Knowledge Base
Quality Standards for Corrugated Cardboard
Key quality standards for corrugated testing
If you’re finding it confusing to work out a comprehensive testing solution for cardboard and corrugated packaging and products, you aren’t alone. There are a series of industry-accepted standard tests that can guide your quality control – and give you peace of mind when it comes to the performance of your materials.
To make choosing the right solutions for your set up even easier, we’ve gathered some key quality standards for testing corrugated boxes, papers and boards.
Industry standard corrugated testing solutions
Check out the most common standard tests for corrugated paper and cardboard, and see if any are missing from your line-up or QA procedure.
ASTM D774
The standard test method for bursting strength of paper, ASTM D774, covers measurements for paper products occurring as single sheets not over 0.6mm (0.025 in.) in thickness, with a bursting strength of 30 kPa up to 1400 kPa (4 psi up to 200 psi). Similar testing can be achieved with ISO 2758 and TAPPI 403. If you’re looking for a burst testing solution, check out the state-of-the-art 13-56 Burst Tester.
ISO 3037
This edge crush testing procedure determines edgewise crush resistance (unwaxed edge method) in corrugated fiberboard. It can be used for all corrugated fiberboard grades and makes it possible to work out how much pressure the sample can withstand before failure. Find out more about edge crush testing and how it differs from burst testing in our guide to ECT conversion.
Tappi T 811
An alternative edge crush test is Tappi T 811, designed to help you determine the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated fiberboard. This test is for waxed edges and is suitable for a short column of single, double, or triple-wall corrugated fiberboard.
ASTM D1894
The standard method for coefficient of friction testing is ASTM D1894, which is used to test the static and kinetic COF of plastic film and sheeting. It is a method used to determine the coefficients of material when sliding over itself or other substances, at specified test conditions.
For more on the ins and outs of COF testing and where it is useful in packaging QA, have a look at our handy guide to coefficient of friction testing.
ISO 9895
An alternative, standard short span compression test is the ISO 9895, a method for determining the compressive strength in cross-directions of paper and board. It is specifically aimed at the materials used in the manufacture of containers and boxes and is recommended for papers and boards with a grammage from 100 g/m2 to 400 g/m2.
Interested in whether SCT is right for your setup? Have a read of our recent article about manufacturers making the switch to short span compression testing.
Industry standard testing equipment with Industrial Physics
Making sure that you are choosing testing equipment that will help you meet standard testing methods can be tricky, especially when there are so many options on offer.
Speaking to a specialist like Industrial Physics is a great way to get this right. Get support as to the type of instrument you need for your specific range and ensuring we can handle the set-up means you can relax – confident in the knowledge you’re in safe hands. See our range of corrugated testing products and get in touch to find out more about the corrugated board test solutions we have on offer!
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FAQs
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Standards include specifications for strength, thickness, and durability to ensure reliable packaging.
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: They ensure that the cardboard meets the requirements for protecting and transporting goods.
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Corrugated cardboard comes in various grades such as single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall, each offering different levels of strength and durability.
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Thickness is measured using calipers or micrometers to ensure precise specifications for packaging.
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