ASTM D5168-12(2017)

Standard Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers are used to unitize products into containers of size and shape suitable for manual or mechanical handling and to protect the contents against environmental, handling, shipping, and storage conditions.  
4.2 This practice is intended to cover some of the basic constructions and styles of commercially available triple-wall fiberboard packaging used to unitize and protect contents.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the fabrication and closure of new triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers.  
1.2 This practice indicates the factors and components that must be controlled in the manufacture of triple-wall fiberboard containers.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2017
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.27 - Fiberboard Shipping Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5168 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated
Fiberboard Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5168; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D4675 Guide for Selection and Use of Flat Strapping Ma-
terials
1.1 This practice covers the fabrication and closure of new
D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fi-
triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers.
berboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
1.2 This practice indicates the factors and components that
D5330/D5330M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape
must be controlled in the manufacture of triple-wall fiberboard
for Packaging, Filament-Reinforced
containers.
D5486/D5486M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape
for Packaging, Box Closure, and Sealing
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical SI 10 American National Standard for Use of the Interna-
tional System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
2.2 TAPPI Standards:
T411 Test Method for Thickness of Paper and Paperboard
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
T 803 Puncture and Stiffness Test of Container Board
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
T 810 Bursting Strength of Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
T811 Edgewise Compression Strength of Corrugated Fiber-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
board (Short Column Test)
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
T 812 Ply Separation of Solid and Corrugated Fiberboard
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
(Wet)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- CFR Parts 107-180 Title 49, Hazardous Materials Regula-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical tions
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.4 Other Standards:
National Motor Freight Classification
2. Referenced Documents
Uniform Freight Classification
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2.5 Use of Other Specifications:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- 2.5.1 Nothing in this practice shall be construed to prohibit
ments the use of containers of special design or of fiberboard
D3950 Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Join- containers identified by package number in the current
ing Methods) Uniform Freight Classification and National Motor
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging Freight Classification when in the experience and judg-
D3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals ment of the purchaser, the nature of the articles or material
to be shipped justifies such containers.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packagin-
gand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Fiberboard Shipping Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials. 15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5168 – 12. DOI: 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
10.1520/D5168-12R17. www.access.gpo.gov.
2 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Motor Freight TrafficAssociation (NMFTA), 1001 N.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.nmfta.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, 50 F Street,
the ASTM website. N.W., Suite 7020, Washington, DC 20001–1536.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5168 − 12 (2017)
2.5.2 Exceptionalcommoditiesmayrequirebettercontainers 5. Style
than are specified herein. Containers for explosives and
5.1 Style A—Regular slotted container or alternate
dangerous articles shall comply with the specifications
construction, regular slotted container with crushed flaps (see
prescribed in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT)
Fig. 1).
Office of Hazardous Materials Code of Federal
5.2 Style B—Full telescope container (see Fig. 2).
Regulations, Title 49 CFR Parts 107-180. In addition, for
the particular articles to which these regulations apply, if
5.3 Style C—Half regular slotted container with short top
the requirements contained in this practice are more
flaps and cover or alternate construction (see Fig. 3).
stringent, then they must also meet the requirements
specified herein. (The DOT regulations apply to such
6. Requirements
articles as explosives, flammable liquids and solids, com-
6.1 Classes—Triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers
pressed gases, oxidizing materials, poisons, and so forth).
may be furnished in the following classes, styles, and types of
ends, as specified:
3. Terminology
6.1.1 CF—Non-weather-resistant containers are for domes-
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging are
tic shipments and storage in known, favorable conditions.
found in Terminology D996.
6.1.2 CG—Non-weather resistant containers for govern-
ment shipments and storage in known, favorable conditions.
4. Significance and Use
6.1.3 CFWR—Weather-resistant containers are for export
4.1 Triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers are used to
shipments and storage where high humidities or extreme
unitize products into containers of size and shape suitable for
climatic conditions may be encountered.
manual or mechanical handling and to protect the contents
6.1.4 CGWR—Weather-resistant containers are for govern-
against environmental, handling, shipping, and storage condi-
ment export shipments and storage where high humidities or
tions.
extreme climatic conditions may be encountered.
4.2 This practice is intended to cover some of the basic 6.1.5 CFFR—Fire-Retardant Containers—When specified,
constructions and styles of commercially available triple-wall triple-wall containers shall use materials as specified in Speci-
fiberboard packaging used to unitize and protect contents. fication D4727/D4727M, Variety TW, class WR/FR.
FIG. 1 Style A Box
D5168 − 12 (2017)
6.2 Materials:
6.2.1 Fiberboard—The fiberboard shall consist of three
corrugated mediums and four facings fabricated into a triple-
wall structural material.
6.2.1.1 Corrugating Mediums:
(1) Weight of Mediums—The weight of material used to
fabricate the corrugated medium shall be no less than 26
2 2
lb/1000 ft (127 g/m ), or as otherwise specified.
(2) Flute Arrangement—There shall be two A Flutes, with
the remaining flute being either A or C Flute. Flute arrange-
ment shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the
supplier. In accordance with Department of Defense
requirements, the flute combination shall be C-A-A (or meet
equivalent performance levels).
6.2.1.2 Facings—The combined weight of facings for Class
CG, CGWR and CGFR shall be not less than 264 lb/1000
2 2
ft (1289 g/m ), with the heaviest facings on the outside. For
boxes made to the puncture strength requirement the minimum
combinedweightoffacingsshallbeasshowninTable1.There
is no facing weight requirement for boxes made to the ECT
strength requirement. (Note an exception for grades 1100 CG,
1100 CGWR and 1100 CGFR, which have basis weight,
puncture, and ECT requirements.) For weather-resistant boxes,
FIG. 2 Style B Box
Classes CFWR and CGWR, the outer facings shall be highly
water-resistant paperboard which has been treated with a
suitable high-grade, wet strength resin. For Class CGWR, the
water-resistant paperboard shall have a 35 % minimum wet
mullen retention versus dry mullen when tested in accordance
with TAPPI T 810 and T 812.
6.2.2 Caliper—The thickness of the finished Class CG,
CGWR and CGFR fiberboard shall be no less than 0.525 in.
(13.3 mm), when tested in accordance with TAPPI T 411.
6.2.3 Board Strength:
6.2.3.1 Puncture Resistance—The fiberboard shall have a
minimum puncture test value as is shown in
Table 2 when
tested in accordance with TAPPI T 803. Only one puncture
reading on each specimen may fall below the allowable
minimum and that reading shall be not more than 10 % below
the allowable minimum reading.
6.2.3.2 Short Column Crush—The short column crush
FIG. 3 Style C Box
strength (ECT) of the class 1100 CG, 1100 CGWR and 1100
CGFRfiberboardshallnothaveaminimumaveragethatisless
6.1.6 CGFR—Fire-Retardant Containers—When specified, thanisshowninTable2whentestedinaccordancewithTAPPI
triple-wall containers shall use materials as specified in Speci- T 811. For all other types and classes, the ECT values shown
fication D4727/D4727M, Variety TW, class WR/FR. in Table 2 are minimum values. Only one ECT reading in a
TABLE 1 Size and Weight Limitations for CF, CFWR/FR, CG, and CGWR/FR Classes of Fiberboard Boxes
Type TW Combined Weight Max Weight of Boxes Max Outside Dimensions
Facings Only, min. and Contents Length + Width + Depth
(SF is total weight
of plies)
Classes CF Classes CG lb/1000 [g/m2] lbs [kg] in. [mm]
and CFWR/FR CGWR/FR ft.2
700 168 [820] 240 [109] 110 [2794]
900 222 [1083] 260 [118] 115 [2921]
1100 264 [1289] 280 [127] 120 [3048]
1100 264 [1289] 280 [127] 120 [3048]
1300 360 [1758] 300 [136] 125 [3175]
D5168 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 2 Strength Limitations for CF, CFWR/FR, CG, and CGWR/FR Classes of Fiberboard Boxes
NOTE 1—(1) Boxes can be made to either the Puncture or the ECT strength requirement, see 6.2.1.2.
(2) 1100 CG ECT value is minimum average value, all other ECT values shown for other classes are minimum values, see 6.2.3.2.
Type TW Puncture ECT
Classes CF Classes CG in oz/in tear [J/m] lb/in [kN/m]
and CFWR/FR and CGWR/FR
700 700 [2518] 67 [11.7]
900 900 [3237] 80 [14.0]
1100 1100 [3957] 90 [15.8]
1100 1100 [3957] 155 [27.1]
1300 1300 [4676] 112 [19.6]
specimen may fall below the allowable minimum and that placed not more than 1 in. (25 mm) apart. The 1-in. measure-
reading shall not be more that 10% below the allowable ment shall be from the lower tip on one staple to the top tip of
minimum reading. the staple directly below. The first and last staple shall be
3 1
6.2.4 Adhesive: placed ⁄4 6 ⁄4 in. (20 6 7 mm) from the end of the overlap.
6.2.4.1 For non-weather-resistant containers, the facings Whenthejointisglued,thereshallbeaminimumof75 %fiber
andcorrugatedmediumshallbesecurelybondedwithadhesive tear of the overlap area when pulled apart. The direction of the
over the entire area of contact. flutes shall be vertical in the sides and ends of the container.
6.2.4.2 For weather-resistant containers, in addition to the There shall be no surface breaks in the board when folded 180°
requirements specified in 6.2.4.1, the adhesive shall be of the along the score line parallel to the flute direction and 90° along
water-resistant type and the fiberboard shall show no ply the score line perpendicular to the flute direction.
separationgreaterthan ⁄4in.(6mm)whentestedinaccordance 6.5.2 Alternate Construction:
with TAPPI T 812.
6.5.2.1 When specified, Style A containers shall be fur-
6.2.5 Metal Fasteners (3x)—Metal fasteners shall be com-
nished with a 1 ⁄2-in. (36-mm) overlap on the outside top and
mercially pre-formed staples or staples formed from commer-
bottomflaps.Theoverlappedareasoftheflapsshallbecrushed
cial steel stitching wire. All metal fasteners shall have
(see Fig. 1).
commercially-applied coating of zinc or copper wash.
6.5.2.2 When specified, the score lines of the inner flaps,
die-cut only, of Style A containers shall be offset a distance of
6.3 Dimensions—Dimensions of the containers furnished
the thickness of the board from the score lines of the outer
shall be as specified (see 7.1.3). Unless otherwise specified, the
flaps.
container dimensions shall be inside measurements with a
6.5.2.3 When specified, all flaps shall be crushed or scored
tolerance of 6 ⁄4 in. (6 mm). Maximum dimensions are shown
adjacent to the score line approximately 2 ⁄2 in. (65 mm) wide
in Table 1, see also 7.2.
along the entire length of the flap to facilitate closure of the
6.4 Certification—The manufacturer shall furnish the pro-
container flap.
curing activity with certification that containers furnished
6.6 Style B Containers:
under this specification meet the requirements specified herein.
6.6.1 Construction—Construction shall be in accordance
6.5 Style A Containers:
with Fig. 2 (full telescope container). The container shall
6.5.1 Construction—Construction shall be in accordance
consist of a body and a cover, each being one piece of slotted
with Fig. 1 (regular-slotted container). This container shall be
and scored triple-wall corrugated fiberboard. The inside depth
one piece of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard scored and
ofthecovershallbetheoveralldepthofthebody.Whensetup,
slotted (slots shall have a minimum width of ⁄8 in. (10 mm)) to
the flaps shall not overlap and shall be fastened to the side
form a body piece having four flaps for closing each of two
walls of the container with staples, or, when specified, by
opposite faces. The flaps along the longer edge are the outer
gluing.ThearrangementofthestaplesshallbeasshowninFig.
flaps,andthosealongtheshorteredgearetheinnerflaps.Flaps
2, and each flap shall have not less than four staples. The
shall not project beyond the edge of the container. All length
staples shall be not more than 1 ⁄2 in. (36 mm) nor less than 1
flaps shall be equal in length, and all width flaps shall be equal
in. (25 mm) from the free edges of the flaps.The spacing of the
in length. The outer flaps shall not overlap when closed nor
staplesaroundtheedgeofeachflapshallbenotmorethan5in.
have a gap to exceed ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm). The body joint
(127mm)fromthecenterofonestapletothecenterofthenext
(manufacturers joint) overlap shall be not less than 2 in. (50
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5168 − 12 D5168 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated
Fiberboard Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5168; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the fabrication and closure of new triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers.
1.2 This practice indicates the factors and components that must be controlled in the manufacture of triple-wall fiberboard
containers.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D3950 Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Joining Methods)
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
D3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
D4675 Guide for Selection and Use of Flat Strapping Materials
D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
D5330/D5330M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Packaging, Filament-Reinforced
D5486/D5486M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Packaging, Box Closure, and Sealing
SI 10 American National Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
2.2 TAPPI Standards:
T 411 Test Method for Thickness of Paper and Paperboard
T 803 Puncture and Stiffness Test of Container Board
T 810 Bursting Strength of Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard
T 811 Edgewise Compression Strength of Corrugated Fiberboard (Short Column Test)
T 812 Ply Separation of Solid and Corrugated Fiberboard (Wet)
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
CFR Parts 107-180 Title 49, Hazardous Materials Regulations
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packagingand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard
ProductsFiberboard Shipping Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012April 1, 2017. Published June 2012 June 2017. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20092012 as
D5168 – 09.D5168 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/D5168-12.10.1520/D5168-12R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5168 − 12 (2017)
2.4 Other Standards:
National Motor Freight Classification
Uniform Freight Classification
2.5 Use of Other Specifications:
2.5.1 Nothing in this practice shall be construed to prohibit the use of containers of special design or of fiberboard containers
identified by package number in the current Uniform Freight Classification and National Motor Freight Classification when
in the experience and judgment of the purchaser, the nature of the articles or material to be shipped justifies such containers.
2.5.2 Exceptional commodities may require better containers than are specified herein. Containers for explosives and dangerous
articles shall comply with the specifications prescribed in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Hazardous
Materials Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 CFR Parts 107-180. In addition, for the particular articles to which these
regulations apply, if the requirements contained in this practice are more stringent, then they must also meet the requirements
specified herein. (The DOT regulations apply to such articles as explosives, flammable liquids and solids, compressed gases,
oxidizing materials, poisons, and so forth).
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for packaging are found in Terminology D996.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers are used to unitize products into containers of size and shape suitable for
manual or mechanical handling and to protect the contents against environmental, handling, shipping, and storage conditions.
4.2 This practice is intended to cover some of the basic constructions and styles of commercially available triple-wall fiberboard
packaging used to unitize and protect contents.
5. Style
5.1 Style A—Regular slotted container or alternate construction, regular slotted container with crushed flaps (see Fig. 1).
5.2 Style B—Full telescope container (see Fig. 2).
5.3 Style C—Half regular slotted container with short top flaps and cover or alternate construction (see Fig. 3).
6. Requirements
6.1 Classes—Triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers may be furnished in the following classes, styles, and types of ends,
as specified:
6.1.1 CF—Non-weather-resistant containers are for domestic shipments and storage in known, favorable conditions.
6.1.2 CG—Non-weather resistant containers for government shipments and storage in known, favorable conditions.
6.1.3 CFWR—Weather-resistant containers are for export shipments and storage where high humidities or extreme climatic
conditions may be encountered.
6.1.4 CGWR—Weather-resistant containers are for government export shipments and storage where high humidities or extreme
climatic conditions may be encountered.
6.1.5 CFFR—Fire-Retardant Containers—When specified, triple-wall containers shall use materials as specified in Specifica-
tion D4727/D4727M, Variety TW, class WR/FR.
6.1.6 CGFR—Fire-Retardant Containers—When specified, triple-wall containers shall use materials as specified in Specifica-
tion D4727/D4727M, Variety TW, class WR/FR.
6.2 Materials:
6.2.1 Fiberboard—The fiberboard shall consist of three corrugated mediums and four facings fabricated into a triple-wall
structural material.
6.2.1.1 Corrugating Mediums:
(1) Weight of Mediums—The weight of material used to fabricate the corrugated medium shall be no less than 26 lb/1000 ft
(127 g/m ), or as otherwise specified.
(2) Flute Arrangement—There shall be two A Flutes, with the remaining flute being either A or C Flute. Flute arrangement shall
be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier. In accordance with Department of Defense requirements, the flute
combination shall be C-A-A (or meet equivalent performance levels).
6.2.1.2 Facings—The combined weight of facings for Class CG, CGWR and CGFR shall be not less than 264 lb/1000 ft (1289
g/m ), with the heaviest facings on the outside. For boxes made to the puncture strength requirement the minimum combined
weight of facings shall be as shown in Table 1. There is no facing weight requirement for boxes made to the ECT strength
requirement. (Note an exception for grades 1100 CG, 1100 CGWR and 1100 CGFR, which have basis weight, puncture, and ECT
Available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), 1001 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.nmfta.org.
Available from Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, 50 F Street, N.W., Suite 7020, Washington, DC 20001–1536.
D5168 − 12 (2017)
FIG. 1 Style A Box
FIG. 2 Style B Box
requirements.) For weather-resistant boxes, Classes CFWR and CGWR, the outer facings shall be highly water-resistant
D5168 − 12 (2017)
FIG. 3 Style C Box
paperboard which has been treated with a suitable high-grade, wet strength resin. For Class CGWR, the water-resistant paperboard
shall have a 35 % minimum wet mullen retention versus dry mullen when tested in accordance with TAPPI T 810 and T 812.
6.2.2 Caliper—The thickness of the finished Class CG, CGWR and CGFR fiberboard shall be no less than 0.525 in. (13.3 mm),
when tested in accordance with TAPPI T 411.
6.2.3 Board Strength:
6.2.3.1 Puncture Resistance—The fiberboard shall have a minimum puncture test value as is shown in Table 2 when tested in
accordance with TAPPI T 803. Only one puncture reading on each specimen may fall below the allowable minimum and that
reading shall be not more than 10 % below the allowable minimum reading.
6.2.3.2 Short Column Crush—The short column crush strength (ECT) of the class 1100 CG, 1100 CGWR and 1100 CGFR
fiberboard shall not have a minimum average that is less than is shown in Table 2 when tested in accordance with TAPPI T 811.
For all other types and classes, the ECT values shown in Table 2 are minimum values. Only one ECT reading in a specimen may
fall below the allowable minimum and that reading shall not be more that 10% below the allowable minimum reading.
6.2.4 Adhesive:
6.2.4.1 For non-weather-resistant containers, the facings and corrugated medium shall be securely bonded with adhesive over
the entire area of contact.
6.2.4.2 For weather-resistant containers, in addition to the requirements specified in 6.2.4.1, the adhesive shall be of the
water-resistant type and the fiberboard shall show no ply separation greater than ⁄4 in. (6 mm) when tested in accordance with
TAPPI T 812.
6.2.5 Metal Fasteners (3x)—Metal fasteners shall be commercially pre-formed staples or staples formed from commercial steel
stitching wire. All metal fasteners shall have commercially-applied coating of zinc or copper wash.
6.3 Dimensions—Dimensions of the containers furnished shall be as specified (see 7.1.3). Unless otherwise specified, the
container dimensions shall be inside measurements with a tolerance of 6 ⁄4 in. (6 mm). Maximum dimensions are shown in Table
1, see also 7.2.
6.4 Certification—The manufacturer shall furnish the procuring activity with certification that containers furnished under this
specification meet the requirements specified herein.
6.5 Style A Containers:
6.5.1 Construction—Construction shall be in accordance with Fig. 1 (regular-slotted container). This container shall be one
piece of triple-wall corrugated fiberboard scored and slotted (slots shall have a minimum width of ⁄8 in. (10 mm)) to form a body
piece having four flaps for closing each of two opposite faces. The flaps along the longer edge are the outer flaps, and those along
the shorter edge are the inner flaps. Flaps shall not project beyond the edge of the container. All length flaps shall be equal in length,
and all width flaps shall be equal in length. The outer flaps shall not overlap when closed nor have a gap to exceed ⁄2 in. (12.7
mm). The body joint (manufacturers joint) overlap shall be not less than 2 in. (50 mm) wide, and both the overlap and the
overlapped portion of the body shall be crushed prior to stapling or gluing. The container may be constructed from two sheets of
triple-wall corrugated fiberboard only when the board manufacturer’s machinery is incapable of producing sheets of a size suitable
for single-sheet construction. When two-piece construction is utilized, the two body joints shall be on diagonally opposite edges.
When metal staples are used they shall be placed approximately on a 45° angle across the overlap and shall be placed not more
than 1 in. (25 mm) apart. The 1-in. measurement shall be from the lower tip on one staple to the top tip of the staple directly below.
3 1
The first and last staple shall be placed ⁄4 6 ⁄4 in. (20 6 7 mm) from the end of the overlap. When the joint is glued, there shall
be a minimum of 75 % fiber tear of the overlap area when pulled apart. The direction of the flutes shall be vertical in the sides
D5168 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Size and Weight Limitations for CF, CFWR/FR, CG, and CGWR/FR Classes of Fiberboard Boxes
Type TW Combined Weight Max Weight of Boxes Max Outside Dimensions
Facings Only, min. and Contents Length + Width + Depth
(SF is total weight
of plies)
Classes CF Classes CG lb/1000 [g/m2] lbs [kg] in. [mm]
and CFWR/FR CGWR/FR ft.2
700 168 [820] 240 [109] 110 [2794]
900 222 [1083] 260 [118] 115 [2921]
1100 264 [1289] 280 [127] 120 [3048]
1100 264 [1289] 280 [127] 120 [3048]
1300 360 [1758] 300 [136] 125 [3175]
TABLE 2 Strength Limitations for CF, CFWR/FR, CG, and CGWR/FR Classes of Fiberboard Boxes
NOTE 1—(1) Boxes can be made to either the Puncture or the ECT strength requirement, see 6.2.1.2.
(2) 1100 CG ECT value is minimum average value, all other ECT values shown for other classes are minimum values, see 6.2.3.2.
Type TW Puncture ECT
Classes CF Classes CG in oz/in tear [J/m] lb/in [kN/m]
and CFWR/FR and CGWR/FR
700 700 [2518] 67 [11.7]
900 900 [3237] 80 [14.0]
1100 1100 [3957] 90 [15.8]
1100 1100 [3957] 155 [27.1]
1300 1300 [4676] 112 [19.6]
and ends of the container. There shall be no surface breaks in the board when folded 180° along the score line parallel to the flute
direction and 90° along the score line perpendicular to the flute direction.
6.5.2 Alternate Construction:
6.5.2.1 When specified, Style A containers shall be furnished with a 1 ⁄2-in. (36-mm) overlap on the outside top and bottom
flaps. The overlapped areas of the flaps shall be crushed (see Fig. 1).
6.5.2.2 When specified, the score lines of the inner flaps, die-cut only, of Style A containers shall be offset a distance of the
thickness o
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