ASTM D1974-98
(Practice)Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes several methods for closing, sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard (solid and corrugated, excluding triple wall) shipping boxes used for shipment. One or several methods listed in this practice may be referenced in regulations, specifications, or contracts. (See Appendix for cross reference).
1.2 This practice is intended to be workable in both inch-pound units and SI units. Unit conversions are intended to be functional but are not necessarily exact; this should not significantly affect the performance of the closing, sealing, or reinforcing methods. Note 1-All references to this standard should be made by closure number.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 1974 – 98
Standard Practice for
Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard
Boxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1974; 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.
1. Scope D 4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
tainers and Systems
1.1 This practice describes several methods for closing,
D 4675 Guide for Selection and Use of Flat Strapping
sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard (solid and corrugated,
Materials
excluding triple wall) shipping boxes used for shipment. One
D 4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid
or several methods listed in this practice may be referenced in
Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut
regulations, specifications, or contracts. (See Appendix for
Shapes
cross reference).
D 5118 Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping
1.2 This practice is intended to be workable in both inch-
Boxes
pound units and SI units. Unit conversions are intended to be
D 5330 Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape, Packag-
functional but are not necessarily exact; this should not
ing, Filament Reinforced
significantly affect the performance of the closing, sealing, or
D 5486 Specification for Pressure Sensitive Tape for Pack-
reinforcing methods. Descriptions in inch-pound and SI units
aging, Box Closure and Sealing
are considered interchangeable in this practice.
D 5570 Test Method for the Water Resistance of Tape and
NOTE 1—All references to this standard should be made by closure 2
Adhesives Used as a Box Closure
number.
D 5749 Specification for Reinforced and Plain Gummed
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Tape for Sealing and Securing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
F 592 Terminology of Collated and Cohered Fasteners and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Their Application Tools
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
2.2 U.S. Government Documents:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
MMM-A-250 Adhesive, Water Resistant (For Closure of
Fiberboard Boxes)
2. Referenced Documents
2.3 Other Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
International Fiberboard Case Code
D 644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
NOTE 2—FEFCO established a code of box styles to facilitate inter-
Paperboard by Oven Drying
national trade. The box codes consist of four-digit numbers; for example,
D 951 Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Con-
a regular slotted container was assigned the code 0201.
tainers by Spray Method
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- 3. Terminology
ments
3.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution envi-
D 3654 Test Method for Holding Power of Pressure-
ronments are found in Terminology D 996.
Sensitive Tapes
3.2 Definitions:
D 3759 Test Method for Tensile Strength and Elongation of
3.2.1 crown—staple end opposite staple point, connecting
Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
both staple legs and providing bearing area (F 592).
D 3950 Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Join-
3.2.2 leg—staple part connecting staple crown with staple
ing Methods)
point, driven through and into or through materials being
D 3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
fastened (F 592).
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 on Packaging Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.08.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard. Standardization Documents, Order Desk, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins
Current edition approved April 10, 1998. Published March 1999. Originally Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, ATTN: NPODS.
published as D 1974 – 91. Last previous edition D 1974 – 94a. International Fiberboard Case Code, European Federation of Manufacturers of
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. Corrugated Board (FEFCO), 37 rue d’Amsterdam, 75008, Paris, France, 874-63-76.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D1974–98
3.2.3 stitch—staple cut and formed from wire immediately 4.5 The list of methods in this practice is not exhaustive;
prior to driving by same machine (F 592).
deviation or variation from the listed methods is possible with
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the approval of the appropriate parties referencing this practice.
3.3.1 closure—the means of securing the flaps or covers of
Depending on the characteristics of the contents, the specific
a box so that the box will not accidentally open during normal
shipping container, the acceptable package costs, the distribu-
shipment, handling, and storage.
tion hazards, and the desired degree of assurance of successful
3.3.2 leg thickness—dimension of staple-leg cross section
shipment, more stringent methods than those listed may be
measured parallel to staple-crown axis (F 592).
needed or less stringent methods than those listed may be
3.3.3 leg width—dimension of staple-leg cross section mea-
adequate. The methods described are typical uses of the
sured perpendicular to staple-crown axis (F 592).
closure, reinforcing, or sealing materials; many of these
3.3.4 reinforcing—the means (when required) of improving
materials can be used for other box styles or other methods on
the stability and integrity of a fiberboard box or closure so as
boxes but all of these are not included in this practice.
to increase the performance level of the box during normal
Materials for box closure, reinforcement, or sealing are com-
handling, shipping, or storage.
mercially available which have higher or lower performance
3.3.5 sealing—the means (when required) of making a box
characteristics than those listed in this practice; these may often
reasonably impervious to the entrance of extraneous material
be used in a lesser or greater quantity than the described
(such as dust) or to prevent the leakage of the box contents
applications of the listed materials.
during distribution.
4.6 This practice assumes the following:
3.3.6 setup—the forming of a knocked-down box (or box
section) into a box (section) ready for filling, including the end, 4.6.1 The shipping container and inner packing are properly
cover, and section closures made before the box is filled. designed for the contents and the distribution hazards (see
3.3.7 staple—preformed U-shaped wire fastener usually Practices D 4169 and D 5118),
with two same-size pointed or pointless legs connected by
4.6.2 Normal, reasonable care is taken in shipment, includ-
crown located opposite staple-point ends; designed to be driven
ing storage, handling, loading, and bracing, and
by strike, pneumatic, electric, manual, or spring tools through
4.6.3 Normal, reasonable care is taken in the application of
or through and into layers of penetrable material and to hold
the closure, reinforcing, or sealing materials to the shipping
two or more pieces together.
container.
3.3.8 wide crown staple—a staple whose nominal width is
1 ⁄4 in. (approximately 32 mm) or greater.
5. Materials and Equipment
3.3.9 wide crown stitch—a stitch whose nominal width is
1 ⁄4 in. (approximately 32 mm) or greater.
5.1 Adhesives:
5.1.1 Hot Melt Adhesives—Hot melt adhesives are solid at
4. Significance and Use
room temperature, liquified by heat, applied molten, and solid
4.1 The means of closing the flaps of corrugated shipping
upon cooling to bond two surfaces. They are based on
containers is one of the important decisions for a shipper. It
thermoplastic polymers modified with resins or waxes, or both,
may affect the overall material cost, the labor costs, the
and are usually applied in the range of approximately 300 to
packaging equipment costs, and the performance of the box
400°F (approximately 150 to 200°C). The adhesive should
during distribution.
maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected
4.2 This practice provides a list of many available proce-
in distribution and storage.
dures for closing, sealing, and reinforcing boxes. Most of these
5.1.2 Water-Borne Adhesives—Several types of adhesives
describe a particular packaging material and a particular use of
are available in which water is the vehicle or solvent. These are
it on a box. Some methods involve package performance
testing; any closure or reinforcement which passes prescribed typically applied at room temperature and the surfaces are
tests (usually on the proposed box and contents) is considered compressed together until the adhesive develops sufficient
to comply with that section of this practice. Performance-based
strength to maintain substrate contact. The adhesive should
methods are encouraged because they allow for considerable
maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected
flexibility in the choice of packaging materials and methods yet
in distribution and storage. The federal specification applicable
provide assurance of a given level of performance.
to adhesives is MMM-A-250.
4.3 A diverse range of methods are described in this practice
5.1.3 Semi-automatic and fully automatic box closure
but relative performance levels are not given. Laboratory
equipment is available for the application of adhesives. Hot
package testing such as Practice D 4169 and field experience
melt adhesives are also applied by hand held “guns.” Adhe-
are recommended to rate alternative methods on performance
sives work best on clean, dry surfaces. It is important to have
for the intended use.
the box flaps held in place until the hot melt adhesive solidifies
4.4 The descriptions of materials and methods in this
or the water borne adhesive develops sufficient bond.
practice provide direction for the procurement of materials and
5.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape:
for their common uses on boxes. These descriptions may be
5.2.1 Pressure-Sensitive, Film-Backed Tape—This tape
sufficient for some specification purposes, but others will
require more thorough material and application requirements consists of a film backing, usually a biaxially oriented polyl-
than those given here. propylene or polyester (some polyvinyl chloride films are also
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D1974–98
used), with a high tack pressure-sensitive adhesive. No sol- important to hold water activated tapes in place until they
vents, heat, or moistening are needed. The tape should main- develop sufficient bond to hold the flaps closed.
tain its functionality in the environmental conditions expected
5.4 Staples and Stitches:
in distribution and storage. The applicable reference is Speci-
5.4.1 Staples:
fication D 5486.
5.4.1.1 Staples shall be of good commercial quality steel
5.2.2 Pressure-Sensitive Filament Tape—This type of tape
and have a minimum tensile strength of 80 000 psi (550 mPa).
typically consists of fiberglass filaments embedded in a
They shall have a rust-resistant coating of copper, zinc, or other
pressure-sensitive adhesive with a protective film backing.
material. Staples and stiches listed in the closure methods of
Several grades of tape are available. The tape should maintain
this practice shall meet or exceed the following minimums:
its functionality in environmental conditions expected in dis-
Crown Width Leg Width Leg Thickness
tribution and storage. The applicable reference is Specification
0.50 in. (12.5 mm) 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) 0.017 in. (0.43 mm)
D 5530. 1.25 in. (32 mm) 0.072 in. (1.9 mm) 0.033 in. (0.84 mm)
5.2.3 Pressure-Sensitive Paper Tape—This type of tape has
5.4.1.2 Staples are collated and cohered into strips or rolls.
a backing of kraft paper and a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The
The strips are designed for loading into straight magazines.
tape should maintain its functionality in environmental condi-
The roll, also called a coil, allows the loading of a large number
tions expected in distribution and storage. The applicable
of staples into a tool.
reference is Specification D5486.
5.4.1.3 Staples are driven by staplers. Two types of staplers
5.2.4 A wide variety of tape dispensing and applying
are in common use.
equipment is available. Hand-held dispensers are common.
(a) One type of stapler uses moving anvils to clinch the
Pressure-sensitive tapes also capable of being applied by
staple legs around the fiberboard. These tools drive the staple
equipment at high speeds. Tapes work best on clean, dry
legs through the flaps, simultaneously inserting anvils through
surfaces. It is important to give an adequate rubdown to
the flap surface to meet and clinch the staple legs so they grab
pressure-sensitive tapes to develop sufficient bond to hold the
the inner flaps and secure them to the outer flaps. The anvils
flaps closed.
then retract from the flaps.
5.2.5 Uses of pressure-sensitive tape in the closure, sealing,
(b) The other type of stapler uses a stationary anvil to clinch
and reinforcing methods call for their commonly available
the staple legs. The anvil may be supported by a pedestal or by
commercial widths. The widths common in the U.S. Custom-
an arm attached to the stapler.
ary system are not identical to the available metric replacement
(c) Each type of stapler is available as a manual device and
widths. The most frequent width conversions are as follows:
as a powered device. The manually operated staplers are
U.S. Customary Metric
in. mm
usually portable although some are mounted on frames and
0.5 12
activated by a foot pedal. The latter are commonly called
0.75 18
“bottomers” used to close the bottom flaps of a box before
filling. The powered tools may be electric or pneumatic.
Staples may be driven by portable staplers or by stationary
NOTE 3—The effect of this width difference on package performance is
heads mounted in semi- or fully-automatic equipment for
not considered significant.
moderate production requirements.
5.4.2 Stitches:
5.3 Gummed (Remoistenable) Tape:
5.3.1 Reinforced Gummed Tapes—This type of tape has a 5.4.2.1 Stitches shall be of good commercial quality steel.
water activated adhesive and contains glass reinforcing fibers Common nominal crown widths are 0.50 in. (12.5 mm) and
embedded between two sheets of paper, using nonaspha
...
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