Technical Analysis
Box Measurement
Dimensions-of-corrugated-board-boxes
When ordering your box, it is important to understand the correct way of measuring the box that you need.
Without exception, three dimensions always express the size of a corrugated board box: length, then width, then height (also called depth). These measurements refer to the inside dimensions of the box. The length is the larger dimension of the box’s opening. The width is the smaller dimension. The height is perpendicular to the opening.
If there is still some confusion as to exactly which dimensions go where, you can always call one of our experienced sales people and they would be happy to aid you in determining the correct measurements of the box you require.
Flexo Printing
Flexo printing is a water base printing. Used when a logo and printing or simple line art drawing is to be put on a plain box. Flexo printing uses the same principle as stamping, only on a larger scale. Great for putting your logo on any shipping containers.
Corrugated Cardboard Types
It is very important to know the type of cardboard that you will require when ordering your boxes. There are two factors to consider when choosing the type of cardboard – the flute and the wall construction.
Flutes
When dealing with differing types and styles of cardboard, we often refer to its flute, or flutes. What is a flute? Well, it simply means the type of corrugation that is sandwiched between the two outer layers of cardboard. The larger the flute, the stronger the box. Below is a small break down of the three types of flute that we offer at Instabox and their respective strengths and weaknesses.
C-Flute
“C” Flute
Thickness = 4mm
Flutes per foot = 41
“C” flute cardboard has a very high stacking strength and a higher resistance to being crushed. It is one of the most commonly used flutes for shipping boxes and tends to perform the best when holding materials such as glass, furniture and food products.
B-Flute
“B” Flute
Thickness = 3mm
Flutes per foot = 49
“B” Flute cardboard is the perfect combination of strength and style. It has a higher resistance to punctures than the other flutes and usually consumes less space than the regular “C” Flute. It is most often used for boxes that have to be durable but also need to have some style. Generally used for stand up displays or ballot boxes.
E-Flute
“E” Flute
Thickness = 1.8mm
Flutes per foot = 95
“E” Flute is the most lightweight of all the types of corrugated cardboard we carry. It is a stronger alternative to paperboard and performs great when used for die cut designs. “E” Flute has a superior printing surface and works best when used as software packaging or point of purchase boxes.
Cardboard Wall Construction
Although most people think that cardboard boxes have only one type of structure there are actually two different styles of wall structure that we offer to our customers. Depending on which characteristics and qualities you would like to have in your box, you can choose from single wall 3ply or double wall 5ply and triple wall 7ply structure.
Single wall 3ply
Corrugated Cardboard
This is the most popular corrugation material used in the boxes we manufacture, it consists of only one layer of whichever type of flute you pick. It is available in a wide range of board strengths. Generally, depending on what type of flute you have chosen, this type of wall structure is not the best choice for shipping heavy objects.
Double wall 5Ply
Corrugated Cardboard
This wall structure is made of one layer of “B” Flute and one layer of “C” Flute. Stronger than a 3ply single wall structure, double wall 5ply enables heavier objects to be shipped and should be used when a stronger box or extra padding is needed. Double wall is best for stacking heavy items.
Triple Wall 7ply
Corrugated Cardboard
This wall structure is made of one layer of “B” Flute, one layer of “C” Flute and one layer of “E” Flute. Stronger than a 3ply and 5ply structure, Triple wall 7ply enables heavier objects to be shipped and should be used when a stronger box or extra padding is needed. Triple wall is excellent for stacking heavier items.
