Understanding C Flute Corrugated Board and Its Uses

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Crop unrecognizable female musician in glittering dress with bare shoulder playing flute on white background
Credit: pexels.com, Crop unrecognizable female musician in glittering dress with bare shoulder playing flute on white background

C flute corrugated board is a type of packaging material made from paper pulp and used for shipping and storing items. It's a popular choice due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

The C flute corrugated board has a unique flute structure, with a flute height of approximately 1.5 inches. This flute height is ideal for stacking and nesting, making it a great option for applications where space is limited.

C flute corrugated board is commonly used in the packaging industry for boxes, containers, and other shipping materials. Its versatility and affordability make it a go-to choice for businesses of all sizes.

Choosing the Right Corrugated Board

The flute type is a crucial aspect of corrugated board that affects its performance, weight, and cost. There are multiple flute profiles to choose from, and understanding their unique benefits is essential for selecting the right one for your product.

A flute is the corrugated section between the two liners, and changing its height can achieve different performance characteristics. The flute type can vary from fine to coarse, with different profiles suitable for specific applications.

Credit: youtube.com, Choosing the Right Corrugated Flute

For example, A flute has 5mm thickness, while B flute has 3mm thickness. C flute, on the other hand, offers greater compression strength than B flute, making it a good choice for lightweight products.

Here's a quick reference guide to common flute sizes:

The flute type can also affect the printing surface and aesthetic appearance of the board. For instance, fine flutes like E flute are suitable for printing detailed designs, while coarse flutes like A flute may not be ideal for this purpose.

C-Flute and Corrugated Board Types

C-flute is the most widely used flute size, accounting for roughly 80% of corrugated containers. It offers good crushing resistance, stacking strength, and printing properties, making it ideal for shipping cases.

C-flute has 39 flutes per linear foot and a thickness of 3/16 inches. This flute size is commonly used for packaging glass products, dairy products, and furniture.

The flute itself is usually manufactured from a waste-based fluting (WBF) or semi-chem fluting (SC). The most common flute standard is 105 GSM WBF.

Here's a quick reference guide to the different flute sizes:

C-flute offers greater compression strength than B Flute, making it suitable for lightweight products. However, it can be prone to crushing if used in the wrong application.

Corrugated Board Basics

Credit: youtube.com, What does A-Flute、B-Flute、C-Flute、E-Flute、F-Flute mean in corrugated cardboard?

Corrugated board is made up of three fiberboard layers: two linerboards and a middle sheet with a wave-shaped pattern of arches known as flutes. These flutes are anchored to the linerboard with an adhesive.

The flutes serve multiple purposes: they form rigid columns to support weight, act as a cushion to protect contents, and provide insulation against sudden temperature changes. The linerboard adds strength and protects the flutes from damage.

A single wall board consists of two liners and a single fluting section. This is the basic level of corrugated board construction.

Double wall material adds an additional fluting section and liner, making it suitable for packaging heavier items and providing extra protection for delicate or expensive items.

Triple walled material, also known as Tri-Wall, adds another section of fluting and liner, making it suitable for shipping very heavy or large items, such as automotive parts or industrial equipment.

Here is a list of typical paper weights used for fluting:

  • 90 GSM WBF
  • 105 GSM WBF – Most Common Flute Standard
  • 112 SC and WBF
  • 150 SC and WBF
  • 175 SC and F

The flute type can affect the performance of the corrugated board, and it's possible to combine different flutes to create different grades. The most common flute types are A, B, C, E, and F flutes, which vary in height and are suitable for different uses.

Corrugated Board Grades and Uses

Credit: youtube.com, Colour Talks | Episode 5 - Corrugated Board

Corrugated board grades and uses can vary depending on the flute type. Corrugated board grades are determined by the flute type, which is the corrugated section between the two liners.

The flute type can be changed to achieve different performance characteristics, such as varying from very fine flutes like the "E" flute to manufacture lightweight retail cartons or more coarse flutes like the "A" or "B" flute for transit packaging.

The most common flute standard is 105 GSM WBF, which offers a good balance between performance and cost. The flute itself is usually manufactured from waste-based fluting (WBF) or semi-chem fluting (SC).

Here are some common flute types and their corresponding heights:

Corrugate Thickness by Use

Corrugate thickness plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of corrugated board for various uses.

The thickness of corrugated material is measured by its flute size, with different sizes serving different purposes. The flute size has a significant impact on the board's strength, storage space, and printability.

Credit: youtube.com, CORRUGATED CARDBOARD 📦 Specifics and Manufacturing

A flute size of 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) is ideal for shipping and storage, providing excellent cushioning and protection for contents. This flute size is also great for reducing storage space.

The 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) flute size is more suitable for applications where printability is crucial, such as in packaging for food products. This flute size allows for better ink adhesion and print quality.

In applications where weight-bearing capacity is essential, a flute size of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) is recommended. This flute size provides excellent rigidity and support for heavy loads.

The linerboard, which is made of two fiberboard layers, provides additional strength and protects the flutes from damage.

Corrugated Board Grades

A single wall board is the most basic type of corrugated board, made up of two liners and a single fluting section.

This type of board is suitable for general packaging and shipping.

Double wall or double walled material adds an additional fluting section and liner, providing extra rigidity and strength.

Credit: youtube.com, Paperboard Grades Rule the Packaging World

It's perfect for packaging heavier items or adding extra protection for delicate or expensive items.

Triple walled material, also known as Tri-Wall, adds another section of fluting and liner, making it suitable for heavy or large items like automotive parts or industrial equipment.

The type of flute used in corrugated board can also affect its performance and weight.

Fine flutes like E flute are great for lightweight retail cartons and printing, while coarse flutes like A or B flute are better for transit packaging.

You can combine flutes to create grades like EB or BC flute, offering a rigid structure and improved aesthetic appearance.

Here's a list of common flute types and their characteristics:

The flute material can be either waste-based fluting (WBF) or semi-chem fluting (SC), with common weights ranging from 90 GSM WBF to 175 SC and F.

How Corrugated Board Is Made

Corrugated board is made from three components: a sheet of corrugated or "fluted" material in the centre, and two layers of paper - the outer and inner liners.

Credit: youtube.com, make corrugated flute--corrugated cardboard production line making process

The corrugated material is glued to the flat paper liners during manufacture, which fixes the flutes in position and adds rigidity and stability to the papers.

A standard sheet of corrugated cardboard is made from these three components.

Fibre – packaging materials are made from moulded fibres, otherwise called moulded pulp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which flute is best for a corrugated box?

For a corrugated box, B flute is the most common and recommended choice due to its excellent cushioning and puncture resistance. Its smooth surface also makes it ideal for printing.

What is the C flute equivalent to?

For general purpose secondary packaging, B and C flute are essentially the same, made from equal amounts of linerboard.

How thick is a 32 ECT C flute?

A 32 ECT C flute is 11/64" thick, offering extra cushioning. This is one of our thickest options available.

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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