Technical Terms • Types of Boxes • How to Measure a Box
How to Pack a Fragile Item • Shipping Guide for UPS • Shipping Hazardous Materials

 

As you may or may not know, there are many different terms associated with boxes, and here we hope you get any and all questions answered about them.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

(back to top)
Center Special Slotted Container (CSSC)

Custom made containers that provide a double layer of cushioning
as well as a sturdy base for contents. Excellent for heavy items
with sharp edges.

Corrugated

Corrugated means ribbed or wavy. The corrugation of the box
is the wavy sheet (flute) between the two flat sheets (linerboard)
that make up the outside of the cardboard. Corrugated boxes are
necessary for packaging because of their ability to hold vast
amounts of weight.

Cubed Foam

Also called, "diced" foam. Polyether foam sheets, which have been
perforated into 1" cubes. They are left attached so you have the
ability to "pluck" cubes to achieve a desired space and custom look.

 

 

(back to top)
Depth
Measurement from top to bottom.
** See also How to Measure a Box.

Die Cut

A precision cutout matches the item to be encased accurately.
A pre-cut, steel rule template is typically used as the "die".
Foam, corrugated, and plastics are common materials for die
cutting.

Double-wall Corrugated

This wall structure is made of one layer of "B" Flute and one
layer of "C" Flute. Stronger than a single wall structure,
double wall enables heavier objects to be shipped and
should be used when a stronger box or extra padding is
needed. Double wall is available in 200 lb. test to 500 lb.
test and is excellent for stacking heavier items.

Dust Flaps

The RSTT container has dust flaps, that is, side pieces on
the lids to keep out dust. Because the dust flaps must move
into the box as the lid is closed; a lid fitted with dust flaps
can be difficult to close if the box is very full.

(back to top)
ECT
ECT is a method of testing corrugated boxes approved by
the governing bodies of the Truck and Rail Regulatory Boards.
ECT stands for Edge Crush Test as 200 lbs. stand for Mullen
Test. Edge Crush Test determines the pounds per square inch
a piece of corrugated will withstand before crushing. 200 lbs.
Mullen Test determines the pounds per square inch before a
carton will burst. ECT board 32 is equally as strong as 200 lb.
while using less fibre and therefore less trees. ECT board
appears lighter but provides equal protection and greater
stacking strength.

All boxes are 32 ECT except as indicated. 26 ECT C FLUTE
or 44 ECT C FLUTE or 48 ECT DOUBLEWALL.

COLUMN A Minimum Bursting Test Singlewall and Doublewall Board (lbs. per sq. in.) or Minimum puncture Test Combined Board (in. oz. per in. of tear)	COLUMN B Minimum Edge Crush Test (ECT) (lbs. per in. width)
Singlewall 150 Singlewall 200 Singlewall 275 Doublewall 275	26 32 44 48

(back to top)
Five Panel Folder

These are useful boxes for narrow items -- they are easily made
by making 5 panels of the proper length -- with the width of two
of the panels being equal to the depth of the box and the width
of three panels being equal to the width of the box. The length
of the end flaps can be half the width and depth of the box
respectively -- or they can be equal to the width and depth
and therefore overlap each other. If you chose to overlap them
-- be sure to allow a little extra where you crush-fold -- so they
will be able to overlap easily.

These boxes are made with four crush-folds along the length of
the box to define the five panels and two crush-folds to define
the end flaps. One end flap can also be configured so it inserts
inside -- up against a sidewall.

Flip Top Mailer
Triple strength side walls protect small items from the rigors of Parcel Post
and UPS handling. Tape and staples are not required for assembly. The
hinged lid is especially useful for repeated access.
** See also Flip Top Mailer picture.

Flute

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.

Flutes come in several standard shapes or flute profiles. We have
A, B, C, E and F available at Norampac Industries. (We also have
chipboard available.) A-flute was the first to be developed and
is the largest common flute profile. B-flute was next and is much
smaller. C-flute followed and is between A and B in size. E-flute
is smaller than B and F-flute is smaller yet.

We also have Double-Wall and Triple-Wall available.

Full Overlap Flaps

All flaps are the same depth, and their depth equals the width
of the box. When closed, the outer flaps come within one inch
of a complete overlap. This style provides additional cushioning
and protection against rough handling.

(back to top)
Half Slotted Container

These containers have one set of flaps and require a lid. Covers
can be full telescoping that completely fit over the other or trays,
which partially telescope to a lesser depth over the body of the box.

(back to top)
Length
The larger of the two dimensions of the open or flap opening space,
when measuring a box. Top opening space to bottom when measuring
a bag.
** See also How to Measure a Box.

Linerboard

Corrugated boxes contain two parts called the linerboard and the
medium. Both are made with a heavy paper called containerboard.
Linerboard is the flat liner facing, that clings to the medium. The
medium is the wavy, fluted paper in between the liners.

(back to top)
One Piece Folder
Die cut fold up box. Extremely easy to use and among the least
expensive. Great for books.
** See also Variable Depth Mailers.

(back to top)
Pallet

A wood or other composite material used to facilitate handling by
forklifts and other mechanical devices. See also Skid.

Pallet Wrap

A stretch film commonly used to protect and secure loads of packaged
goods. Pallet wrap is sometimes confused with Shrinkwrap, which is a
heat sealable film.

Poly
Shortened form of Polyfoam, Polyethylene or Polyester foam.

(back to top)
Regular Slotted Container (RSC)

RSC is the most widely used corrugated box because it is the easiest
to manufacture and has maximum versatility. All flaps are the same
length.
** See also Variable Depth Boxes.

Roll Side Tuck Top (RSTT)

A container well suited for items requiring retail merchandising in
addition to regular commercial shipping. "Briefcase styling."

(back to top)
Shrinkwrap

A packaging film requiring heat that contracts the film to tightly fit a
product and protect against moisture, separation and damage.
Shrinkwrap is often confused with Pallet wrap, which is a stretch
film. See also Pallet Wrap.

Single-face Corrugated

Consists of one layer of corrugated medium bonded to a single layer
of linerboard. Provides flexible cushioning, sold in rolls, and commonly
used to wrap heavy products.

Single-wall Corrugated

Consists of a second facing glued to the other side of the fluted
corrugated. More than 90% of all boxes used in the United States
are made from Single-wall board.

Skid

Usually made of wood or plastics. Used to unitize and elevate the
product from the ground surface. Also provides space for forklift
handling. See also Pallet.

(back to top)
Triple-wall Corrugated

A third layer of fluted corrugated linerboard offering exceptional
strength for packaging very large or heavy products. Often replaces
plywood used in crating and is more cost-effective.

(back to top)
Width
The same or smaller of the two dimensions of the open, or flap
opening space for boxes. For bags, width defines the opening
space.
** See also How to Measure a Box.