Corrugated Cardboard — Reliable Option For Packaging

 Corrugated cardboard is crafted by bonding multiple kraft paper together with glue. Its structure consists of the outermost layer, known as the liner board, and an inner wavy section called the medium. The fluted section inside the cardboard creates air pockets that cushion items and the layers strengthen the structure of the cardboard.

Corrugated materials used in packaging, stand out when it comes to protection because of their durability. Their versatile structure adds an extra factor of safety to the packaging. They guarantee the safety of your items in packaging even if they are fragile ones, and assure timely secure delivery at the customer’s doorsteps.

Components Of Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated Cardboard a globally most reliable and trustworthy material for packaging and shipping, is structured by two elements glued together to form a long-lasting structure. These are;

So, let’s discuss this in detail for a better understanding of its structure and its material to clear all your doubts.

1. Liner Board

The outermost flat layer of corrugated cardboard that provides sturdiness and composition is described as a liner board. Corrugated cardboard comprises two liner boards that hold an inner wavy-like structure as a sandwich, to assemble a well-organized and complex formation. Kraft papers are the source of origin of liner boards that are supplied in various grades and thicknesses, based upon the intended use, and offer different solids with a range of options like a lightweight grade for low items and a high-weight grade for higher ones. It is based upon the demand for strength and overall performance of corrugated cardboard. Liner boards offer various demanding properties from printing and durability to resistance and bending. It can also be customized with diverse treatments that offer enhanced functionalities such as water resistance, fire retardancy, and an additional strength factor.

2. Flutes

The inner wave-like arched portion acts as a sandwich between two flat liner boards that offer multiple properties including cushioning, insulation, and strength to the packaging material.

Types Of Flutes

There are a variety of flutes, varying in thickness, that deliver different strengths and surfaces depending upon the requirement. Each one contributes special properties to the cardboard making it more appropriate for specific applications. Following are the variant types of flutes;

  • A Flute
  • B Flute
  • C Flute
  • E Flute
  • F Flute

 

Let’s discuss each one in detail for you. It will help you choose the right one for the packaging style that fits best your unique needs.

A Flute

Characteristics: A flute is one of the thickest flutes among others. It has a thickness of 5mm or ¼ inch. 

Common Use: A flute offers stronger packaging than other ones, often used in packaging fragile items because of its extra factor of sturdiness. 

Benefits: It offers exceptional strength and cushioning that base an excellent anatomy.

B Flute

Characteristics: B flute has a thinner profile having a middle level of thickness of 3.2mm or ⅛ inch. 

Common Use: It is mostly used for retail products and some lightweight items. It is also best for fragile items protection due to its durable structure. 

Benefits: It’s a go-through choice because of its fine surface for printing and stability. It offers a smoother surface than A flute which makes it a perfect option for high-quality printing

C Flute

Characteristics: The C flute profile lies in between the A flute and the B flute with a thickness of 3.5mm or 3/16 inch. 

Common Use: It is commonly used for general objective corrugated boxes, standard packaging, and shipping.

Benefits: It provides a good balance of strength and cushioning for safeguarding the applications. Simply like the B flute it also has a reliable surface for printing. 

 

E Flute

Characteristics: E flute offers thickness measuring about 1.5mm to 2mm or 0.0625 inch but stronger material. 

Common Use: It is normally utilized for premium packaging. 

Benefits: It is a reliable one for high-quality printing because it has 94 flutes per linear foot. It offers less cushioning property than others due to its less bulk nature.

F Flute

Characteristics: It has the thinnest profile of all other flutes, with a thickness of 0.8mm or 1/32 inch. 

Common Use: It is typically used by businesses that are in a high position in the market, and want to maintain their classy packaging style with a touch of elegance while ensuring the safety of products. 

Benefits: It delivers a high-quality surface for printing high graphics and is ideal for lightweight items. 

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Types Of Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard comes in three different types that differ from each other in structure depending upon the layers of liner board and flutes. Each one has its unique specific application and offers different properties such as cushioning, strength, printability, and overall performance. Below are the types discussed in detail that highlight each and every necessary information you need to know before choosing one for your packaging;

Single Wall

Characteristics: It is the most general and commonly used type of cardboard, composed of two layers of liner board surrounding the inner flute section.  

Common Use: It is suitable for general-purpose packaging and shipping cartons. 

Benefits: It most likely offers a balance of strength and flexibility for everyday packaging needs.

Double Wall

Characteristics: It is composed of five layers, consisting of three layers of liner board uniting two layers of flutes. 

Common Use: They are used to carry heavy applications like industrial because of their durability which provides extra strength and protection to products. 

Benefits: It is stronger and more reliable than single-wall corrugated cardboards due to extra protection and strength.

Triple Wall

Characteristics: The triple wall is crafted with the combination of seven layers, which are formed by joining four layers of liner board surrounded by three layers of flute. 

Common Use: It is typically used for extremely heavy items.

Benefits: It is one of the most durable forms among others because of its design that easily carries heavy loads.