Impact of Corrugated Board Strength on Packaging Machinery
2025-09-15
In modern packaging operations, corrugated board is the most common material for transport packaging. Its strength parameters directly affect the operational stability of packaging machinery and the quality of finished packages. Across carton erectors, case packers, and case sealers, equipment performance is closely related to board strength.
The main strength characteristics of corrugated board include:
Edge Crush Test (ECT): Determines the vertical compression resistance of the carton.
Bursting Strength: Indicates the board’s resistance to internal and external pressures.
Box Compression Strength (BCT): Closely related to stack stability, crucial for logistics.
Bending Stiffness: Affects smooth operation during high-speed forming.
These parameters not only define the load capacity of cartons but also influence the efficiency and precision of machinery in forming, conveying, and sealing operations.
In carton erectors, bending stiffness determines whether suction cups can unfold cartons correctly. Boards that are too soft may cause incomplete formation or corner collapse, while excessively rigid boards can increase mechanical load, reduce suction stability, or cause jamming. Erector design must accommodate a range of board stiffness for reliable operation.
Case packers place products into pre-formed cartons. Boards with insufficient strength may deform under product drop impact, reducing stack stability. During conveying, low-strength cartons can deform on belts or pushing mechanisms, affecting the accuracy of photoelectric sensors.
Case sealers rely on carton geometry for flap folding and tape or hot-melt sealing. Weak boards may result in flap lift or insufficient tape adhesion, potentially causing damage during transport. High-strength boards, on the other hand, may concentrate stress during flap folding, impacting sealing quality. Compression strength ultimately determines the number of layers that can be safely stacked.
Corrugated board strength is not only a material parameter but also a critical factor affecting packaging machinery performance and package quality. Advances in lightweight boards and high-strength fiber materials will require machinery to improve mechanical adaptability and self-adjustment capabilities, ensuring reliable operation across different board strengths in automated production lines.
