexan-
published in the rail and truck classifications and are shown in
dria, VA 22314-4677.
8 TableX2.1.Theserequirementsmayormaynotbeappropriate
AvailablefromNationalRailroadFreightCommittee,TariffPublishingOfficer,
151 Ellis Street, NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30335. for the user’s applications.
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D 5639/D5639M – 95 (2000)
7.3 Puncture Resistance—Thisattributerelatestotheability 7.5.2 Test Method—First measure the thickness of the
of the fiberboard to resist both internal and external forces. It combined board structure using TAPPI Test Method T411.
also relates to the rough handling integrity of the finished Then measure the thickness of each facing (linerboard), with-
container. out soaking apart, and subtract the thickness of the facings to
obtain flute structure(s) height. All readings must be taken at
7.3.1 Puncture resistance is measured by the puncture test
least 25 mm [1 in.] from any score line, cut edge, or printed
utilizing TAPPI Method T803.
area.
7.3.2 There is no direct relationship, such as a formula, to
7.6 Flat Crush Resistance—Thisattributeisanindicationof
predict rough handling performance of a box based on the
therigidityoftheflutestructurewhichisinturndirectlyrelated
puncture resistance of the fiberboard from which it is made.
to the finished box compression, printing crush resistance, and
Shippers and carriers, however, have used various puncture
quality of fabrication practice.
grades successfully for years as noted in Appendix X3. Table
7.6.1 Combined singlewall fiberboard should meet the fol-
X3.1 lists suggested puncture strengths versus maximum gross
lowing minimum flat crush requirements:
weights and size. These requirements may or may not be
Flute Flexible Beam Method, kPa [lbf/in. ]
appropriate for the user’s application.
A 130 [19]
7.4 Edgewise Crush Resistance—This attribute of fiber-
B 200 [29]
C 165 [24]
board relates directly to the finished box compression strength
through the well-known simplified formula published in 1963
7.6.2 Flat crush resistance is measured by the flat crush test
by the Institute of Paper Chemistry (now the Institute of Paper
(FCT). The above values are measured by using the flexible
ScienceandTechnology,orIPST)andcommonlyknownasthe
beam test method of TAPPI T808. An alternate method
McKee Formula. Other versions of the McKee Formula utilize
utilizingthefixedbeam,TAPPIT825,isalsoavailablebutwill
the exponent values of box perimeter and board thickness
produce values about 20 to 30% higher.
instead of the square root function, or bending stiffness instead
7.7 Printing Crush—Excessive printing crush of fiberboard
of board thickness, and will understate the resultant box
will reduce compression strength of the finished box and
compression by about 5% compared to the simplified square
adversely affect automatic packing equipment and warehouse
root method.
stacking.
7.4.1 The simplified McKee Formula is:
7.7.1 Thefollowingaresuggested maximumcrushdeforma-
tions for singlewall boards:
BCT 5 ~5.87! 3 ~ECT! 3 =~BP! 3 ~T! (1)
Oil-Based Inks, mm [in.] Water-Based Inks, mm [in.]
where: A-flute 0.38 [0.015] 0.20 [0.008]
B-flute 0.28 [0.011] 0.15 [0.006]
BCT = estimated average top to bottom compression test
C-flute 0.33 [0.013] 0.18 [0.007]
strength of an RSC box, kN [lbf],
7.7.2 For doublewall boards used 75% of the combination
ECT = edge crush test, kN/m [lb/in.],
BP = inside box perimeter (sum of twice inside length
of flute structure allowances, for triplewall use 50% (that is,
and twice inside width), m [in.], and AAA-flute has maximum allowable crush of 0.30 mm [0.012
T = combined board thickness, m [in.].
in.] for water-based inks).
When solving for ECT using this formula, rearrange as 7.7.3 Test Method—Using TAPPI Test Method T411 mea-
follows: sure the board sample at least 25 mm [1 in.] from any score
line, cut edge, or printed area. Then measure it in the printed
RequiredBCT
Estimatedaverage ECT 5 (2)
area and subtract from the first reading to determine amount of
5.87 3 BP 3 T
=
crush deformation.
See Appendix X4 for example and limitations of formula
use.
8. Finished Container Attributes
7.4.2 Edgewise crush resistance is measured by the edge-
8.1 Box Style—Awide variety of box styles are available to
wise crush test (ECT) utilizing TAPPI Method T811.
the user ranging from the most common Regular Slotted
7.4.3 Although, as shown in 7.4.1, ECT directly relates to
Container (RSC) to specialized styles configured for particular
finished box compression strength, the rail and truck classifi-
applications.The more common styles are depicted in Practice
cations have minimum ECT requirements as an alternate to
D5118, Figures 1 through 14 and in the Fibre Box Handbook.
minimum burst strength requirements as shown in Table X4.1.
In addition, rigid boxes formed by automatic in-plant equip-
These requirements may or may not be appropriate for the
ment may be appropriate and include the following styles:
user’s application.
Bliss, Bliss with tri-fold ends; Bliss with internal flange; Bliss
7.5 Minimum Uncombined Flute Height—The overall
with triangular corner posts; Bliss with integral “H” divider;
thickness (caliper) of corrugated fiberboard is an important
Traywithsideflangesealedflaps;Tray,sixcornersglued;Tray
mater
...
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