The knowledge you need to know about corrugated paper

source:HS Packaging
Time:09/19/2023

Corrugated paper is a versatile material that offers many advantages over other packaging materials. Its strength, versatility, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production and shipping make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you are looking for packaging materials or printing materials, corrugated paper is a reliable and cost-effective option that can help you achieve your goals while protecting the environment.

Corrugated material is comprised of three fiberboard layers; two liner boards sandwich a middle sheet that is in a wave-shaped pattern of arches known as flutes. These flutes are anchored to the linerboard with an adhesive.

Then, flutes form rigid columns, capable of supporting a great deal of weight. From the side of the board, the space between the flutes acts as a cushion to protect the container's contents. Flutes also serve as an insulator, protecting from sudden temperature changes. The linerboard provides additional strength and protects the flutes from damage. The fluting and folding process makes the paper much stronger than regular paper. This makes it ideal for use in packaging and shipping products that need to be protected from damage during transit.

The corrugated shape

The corrugated shapes used to make corrugated cardboard are divided into V-shaped, U-shaped, and UV-shaped.

V shape: The flat surface has high-pressure resistance, which can save the amount of adhesive and corrugated base paper in production. The disadvantage of this type of corrugated cardboard is that it has poor cushioning properties, and the corrugations are not easy to recover after being compressed or impacted.

U-shaped: Large glue area, strong bonding, and a certain degree of elasticity, which also means that more adhesive needs to be used in production. When impacted by an external force, it will not be as fragile as a V-shaped stare blankly, but its plane expansion force is not as strong as a V-shaped stare blankly.

UV shape: This shape of corrugated paper combines the advantages of the above two types. It has the high-pressure resistance of V-shaped fluting and the high bonding strength and elasticity of U-shaped fluting. UV-shaped corrugated paper is currently widely used in various industries.

Different Corrugate Thicknesses for Different Uses

Corrugated material is available in different wall thicknesses, known as flute sizes. Each flute size has a particularly useful function, from shipping strength to reducing storage space to improved printability. Here are descriptions and details of each corrugated flute size.

Flutes A to F

Flutes come in sizes, known as flute profiles, ranging from A-flute (the largest) to F-flute and below (microflutes). The letter designation relates to the order in which the flutes were invented, not the relative sizes.

Larger flute profiles deliver greater vertical compression strength and cushioning. Smaller flute profiles provide enhanced structural and printing capabilities for retail packaging.

A-Flute

Flutes per Linear Foot: 33

Thickness: 1/4"

This flute is the most common and widely used in the corrugated industry. It has a rectangular cross-section with straight edges and is known for its strength and durability. With its thickness, A-flute provides the greatest cushioning properties for fragile products. Because A-flute offers excellent stiffness qualities and short column crush resistance, it has application across a broad range of customer uses.

C-Flute

Flutes per Linear Foot: 39

Thickness: 3/16"

The C-Flute has a curved cross-section with concave edges, which makes it stronger and more rigid than the A-Flute. It is commonly used for applications where high strength and stiffness are required, such as boxboard and pallet materials. C-flute is used for packaging glass products, dairy products, and furniture, it offers good crushing resistance, good stacking strength, and highly acceptable printing properties. Very common, roughly 80% of corrugated containers are made of C-flute board.

B-Flute

Flutes per Linear Foot: 47

Thickness: 1/8"

With lower arch heights and more flutes per foot than A-flute material, B-flute contacts liners at a greater number of points. This additional support provides a stiff, flat surface for high-quality printing and die cutting. B-flute offers excellent puncture and crush-resistant properties and consumes less warehouse space. B-flute is commonly used for applications where flexibility is required, such as pads, dividers, partitions, and other forms of inner packing.

E-Flute

Flutes per Linear Foot: 90

Thickness: 1/16"

Containing about 90 flutes per foot, the E-flute has greater crush resistance and a relatively flat surface for high-quality printing applications. The thin board profile of the E-flute reduces outer box dimensions and can help save storage space. Because of its thin profile, cushioning properties, and flat surface, the E-flute offers a strong alternative for conventional paperboard folding cartons including boxes for cosmetics, fragile glass, and ceramic items, and delicate instruments.

F-Flute

Flutes per Linear Foot: 125

Thickness: 1/32"

Developed for small retail packaging, F-flute makes packages with lower fiber content. With reduced fiber in the packaging, a more rigid box is created with less solid waste going into landfills. In Europe, F-flute is being used for specialty packaging, point-of-purchase displays, jewelry and makeup packages, and clothing boxes. In the US, fast food chains are adopting F-fLute material in clamshell packaging.

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The knowledge you need to know about corrugated paper

The corrugated shape

Different Corrugate Thicknesses for Different Uses

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