ASTM D2658-18(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Fiberboard Boxes
Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Fiberboard Boxes
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Dimensions are important properties in the general construction of a box, and accurate methods of measurement are required for research work, routine control, and acceptance testing for conformance to specifications. For packages to carry and protect their contents effectively and efficiently, boxes and interior components must be properly and consistently sized. Correctly dimensioned and well-made boxes can be more easily set up by hand or be erected using automatic equipment. “Square” boxes (rectangular parallelepipeds) will stack better to accept load and improve stability during storage and shipment.
4.1.1 Interior dimensions of boxes are critical when the contents of the box are intended to fill or nearly fill the box with little unused side and head space. The inside dimension by tape method are the size values most often cited in box design (see 9.1, and TAPPI T827). The interior size of a box can be estimated from the score to score measurements when the scoring allowance is taken into account (see Appendix X2). The actual inside dimensions can be measured directly using the box gauge method (see 9.2). Either method can be used to measure interior box dimensions.
4.1.2 Exterior dimensions may be the critical design criteria when attempting to optimize use of the shipping platform area and overall stack height based on transportation and storage limitations. Exterior dimensions are also key design elements when making common footprint boxes.5 The exterior dimensions of a box can be measured directly using the exterior dimensions by tape method (see Appendix X1).
4.2 Measuring a Lot Quantity of Boxes—This method determines if a lot (that is, production run) is within specified tolerance for each dimension (length, width, and depth as are shown in Practice D5118/D5118M). A minimum of five specimens are measured. The test result for each dimension is the individual measurements of that dimension on all specimens (see 9.3).
4.3 Measuring Single Bo...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the interior and exterior dimensions of regular slotted or special slotted styles of single-wall corrugated, double-wall corrugated and solid fiberboard boxes.
1.2 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.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: D2658 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Dimensions of Fiberboard Boxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2658; 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.
1. Scope E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the interior
2.2 ANSI Standard:
and exterior dimensions of regular slotted or special slotted
B46.1 Surface Texture Surface Roughness, Waviness and
styles of single-wall corrugated, double-wall corrugated and
Lay
solid fiberboard boxes.
2.3 TAPPI Standards:
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
T400 Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper,
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Paperboard, Containerboard, or Related Product
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
T827 Box Blank Dimensioning, Test Method
and are not considered standard.
2.4 FBA/PMMI:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Tolerances for Corrugated Regular Slotted Containers
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(RSCs) Voluntary Industry Standard (See also ANSI Tech-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nical Report PMMI B155 TR2.1 )
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.5 FBA/FEFCO:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Common Footprint Specifications
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.6 GMA/ISO:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Standard Pallet Size (most common)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3. Terminology
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Definitions—General terms in this test method are de-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
fined in Terminology D996.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 blank, n—flat sheet of containerboard or combined
2.1 ASTM Standards:
board that has been cut, scored and slotted as preliminary
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
operations to making a box.
for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
3.2.2 caliper, n—containerboard or combined board thick-
ments
ness.
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
3.2.3 depth, n—the distance between the innermost surfaces
Packaging Components for Testing
of the box measured perpendicular to the length and width.
D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fi-
3.2.4 exterior dimensions, n—the measurement of the outer
berboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
most surfaces of the length, width and depth of a box.
D5118/D5118M Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Ship-
ping Boxes
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
1 4
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Available from Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Fiberboard (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Suite 115, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092,
Shipping Containers, Containerboard and Related Structures and Materials. http://www.tappi.org.
Current edition approved March 15, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally Available from the Fibre Box Association Suite 985, 500 Park Blvd, Itasca, IL
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D2658 – 2018. DOI: 60143, or PPMI 11911 Freedom Dr #600, Reston, VA 20190.
10.1520/D2658-18R23. Available from the FBA and FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Manufacturers) Avenue Louise 250, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401-1214
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland (historic document from Grocery Manufacturer’s
the ASTM website. Association).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2658 − 18 (2023)
3.2.5 fishtail (or skew), n—variation in the width of the specimens are measured. The test result for each dimension is
manufacturer’s joint, the difference between the width of top the individual measurements of that dimension on all speci-
and bottom gaps measured at the score line. mens (see 9.3).
3.2.6 interior dimensions, n—the shortest distances be- 4.3 Measuring Single Boxes—Determines if one particular
tween opposite walls of a box. box is within specified tolerance for each dimension. The test
result for each dimension is the average of all measurements of
3.2.7 KD box – knock down (flat), n—a box blank that has
that dimension (see 9.4).
been folded and the manufacturer’s joint has been sealed but
which has not been erected.
5. Apparatus
3.2.8 length, n—the larger of the two dimensions of the
5.1 Types of Apparatus:
open face of a box.
5.1.1 For Box Dimensions by Tape Method (see 9.1)—Use a
3.2.9 panel, n—a face or side of a box standard metal or similar measuring tape with resolution to at
least ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) and a straight edge that exceeds than the
3.2.10 regular slotted, n—one-piece box with all flaps the
nominal width or depth dimension of the box (whichever is
same length and outer flaps meeting. Inner flaps may or may
longer).
not meet, but do not overlap.
5.1.2 Estimating Interior Box Dimensions by Tape Method
3.2.11 slot, n—a cut made to remove a narrow strip of
(see Appendix X2)—Use a standard metal or similar measuring
material in a fiberboard sheet in order to form flaps and
tape with resolution to at least ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm).
facilitate folding without bulging while making a box.
5.1.3 Interior Box Dimensions by Method (see 9.2)—Use a
3.2.12 special slotted, n—one-piece box with all flaps meet- gauge specific to this standard. The gauge involves a degree of
ing or not meeting but not overlapping. human judgment and assumes careful and accurate placement
and reading of specified apparatus.
3.2.13 width, n—the lesser of the two dimensions of the
5.1.3.1 Measuring Equipment, consisting of two flat metal
open face of a box.
plates mounted on each end and at right angles to a telescoping
spacing bar (Fig. 1).
4. Significance and Use
(1) Metal Plates—The metal plates shall be not less than
4.1 Dimensions are important properties in the general 3
⁄16 in. (4.8 mm) thick and shall have length and width
construction of a box, and accurate methods of measurement
dimensions of 4 in. by 3 in. (102 mm by 76 mm) with a
are required for research work, routine control, and acceptance
maximum surface roughness height of 64 μ in. (1.63 μm), in
testing for conformance to specifications. For packages to carry
accordance with ANSI B46.1. All sharp edges shall be relieved
and protect their contents effectively and efficiently, boxes and 1
and corners shall be rounded with approximately ⁄4 in.
interior components must be properly and consistently sized.
(6.35 mm) radius. The plates shall be mounted firmly at each
Correctly dimensioned and well-made boxes can be more
end of the telescoping bar and must be parallel to each other
easily set up by hand or be erected using automatic equipment.
within 0.02 in. (0.5 mm).
“Square” boxes (rectangular parallelepipeds) will stack better
(2) Spacing Bar—Provision shall be made for adjusting
to accept load and improve stability during storage and
and locking the spacing bar at the linear distance between the
shipment.
two plane surfaces. If the spacing bar incorporates a built-in
4.1.1 Interior dimensions of boxes are critical when the
scale for convenience in reading measurements, it shall be
contents of the box are intended to fill or nearly fill the box
accurate to one half of the minimum measurement unit; that is,
with little unused side and head space. The inside dimension by
if the minimum measurement unit is ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm), the
tape method are the size values most often cited in box design
instrument must be accurate to ⁄16 in. (1.6 mm), etc.
(see 9.1, and TAPPI T827). The interior size of a box can be
(3) Size and Weight Ranges—Correct weight of the mea-
estimated from the score to score measurements when the
suring instrument is important. Weights of instruments for
scoring allowance is taken into account (see Appendix X2).
three basic size ranges shall conform to the specifications given
The actual inside dimensions can be measured directly using
in Table 1.
the box gauge method (see 9.2). Either method can be used to
6. Sampling
measure interior box dimensions.
4.1.2 Exterior dimensions may be the critical design criteria
6.1 Select specimens at random in accordance with good
when attempting to optimize use of the shipping platform area
practice or sampling procedures.
and overall stack height based on transportation and storage
6.2 Boxes used for measurement should first be inspected to
limitations. Exterior dimensions are also key design elements
see if they meet quality requirements for “squareness” (see
when making common footprint boxes. The exterior dimen-
Voluntary Standards – Tolerances). If “square” boxes are not
sions of a box can be measured directly using the exterior
available to be measured this outcome should be clearly shown
dimensions by tape method (see Appendix X1).
in the test report. If the boxes to be measured cannot be set up
4.2 Measuring a Lot Quantity of Boxes—This method de- so that the opposing panels and the tops and bottoms are
termines if a lot (that is, production run) is within specified parallel planes, then meaningful measurement is impossible for
tolerance for each dimension (length, width, and depth as are the box gauge method (see 9.3). Exterior box measurements for
shown in Practice D5118/D5118M). A minimum of five out of square boxes also have limited utility and should not be
D2658 − 18 (2023)
NOTE 1—This device has limited commercial availability; however, sufficient detail has been provided to have one constructed by a typical metal or
equipment fabrication shop.
NOTE 2—The unit shown covers the middle range from 10 in to 18 in. (254 mm to 457 mm). Rounded knurled knob at upper left is lifted to set gauge
to the nearest full unit measurement below box dimension. Knurled knob at lower left is used to lock extension rod in place. Adjusting nut at right end
moves right end plate to proper tension against side of box. Fractions of unit measurement over initial adjustment are read at right end scale. Reading
shown is 12 ⁄16 in.
FIG. 1 Detail of Gauge Equipment
TABLE 1 Instrument Weight for Three Basic Size Ranges
7. Test Specimens
Size Range of Boxes, Instrument Weight,
7.1 Measuring a Lot Quantity of Boxes:
in. (mm) oz (g)
7.1.1 In no instance shall fewer than five specimens be
A
Up to 10 (254) 2 lb 0 ± 2 (907 ± 57)
measured and taken as representative of the lot.
10 to 18 (254 to 457) 2 lb 8 ± 2 (1134 ± 57)
18 to 34 (457 to 864) 3 lb 6 ± 3 (1530 ± 85)
7.1.2 For large lots, a formal sampling plan is advised.
A
A purchased instrument may have a minimum usable size of 6 in. (152 mm).
Application of TAPPI T400 is suggested.
NOTE 1—Acceptance or rejection of a production lot should be based on
a sampling plan mutually agreeable to both the supplier and user of the
boxes as indicated in a specification, contract, or other agreement.
7.2 Measuring a Single Box—Select an individual specimen
reported without notation that the test box(es) were not
(see Section 6).
“square.” While the interior tape measure method (see 9.2) can
return valid dimensions when erect boxes are not “square,” the
8. Conditioning
issue of poor squareness is an overriding concern. Only
8.1 Condition the boxes for measuring in accordance with
“square” boxes should be measured for dimensions. If many or
Practice D685 or Practice D4332 at standard conditions.
most boxes are not “square,” this is a separate quality issue
from box dimensions (see Practice D5118/D5118M, Section
9. Procedure
6.6 on Workmanship).
6.2.1 Slots—Should be centered on the aligning scores (to
9.1 Interior Box Dimensions by Tape Method (see Fig. 2):
within ⁄16 in. of score center) and slots should end on the score,
9.1.1 When ordering or designing a box the interior score to
or not go beyond the perpendicular score by more than ⁄8 in.
score dimension are the most critical measurements. It is these
If the boxes have short slots (that do not abut the score line),
dimensions that are most commonly quoted and used in
the box cannot be properly set up and a new box should be
specifications, computer aided design (CAD) or other struc-
selected.
tural drawings. The interior dimensions of a box can be
6.2.2 Score Lines at the Manufacturer’s Joint—When a KD
determined from an unformed blank, from a KD box, or from
(Knock Down) box is folded into a flat plane, the panels on
a fully formed box. Interior score to score dimensions of boxes
each side of the manufacturer’s joint should be collinear when
as measured by the tape method require use of blanks or
compared to one another. If the panel edges do not form a
disassembled boxes that are laid open. If measuring from a
continuous line, the box is out of square. The dimensions will
blank no added steps are required. If measuring from a KD
then be different, depending on where they are measured.
box, the manufacturer’s joint must first be carefully separated
6.2.3 Skew/Fish Tail at the Manufacturer’s Joint—The mini- so the box can be laid out as a sheet. When starting with a
sealed box, the flaps must be carefully loosened and the
mum allowable gap at either end of the manufacturer’s joint is
⁄16 of an inch. If the gap is less, the blank is likely to bind manufacturer’s joint, if any, needs to be carefully separated so
the box can be laid open as a flat sheet.
during erection into a box. The difference between the width of
the top and bottom gaps (at the score line) should not exceed 9.1.2 Lay the blank on a flat surface with the inside of
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