ASTM D5639/D5639M-11(2015)
(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
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice assists users in selecting appropriate performance characteristics of corrugated fiberboard or box construction, or both, commensurate with the user's need for packing and distribution of goods. This practice describes several attributes of fiberboard and boxes which relate to various hazards encountered in distribution and describes test parameters which may be specified by the user to ensure sufficient strength in the box for containment, storage, handling, and protection of contents.
4.2 The user should specify only those attributes and related tests which are required for satisfactory performance in the user's operations and distribution cycle(s). When using packaging regulations as a basis for developing specifications, the reason for the existence of the regulation and its function and importance should be understood. As previously stated, regulations may be exceeded and should be when the minimum specifications are inadequate for the full effects of the distribution cycle. If the user decides to employ box compression strength or a rough handling performance protocol as the overriding specification, it should be noted that all minimum standards required by various organizations shall also be met or surpassed. These minimum standards can be stated in the box drawing so as to ensure adherence to regulations If a Box Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC) is printed on the box, then the ECT or Mullen Burst/Basis Weight values shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements for size and weight of the packaged product.
4.3 See Appendix X7 for several examples of specification determinations.
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 shall 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.
1.2.1 The attribute levels contained herein are based on US practice and specifications. Some attributes such as flute dimensions and basis weights may be defined differently in other countries.
1.3 There are two distinctly different methods commonly used for specifying boxes. The most common approach is to specify materials, such as defining flute, edge crush value, Mullen burst value, and flat crush minimums, containerboard weights and thicknesses. An alternative ...
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Designation: D5639/D5639M − 11 (Reapproved 2015)
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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.2.1 The attribute levels contained herein are based on US
practice and specifications. Some attributes such as flute
1.1 This practice provides information on corrugated fiber-
dimensions and basis weights may be defined differently in
boardfortheprospectiveuserwhowantsguidanceinselecting
other countries.
attributes of materials and box construction based on perfor-
mance requirements. These attributes should be part of speci- 1.3 There are two distinctly different methods commonly
fications which establish levels of the qualities a shipping used for specifying boxes. The most common approach is to
container shall have in order to be acceptable to the purchaser specify materials, such as defining flute, edge crush value,
or user. The attributes and qualities should be testable, using Mullen burst value, and flat crush minimums, containerboard
standard methods that are recognized by both the buyer and weights and thicknesses. An alternative approach is to define
seller. This practice will assist users in developing specifica- some measure of performance. Mullen burst values can be one
tions for corrugated containers through an analysis of perfor- of these measures if the user has determined that some
mancerequirementsandsubsequentrelationshipstofiberboard minimum burst value is all that is required in their distribution
materials and box construction attributes. This practice is system.Theoverallcompressionstrengthoftheboxisanother,
intended to provide specific corrugated container performance and this measure allows each supplier to achieve the required
standards as opposed to packaged product performance evalu- strength through their own unique combination of materials
ation through distribution and handling environments, such as and processes. A third measure would be to pass some sort of
Practice D4169. rough handling performance protocol, with Practice D4169
being one example. Unlike material specifications, where
1.2 The attributes and their levels should be based on the
definitions of fluting, test methods of ECT, and difficulty of
intended use of the box, including the handling and environ-
assessing individual components of the box structure exist,
ment it will encounter. Many packaging regulations include
compression values of the finished box are easily tested and
detailed descriptions of the materials that may be used and
verifiedusingacommontestmethod(TestMethodD642).The
style,closure,orotherconstructiondetailsofallowedshipping
same can be said of box performance measured against a
containers. These regulations are presented as minimum re-
performance protocol. Using only material specifications to
quirements; they may be exceeded for functional reasons, but
defineaboxdoesnotguaranteetheboxwillbewellmade.For
there is no regulatory reason to do so. Rail and motor freight
example,thebestpossiblematerialcouldbeusedformakinga
classifications applicable for surface common carrier transpor-
box, but if the score lines are too deep or too shallow, or if the
tation have established minimum requirements for certain
manufacturer’s joint is not secured correctly, the box will fail
attributes of corrugated packaging. These may or may not be
in distribution.
appropriateforapplicationinthecompletedistributionsystem,
Conversely, box compression and rough handling perfor-
as they encompass only containerboard or combined corru-
mance protocols measures both material and manufacturing
gated board—not finished boxes—and are not intended to
quality simultaneously. It is sometimes advantageous to use a
provide for the distribution system beyond the transportation
combination of both these methods to help assure the outer
segment.
liner will not easily scuff or break. Though suppliers will need
to continue to use material specifications when making boxes,
the user would benefit more from employing performance
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard
specifications to help guarantee similar box attributes from a
Products.
varietyofsuppliers.Itshouldberealizedthatnotwosuppliers,
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally
especially if they’re located in different countries, will use the
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D5639/D5639M–11.
DOI: 10.1520/D5639_D5639M-11R15. same materials and processes for making a box. Employing
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5639/D5639M − 11 (2015)
box compression values or performance protocols will help 2.2 TAPPI Methods:
assure the lowest price for specific performance, regardless of T411 Thickness of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined
Board
the material used.
T803Puncture Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
1.4 Corrugated containers for packaging of hazardous ma-
T808Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Flexible
terials for transportation shall comply with federal regulations
Beam Method
administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Code
T810Burst Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
of Federal Regulations, CFR49).
T811Edgewise Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T 825 Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Fixed
1.5 Lists and Descriptions of Performance and Material
Platen Method
Characteristics and Related Test Procedures—For further in-
2.3 Government Documents:
formation on the development of performance-based
CFR49 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49
specifications,pleaserefertothesectionsonSpecificationsand
2.4 Other Publications:
Test Procedures of the Fibre Box Handbook.
Fibre Box Handbook
1.6 The values stated in both SI and inch-pound units are to Edge Crush Test, Application and Reference Guide for
Combined Corrugated Board, Fibre Box Association
be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
National Motor Freight Classification Item 222
inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in
Uniform Freight Classification Rule 41
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system
shall be used independently of the other.
3. Terminology
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions—For general definitions of packaging and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
distribution environments, see Terminology D996.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 This practice assists users in selecting appropriate per-
formance characteristics of corrugated fiberboard or box
2. Referenced Documents
construction, or both, commensurate with the user’s need for
2 packing and distribution of goods. This practice describes
2.1 ASTM Standards:
several attributes of fiberboard and boxes which relate to
D585Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
various hazards encountered in distribution and describes test
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
parameters which may be specified by the user to ensure
(Withdrawn 2010)
sufficient strength in the box for containment, storage,
D642Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
handling, and protection of contents.
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
4.2 Theusershouldspecifyonlythoseattributesandrelated
D685Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
tests which are required for satisfactory performance in the
for Testing
user’s operations and distribution cycle(s). When using pack-
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
aging regulations as a basis for developing specifications, the
ments
reason for the existence of the regulation and its function and
D4169Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
importance should be understood. As previously stated, regu-
tainers and Systems
lations may be exceeded and should be when the minimum
D4727/D4727MSpecification for Corrugated and Solid Fi-
specifications are inadequate for the full effects of the distri-
berboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
bution cycle. If the user decides to employ box compression
D5118/D5118MPracticeforFabricationofFiberboardShip-
strength or a rough handling performance protocol as the
ping Boxes
overriding specification, it should be noted that all minimum
D5168Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall
standardsrequiredbyvariousorganizationsshallalsobemetor
Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
surpassed. These minimum standards can be stated in the box
D5276Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
drawing so as to ensure adherence to regulations If a Box
Free Fall
Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC) is printed on the box, then
E122PracticeforCalculatingSampleSizetoEstimate,With
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
Available from TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
Lot or Process
15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
2 6
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or AvailablefromtheFibreBoxAssociation,25NorthwestPointBlvd.,Suite510,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on AvailablefromtheNationalMotorFreightTrafficAssociation(NMFTA),1001
the ASTM website. N Fairfax St, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314-1748.
3 8
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from National Railroad Freight Committee,Tariff Publishing Officer,
www.astm.org. 151 Ellis Street, NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30335.
D5639/D5639M − 11 (2015)
the ECT or Mullen Burst/Basis Weight values shall meet or
Flutes/ft Flutes/m Flute Flute
Height [in.] Height
exceed the minimum requirements for size and weight of the
[mm]
packaged product.
A-Flute 30 to 39 98 to 128 0.1575 to 4.00 to
0.2210 5.61
4.3 See Appendix X7 for several examples of specification
B-Flute 45 to 53 147 to 174 0.0787 to 2.00 to
0.1102 2.80
determinations.
C-Flute 35 to 45 115 to 148 0.1300 to 3.30 to
0.1575 4.00
5. Sampling
E-Flute 70 to 98 229 to 321 0.0445 to 1.13 to
0.0550 1.40
5.1 Selection of a sampling plan depends on the purpose of
7.2 Burst Strength—This attribute relates to the tensile
the testing. The sampling plan from Appendix X2.2.2 of
strength and stretch elongation of the fiberboard. It also
Practice D585 is recommended for acceptance criteria. An
provides rupture strength as protection against rough handling.
example of acceptance and rejection criteria based on various
7.2.1 Burst strength is measured by the burst (Mullen) test
lot sizes may be found in Appendix X1. For purposes of other
utilizing TAPPI Method T810 and is specified in the carrier
than acceptance criteria, use Practice E122.
regulationsforthevariousgradesofsinglewallanddoublewall
combined board.
6. Conditioning
7.2.2 There is no direct relationship, such as a formula, to
6.1 All test specimens shall be preconditioned, conditioned,
relate box handling performance to needed burst strength.
and tested in accordance with Practice D685.
However, as a function of box size and weight of the filled
package, minimum burst strength requirements for corrugated
7. Fiberboard Attributes
packagingusedinsurfacecommoncarriertransportationinthe
7.1 Corrugatedfiberboardiscommerciallyavailableinthree
United States are published in the rail and truck classifications
wall constructions, and four common flute structures.The user
and are shown in Table X2.1. These requirements may or may
should specify desired wall construction and flute structure
not be appropriate for the user’s applications.
based on performance requirements, though one should realize
7.3 Resistance to Puncture—This attribute relates to the
that definitions of flute size and shape vary from one manu-
ability of the fiberboard to resist both internal and external
facturertoanotherandfromonecountrytoanother.Incontrast,
forces. It also relates to the rough handling integrity of the
if compression strength is the specification, then paper weight,
finished container.
flute size, and wall construction are all based on price for
7.3.1 Resistance to puncture is measured by the puncture
performance, perhaps allowing one manufacturer to use thin
test utilizing TAPPI Method T803 and is specified in the
weak paper to form double wall while another uses better
carrier regulations only for the various grades of triplewall
quality paper and processes to use single wall.
combined board.
7.1.1 Construction—Singlewall board is used for lighter
7.3.2 There is no direct relationship, such as a formula, to
contents where some structural rigidity, compression strength,
predict rough handling performance of a box based on the
resistance to puncture, and cushioning is needed. Doublewall
puncture resistance of the fiberboard from which it is made.
board is used for heavier contents requiring a greater degree of
Shippers and carriers, however, have used various puncture
structural rigidity, compression strength, and resistance to
grades successfully for years as noted in Appendix X3. Table
puncture. Triplewall is used for the heaviest contents where
X3.1 lists suggested puncture strengths versus maximum gross
maximum structural rigidity, compression strength, and resis-
weights and size. These requirements may or may not be
tance to puncture are required.
appropriate for the user’s application.
7.1.2 Flute Structure—A-flute offers the highest top-to-
bottom compression strength, but low resistance to flat crush.
7.4 Edgewise Crush Resistance (ECT)—This attribute of
B-flute has high flat crush resistance but lower top-to-bottom
fiberboard relates directly to the finished box compression
compression than A or C. C-flute is the most common with
strength through the well-known simplified formula published
averageresistancetoflatcrushandtop-to-bottomcompre
...
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: D5639/D5639M − 11 D5639/D5639M − 11 (Reapproved 2015)
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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. 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 shall 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.
1.2.1 The attribute levels contained herein are based on US practice and specifications. Some attributes such as flute dimensions
and basis weights may be defined differently in other countries.
1.3 There are two distinctly different methods commonly used for specifying boxes. The most common approach is to specify
materials, such as defining flute, edge crush value, Mullen burst value, and flat crush minimums, containerboard weights and
thicknesses. An alternative approach is to define some measure of performance. Mullen burst values can be one of these measures
if the user has determined that some minimum burst value is all that is required in their distribution system. The overall
compression strength of the box is another, and this measure allows each supplier to achieve the required strength through their
own unique combination of materials and processes. A third measure would be to pass some sort of rough handling performance
protocol, with Practice D4169 being one example. Unlike material specifications, where definitions of fluting, test methods of ECT,
and difficulty of assessing individual components of the box structure exist, compression values of the finished box are easily tested
and verified using a common test method (Test Method D642). The same can be said of box performance measured against a
performance protocol. Using only material specifications to define a box does not guarantee the box will be well made. For
example, the best possible material could be used for making a box, but if the score lines are too deep or too shallow, or if the
manufacturer’s joint is not secured correctly, the box will fail in distribution.
Conversely, box compression and rough handling performance protocols measures both material and manufacturing quality
simultaneously. It is sometimes advantageous to use a combination of both these methods to help assure the outer liner will not
easily scuff or break. Though suppliers will need to continue to use material specifications when making boxes, the user would
benefit more from employing performance specifications to help guarantee similar box attributes from a variety of suppliers. It
should be realized that no two suppliers, especially if they’re located in different countries, will use the same materials and
processes for making a box. Employing box compression values or performance protocols will help assure the lowest price for
specific performance, regardless of the material used.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard Products.
Current edition approved April 1, 2011Oct. 1, 2015. Published April 2011October 2015. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20092011 as
D5639/D5639M – 09.D5639/D5639M – 11. DOI: 10.1520/D5639_D5639M-11.10.1520/D5639_D5639M-11R15.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5639/D5639M − 11 (2015)
1.4 Corrugated containers for packaging of hazardous materials for transportation shall comply with federal regulations
administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 49).
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 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.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D585 Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product (Withdrawn
2010)
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems
D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
D5118/D5118M Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
D5168 Practice for Fabrication and Closure of Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
2.2 TAPPI Methods:
T 411 Thickness of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined Board
T 803 Puncture Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T 808 Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Flexible Beam Method
T 810 Burst Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T 811 Edgewise Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard
T 825 Flat Crush Test of Corrugated Fiberboard-Fixed Platen Method
2.3 Government Documents:
CFR 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49
2.4 Other Publications:
Fibre Box Handbook
Edge Crush Test, Application and Reference Guide for Combined Corrugated Board, Fibre Box Association
National Motor Freight Classification Item 222
Uniform Freight Classification Rule 41
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For general definitions of packaging and distribution environments, see Terminology D996.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice assists users in selecting appropriate performance characteristics of corrugated fiberboard or box construction,
or both, commensurate with the user’s need for packing and distribution of goods. This practice describes several attributes of
fiberboard and boxes which relate to various hazards encountered in distribution and describes test parameters which may be
specified by the user to ensure sufficient strength in the box for containment, storage, handling, and protection of contents.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
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.
Available from the Fibre Box Association, 25 Northwest Point Blvd., Suite 510, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
Available from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), 1001 N Fairfax St, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314-1748.
Available from National Railroad Freight Committee, Tariff Publishing Officer, 151 Ellis Street, NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30335.
D5639/D5639M − 11 (2015)
4.2 The user should specify only those attributes and related tests which are required for satisfactory performance in the user’s
operations and distribution cycle(s). When using packaging regulations as a basis for developing specifications, the reason for the
existence of the regulation and its function and importance should be understood. As previously stated, regulations may be
exceeded and should be when the minimum specifications are inadequate for the full effects of the distribution cycle. If the user
decides to employ box compression strength or a rough handling performance protocol as the overriding specification, it should
be noted that all minimum standards required by various organizations shall also be met or surpassed. These minimum standards
can be stated in the box drawing so as to ensure adherence to regulations If a Box Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC) is printed
on the box, then the ECT or Mullen Burst/Basis Weight values shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements for size and weight
of the packaged product.
4.3 See Appendix X7 for several examples of specification determinations.
5. Sampling
5.1 Selection of a sampling plan depends on the purpose of the testing. The sampling plan from Appendix X2.2.2 of Practice
D585 is recommended for acceptance criteria. An example of acceptance and rejection criteria based on various lot sizes may be
found in Appendix X1. For purposes of other than acceptance criteria, use Practice E122.
6. Conditioning
6.1 All test specimens shall be preconditioned, conditioned, and tested in accordance with Practice D685.
7. Fiberboard Attributes
7.1 Corrugated fiberboard is commercially available in three wall constructions, and four common flute structures. The user
should specify desired wall construction and flute structure based on performance requirements, though one should realize that
definitions of flute size and shape vary from one manufacturer to another and from one country to another. In contrast, if
compression strength is the specification, then paper weight, flute size, and wall construction are all based on price for
performance, perhaps allowing one manufacturer to use thin weak paper to form double wall while another uses better quality
paper and processes to use single wall.
7.1.1 Construction—Singlewall board is used for lighter contents where some structural rigidity, compression strength,
resistance to puncture, and cushioning is needed. Doublewall board is used for heavier contents requiring a greater degree of
structural rigidity, compression strength, and resistance to puncture. Triplewall is used for the heaviest contents where maximum
structural rigidity, compression strength, and resistance to puncture are required.
7.1.2 Flute Structure—A-flute offers the highest top-to-bottom compression strength, but low resistance to flat crush. B-flute has
high flat crush resistance but lower top-to-bottom compression than A or C.C-flute is the most common with average resistance
to flat crush and top-to-bottom compression. E-flute generally replaces solid boxboard, has excellent flat crush resistance, is used
mostly for graphics and consumer products, but seldom used for corrugated transport shipping containers. It should be noted that
the Fibre Box Association (FBA) no longer attempts to define flutes precisely due to the large range of profiles and heights being
made around the world. The current version of the Fibre Box Handbook, (2005), states the following (paraphrased): A-flute has
about 33 flutes/ft, B-flute has about 47 flutes/ft, C-flute has about 39 flutes/ft, and E-flute has about 90 flutes/ft.” Please note the
following table from Specification D4727/D4727M–07 provides only an approximate range of values:
Flutes/ft Flutes/m Flute Flute
Height [in.] Height
[mm]
A-Flute 30 to 39 98 to 128 0.1575 to 4.00 to
0.2210 5.61
B-Flute 45 to 53 147 to 174 0.0787 to 2.00 to
0.1102 2.80
C-Flute 35 to 45 115 to 148 0.1300 to 3.30 to
0.1575 4.00
E-Flute 70 to 98 229 to 321 0.0445 to 1.13 to
0.0550 1.40
7.2 Burst Strength—This attribute relates to the tensile 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 T 810 and is specified in the carrier
regulations for the various grades of singlewall and doublewall combined board.
7.2.2 There is no direct relationship, such as a formula, to relate box handling performance to needed burst strength. However,
as a function of box size and weight of the filled package, minimum burst strength requirements for corrugated packaging used
in surface
...
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