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9 Corrugated Box Testing Methods to Ensure Packaging Quality

Rangan Das : August 26, 2019

Corrugated Box Testing Cover Image

Corrugated Box Testing Methods:

  1. Bursting Strength Test
  2. Edge Crush Test 2 Single
  3. Water Resistance of the Gluing
  4. Cobb Sizing Tester
  5. Paper Grammage and Thickness
  6. Puncture Resistance
  7. Scuff Resistance Test
  8. Box Compression Test
  9. Chemical Analysis in Corrugated Box Testing

As per FICCI, cardboard products make up more than 30% of the packaging industry. That’s because corrugated boxes are pretty popular. Regular slotted containers, for example, are one of the most widely used types of boxes for shipping and storage. Corrugated cartons are low cost, durable, and eco-friendly. However, not all boxes are made equal. That is to say, they vary a lot in terms of compressive strength, thickness, chemical resistance, and other factors.

You’ll need to know this when you have to choose a suitable corrugated box for your packaging needs. The cardboard strength and construction directly impact the amount of weight a box can carry. A box too weak might puncture or collapse. On the other hand, an excessive box means you pay extra for material and add to environmental wastage.

To determine how corrugated boxes hold up against external influences — so as to help you make an informed decision when picking boxes — manufacturers use multiple testing procedures. 

Here’s a round-up of common corrugated box testing methods used to check the strength of corrugated boxes. 

Table of Contents

  • 1 #1– Bursting Strength Test
  • 2 #2 – Edge Crush Test
      • 2.0.1 Single Wall Corrugated Board Strength:
      • 2.0.2 Double Wall Corrugated Board Strength:
  • 3 #3 – Water Resistance of the Gluing
  • 4 #4 – Cobb Sizing Tester
  • 5 #5 – Paper Grammage and Thickness
  • 6 #6 – Puncture Resistance
  • 7 #7 – Scuff Resistance Test
  • 8 #8 – Box Compression Test
  • 9 #9 – Chemical Analysis in Corrugated Box Testing
      • 9.0.1 Bizongo is India’s 8th Largest Supplier of Corrugated Boxes! Watch how we can ensure 100% availability of corrugated boxes for your business.
  • 10 Picking the Right Box for Your Needs

#1– Bursting Strength Test

  • WHAT: Test box strength when subjected to pressure
  • WHY: To determine exact weight a box can carry, rough handling

The Mullen Test or Bursting Strength Test checks the toughness of the walls of the corrugated board when subjected to force or pressure. In this testing procedure, a rubber diaphragm is used to apply pressure to the walls of the corrugated box until it bursts. The diaphragm is expanded using hydraulics and as the diaphragm expands, the corrugated board bursts under pressure.

We measure the bursting strength in Kilograms per square centimetre. The Bursting factor is given as a thousand times the bursting strength, divided by the grammage of the board.

Bursting factor = Bursting strength (kg/cm2) x 1000/Grammage (gm/m2)

#2 – Edge Crush Test

  • WHAT: Cross-direction crushing of a corrugated board
  • WHY: To test material quality, stacking strength, pallet shipping endurance

One of the most popular methods to test the stacking strength of corrugated boxes is the Edge Crush Test or ECT. 

corrugated-box-testing-methods

Every side of a corrugated box is made up of sheets that have three or more layers. Generally, a thin sheet with grooves and ridges is sandwiched between two flat sheets. These grooves and ridges, also known as flutes, provide anisotropic strength to a box. This means the boxes can bear a greater amount of force from one direction. Edge crush test, right test, or flat crush test helps determine this. 

In the Edge Crush test, force is applied to one side of the box, perpendicular to the ridges, until the box gets crushed. In the Ring Crush test, a ring cut out from the box is used to test the same. While in the flat crush test, excessive force is applied on one side. 

The results of the Edge Crush test are measured in pounds per lineal inch of load-bearing edge but represented as ECT.

Single Wall Corrugated Board Strength:

Bursting Test
Minimum Edge Crush Test Max Load Limit per Carton
125# 23 ECT20 lbs.
150#26 ECT35 lbs.
175#29 ECT50 lbs.
200#32 ECT65 lbs.
275# 44 ECT95 lbs.
350#55 ECT120 lbs.

Double Wall Corrugated Board Strength:

Bursting TestMinimum Edge Crush TestMax Load Limit per Carton
200#23 ECT20 lbs.
275#26 ECT35 lbs.
350#29 ECT50 lbs.
400#32 ECT65 lbs.
500#44 ECT95 lbs.
600#55 ECT 120 lbs.

Reference: Standford University

ECT gives you an accurate idea of a box’s strength when they are stacked and shipped by pallets. Also, an ECT rated corrugated box uses less material than its equivalent Burst Test rated box, to provide an equivalent level of strength. This means it’s cheaper and less wasteful to purchase ECT rated boxes in bulk.

However, it is important to know that the above results (overall strength of a box) may vary based on the makeup of each corrugated sheet. Hence, knowing the type of corrugation is important before you make a decision.

#3 – Water Resistance of the Gluing

  • WHAT: Test water-resistance of the glue lines of a corrugated board
  • WHY: To test the impact of climatic conditions, moisture permeability, water absorption

Even though the fiberboard itself can absorb and retain water, testing the water-resistance of gluing or sealing is also important. For certain applications, the FEFCO 9 standard is used to test the water-resistance of the gluing of the corrugated cardboard boxes.

In this type of test, the corrugated board is immersed in water while exposing the glue lines to check for bond strength and water absorption.

#4 – Cobb Sizing Tester

  • WHAT: Check water resistance and measure weight increase when exposed to water   
  • WHY: To test the quality of the box, porosity

The raw material that is used in the manufacture of corrugated fiberboards has a tendency to absorb water and retain it. The Cobb Sizing tester is used to the degree to which water is absorbed. 

In this test, corrugated fiberboard is first subjected to water. Then, the water is squeezed out of the sample using pressure. Usually, depending on the quality, all of the water is not removed in spite of the board being pressed by a heavy steel roller. The difference in weight because of the retained water is known as the Cobb value.

The lower the Cobb value the better the water resistance. The Cobb test is required for certain certifications, especially those involving hazardous material packaging.

powered by Typeform

#5 – Paper Grammage and Thickness

  • WHAT: Test the areal density and thickness
  • WHY: To test box quality and rigidity

Grammage and thickness are the two most fundamental properties of the corrugated fiberboards that determine the quality of the box. There is no “best” grammage or thickness mentioned in corrugated boxes specifications and it is completely based on your requirements. 

When more padding is required, a box with a higher thickness is used. The flutes of the corrugated board are larger and pack more air in them. Thin boards with dense flutes have a high grammage. Such boxes are needed when the packaging should be more compact and rigid.

corrugated-box-flutes
Image Courtesy: Shanghai GL

Thickness is usually measured in (millimetres) mm and grammage is expressed in terms of grams per square meter (g/m2).

Thinner boards are easier to fold, lighter, and more suitable when it comes to printing or detailing. Thicker ones are more sturdy and appropriate for heavy-duty shipping. Usually, the type of flute (A, B, C, E, or F) determines the cardboard strength with C being the most common (4.0mm).

Standard Corrugated flutes:

FluteFlute thickness (mm)
A4.8
B3.2
C4.0
E1.6
F0.8

#6 – Puncture Resistance

  • WHAT: Test resistance to penetration by sharp, solid objects
  • WHY: To test cardboard strength and sturdiness during transportation

Puncture resistance tests how well the box can handle the impact made with a pyramid or triangularly shaped weight. The corrugated box testing standards for puncture resistance include FEFCO 5 or ISO 3036.

#7 – Scuff Resistance Test

  • WHAT: Check durability of printed or painted boxes to resist abrasion
  • WHY: To ensure printed text on cardboard box can sustain rubbing, wearing

Printing is an integral part of packaging. With different types of printing methods being used, it’s important to check how well labels or prints can handle scuffing or abrasion. For this purpose, scuff resistance or rub proof tests are employed. There is the Sutherland Rub Test, which is an industry-standard testing procedure. Coated surfaces such as paper, films, paperboards and all other printed materials are tested using this procedure.

Alternative corrugated box testing methods are also available to test resistance to abrasion. These include rotary abrasion testers and even manual wiping. Scuff Resistance test is especially important for pharmaceutical or medical industries where label legibility is of prime importance. 

#8 – Box Compression Test

  • WHAT: Test compressive strength of a corrugated box
  • WHY: To measure the stacking strength of a pallet load

Box compression test, also known as container compression test, is a way to test how much load the box can take on top of it before it gets deformed and the extent to which it gets deformed. It gives us a good idea of how many boxes can be stacked together without damaging the contents of the lowermost box. This test is crucial to check the strength of boxes and is required by most industries transporting boxes in bulk.

Compression Test - corrugated box testing
Image Courtesy: Testing Instruments

The boxes are tested in different orientations. If the box design makes use of inner supports, such as wood support or corrugated board cushioning, then such factors are also taken into account.

The compressive strength of a corrugated box can also be calculated using the McKee formula where the Edge Crush Test (ECT), Caliper or corrugated board thickness (CBT) and box perimeter (P) values are taken into account.

As per the McKee formula: Compression Strength = 5.874 * ECT * CBT0.508 * P0.492

#9 – Chemical Analysis in Corrugated Box Testing

  • WHAT: Test resistance of box to chemicals
  • WHY: To check product formulation and regulatory compliance

Chemical analysis is required for certain applications where the nature of fiberboard, as well as its resistance to certain chemicals, are checked. The analysis of the fiberboard involves microscopic examination of the board to see what types of paper are used to make the fiberboard. Moreover, the moisture content, as well as the pH of the board, is also determined.

Bizongo is India’s 8th Largest Supplier of Corrugated Boxes! Watch how we can ensure 100% availability of corrugated boxes for your business.

Picking the Right Box for Your Needs

Corrugated box testing procedures help you determine the right kind of box for your business requirements. Most boxes carry a Box Maker’s Certificate stamp that lists specifications and box strength.

For example, the ECT value lets you calculate the amount of weight a package can carry. Or, the Box Compression Test helps determine stacking strength that’s especially important when shipping and transportation. 

Take time to find the perfect box. It can save you a lot of costs and lower material wastage.

182

Related posts:

  1. How to Read a Box Maker’s Certificate in Under 3 Minutes
  2. Make Your Packaging Reliable with These Flexible Packaging Testing Methods
  3. Understanding Standard Methods of Testing for Rigid Packaging
  4. 5 Ways To Make Sure You Save Costs On Corrugated Boxes

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Comments

  1. Tony Garner says

    October 9, 2019 at 9:09 am

    This is one of the most awesome blogs I have read about corrugated boxes! Kudos to that.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      October 9, 2019 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Tony,

      Glad you liked the article. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  2. Ajay. D says

    October 14, 2019 at 9:16 am

    good knowledge in simple words explained ,it helped me a lot,Thanx.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      October 17, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked the article. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  3. Ashok kumar says

    December 6, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    Verry good information

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      December 10, 2019 at 5:17 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked the article. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  4. Ezellohub says

    March 5, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    Nice Blog!

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      March 6, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked the article. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  5. Franziska Doppler says

    March 26, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing this detailed blog with us. I recently bought double wall cardboard boxes for house moving and didn’t know how to check its quality but thanks to your blog now I know-how.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      March 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  6. Anjum Sehar says

    April 10, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    Dear Team,
    please advise a good machine!
    I have a company named Smart packaging Solutions and having local plant sized by 52 inches.
    I can manufacture 05-ply carrogatted boxes maximum decal sized by 52 inches.

    I need a machine to check strength of our production sample as blew!
    Specs of GSM (g/m2) , B.S.T (Kpa) ECT (kn/m) , Caliper (mm), Moisture (%).

    your prompt response in this regard will be highly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      April 14, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      Hi,

      Kindly contact us on https://bizongo.com/contact for further details. We will be glad to help.
      Also, get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/
      Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Pradeep Agarwal says

    April 19, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    Very nice. Complete understanding of how to test our boxes. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      April 27, 2020 at 2:40 am

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  8. Pradeep Agarwal says

    May 1, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    awsome knowledge. I started my packaging business 6 months ago. And this is really helpful thanks.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:33 pm

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      June 8, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked our post. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  9. Ranvijay Singh says

    May 3, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Thanks for this amazing information

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  10. Ashwin Dhami says

    May 4, 2020 at 9:41 am

    Verry good information & Measurable

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  11. ashok kumar says

    May 18, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Dear sir,
    Kindly provide us the all test parameters in hindi of Corrugated box ASAP.
    Thanks & Regards
    Ashok kumar

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      June 8, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      Hi,

      Kindly contact us on https://bizongo.com/contact for further details. We will be glad to help.
      Also, get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/
      Thank you.

      Reply
  12. Nitin Wagh says

    June 14, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    Very informative, blog! Thanks for putting this together.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      July 9, 2020 at 3:04 pm

      Hey,

      Glad our post helped. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  13. Shaylee Packer says

    June 23, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    As you mentioned, it is important to test the water resistance of the glue used to hold the box together. In doing this, you can ensure that even if the box gets a bit wet, the glue will hold strong. It would be interesting to see all of these test performed in the factory.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      July 9, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      Hi,

      Yes, it’s always fun to watch these processes in action in the factories!

      If you like this blog, get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  14. Gurvinder Walia says

    August 7, 2020 at 8:55 am

    Can you pls share the comparison in manual and automatic plant box and how can we say that automatic plant box is better than from manual plant .

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      August 10, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Sure, Gurvinder.
      We’ll research & write on the topic.
      Thanks for the suggestion.

      Reply
  15. Diana says

    August 12, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Hello, Glad to reach your post and its really amazing to read your complete you have explain brilliantly with graph and all information. Thank you so much !!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      August 13, 2020 at 11:02 am

      Hey,

      Glad you liked this post. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  16. Alice Brainna says

    August 26, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    Thanks for this Article. It really very useful for me. Great post to read. keep posted.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      August 27, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked this post. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply
  17. Wellpack says

    September 25, 2020 at 4:07 pm

    Nice article in details based on testing method to ensure quality of cardboard products. If you are looking for more packaging materials online visit Wellpack today.

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      September 28, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Wellpack,

      You can get in touch with our team here if you are interested to partner with us as a manufacturer.

      Reply
  18. Sonika Negi says

    November 27, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    Good Information .

    Reply
    • Tanuja Ratnaparkhi says

      December 3, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      Hey,

      Glad you liked this article. Get more such blog posts on https://bizongo.com/blog/

      Reply

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