Corrugated Box Specifications

The strength of a corrugated box starts with its material. A box’s strength is relative to its density. The more walls a box has, the stronger it will be. The manufacturer's stamp inside the box usually states single wall, double wall, or triple wall to let you know the strength of the box. This stamp also states that the box meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation's criteria. Use a single wall box when the contents weigh less than 65 lbs for multiple items. If you are packaging heavy items, a regularly-sized single wall box can hold about 45 lbs total.

Depending on the size of the box, a single wall corrugated box can hold between 20 lbs and 120 lbs, a double wall corrugated box can hold between 80 lbs and 180 lbs, and a triple wall corrugated box can hold between 240 lbs and 300 lbs. The maximum gross weight limit is printed on the box maker's certificate on the bottom flap of most boxes.

According to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory , the outside of the corrugated box must have a water absorption rate not higher than 155 grams per square meter, tested over a thirty minute period. Finished boxes should also be free of ragged edges, loose or protruding stitching, dirt, or oil stains. Typically the corrugated medium is just under 0.03 pounds per square foot. Linerboard constitutes the bulk of the bursting strength of a corrugated sheet. In regards to shipping a box, it is always weighed with its contents. Most shipping companies have guidelines as far as the size of the box and the weight of its contents. Purchasing a corrugated box is six percent of the total purchase of the item, including any potential delivering or shipping fees.

• There are usually two tests conducted to measure the strength of the box: the burst strength test and the edge crush test.

  • The burst strength for a single wall corrugated box sized 40 inches in dimension can withstand up to 125 lbs before bursting; a 50 inch box in dimension can withstand up to 150 lbs before bursting; and a 60 inch box in dimension can withstand 175 lbs.
  • In a double wall corrugated box, an 85 inch box in dimensions has the minimum burst strength of 200 lbs. In a box with the dimensions of 95 inches, the minimum bursting test is at 275 lbs.
  • In a triple wall corrugated box, a box with the dimensions of 110 inches, hits the minimum burst test at 700 lbs, and a box with the dimensions of 115 inches has the minimum burst test at 900 lbs.

• The second test conducted to measure the strength of the box is the edge crush test, a performance test, directly relating to the stacking strength of a carton. A minimum of 6 bursts must be made, 3 from each side of the board.

  • In single wall corrugated fiberboard boxes, the maximum weight of the box and its content is 20 lbs. The maximum outside dimensions is 40 inches, and the minimum edge crush test is 23 lbs per width.
  • In a double wall corrugated fiberboard box, the maximum weight of the box and its content is 80 lbs, the outside dimensions were 85 inches, and the minimum edge crush test is 42 lbs per width.
  • In a triple wall corrugated fiberboard box, the maximum weight of the box and its content is 240 lbs in a box with dimensions of 110 inches, and the minimum edge crush test 67 lbs per width. Corrugated boxes can come in many different shapes and sizes, so it is easy to find a box that fits your needs. Unless otherwise specified, box sizes are always measured using inner dimensions. The longer of the sides is the length and the shorter is the width. Use a tape measure to determine length from one box wall to another. The size of your contents usually determines the need of the inner box dimensions. The parameters are measured by multiplying the length by the width by the depth of the box. Corrugated cardboard has a great environmental record. Made from a renewable resource, it is manufactured using high percentages of secondary fiber, diverting these materials from solid waste. If cardboard has not been wet, dirty, or damaged, it is permitted to use in clinical areas. Environment and climate may have affects with pests and contamination on corrugated cardboard boxes.

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