Lab Series
Our Lab series is an introduction to frequently asked questions related to corrugated performance, the test methods and suggestions when considering board grade performance.
What is the board analysis method and what does it really tell us?
Why we are unable offer a similar performing board from board analysis alone?
A reason being papers of the same type and weight from different sources typically have differing performance values, causing board grades of the same weight to differ dependent on the paper origin…
If board analysis is becoming increasingly irrelevant, what performance values should you be looking for?
Board Strengths
A measure that can help understand the stack-ability of cases.
FCT- Flat Crush Test
A measure that can be used to help improve print quality.
Case Strength
BCT- Box compression strength
A measure that provides the stack-ability of cases.
What does BCT mean, and why it is so important?
The bottom layer of pallets are subjected to the most weight, therefore to understand if the case can withstand the layers on top, we need to understand the BCT, this is the maximum load a case can hold when palletised.
Are there any limitations to BCT?
What external factors can affect box performance?
Which is better for stacking strength of cases? Column Stacked or Bricked Stacked?
Often brick stacking is used as it is perceived to give a stronger pallet configuration, however up to 60% of performance loss can occur, reducing the overall stability.
If the bottom box Is supporting the most weight, why not column stack the first few layer and then brick stack the top layers. This provides optimum stacking strength for the bottom layer whilst providing pallet stability.
What additional factors should be considered that are often forgotten about?
The formula to calculate the theoretical BCT uses the case perimeter, so does this mean that the below two cases of the same grade and perimeter, but different Length and Width, performs the same?
Case Size 300x300x300 has a Perimeter of 1200mm
Case is of 400x200x300 has a Perimeter of 1200mm
What information is required when working out a board grade?
The level of information that is provided, can increase the accuracy and the commercial benefit of the board grade suggestion.
Why?
Well as seen above with what factors can affect box performance, if the case is bricked stacked then 60% of case performance can be lost. Thus, the board grade would need to be increased to compensate for this loss.
What key information is required?
What Questions are required?
Download Lab Series No.7
Changing Flutes
Other than changing paper make-up of how else can a better performing box or commercial benefit can be achieved?
