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 or size
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
Cano Container Corporation and their respective strengths and weaknesses.
"C"
Flute
Thickness = 11 / 64"
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
Thickness = 1 / 8"
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 ideal 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
Thickness = 1 / 16"
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.
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 or double wall structure.
Single
Wall 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, from
125 lb. test right through 275 lb. test.
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 Corrugated Cardboard
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.
