Save Warehouse Space with B Flute Corrugated Shipping Boxes

B Flute Shipping Boxes Require Less Vertical Space than C Flute

Corrugated fluting, the wavy fiberboard material sandwiched between two layers of flat linerboard to form corrugated board, comes in several sizes. For standard shipping boxes, C flute is the most popular because of its all around balance in cushioning, stacking strength, and printing characteristics. B flute corrugated, however, is an excellent functional alternative for most general purpose applications and offers one major advantage over C flute – space savings.

Here are specifications for the two materials.

• C Flute – 39 flutes per lineal foot prox, 5/32″ thick
• B Flute – 47 flutes per lineal foot prox, 1/8″ thick

The amount of fiberboard used to construct B and C flute is equivalent, but C flute is about 20 percent thicker. This difference adds up. Warehouse operations can store about 20% more B flute boxes than C flute in the same amount of vertical space. Similarly, if shipping boxes or trays are magazine loaded and fed into an automatic case erector, case sealer, or tray former, 20 percent more boxes can be inserted, reducing line interruptions and increasing productivity.

Performance Characteristics of B Flute versus C Flute

Cushioning. Because B fluting is more compressed, it does not provide quite as much cushioning protection as C flute. However, in many or most applications cushioning performance is not critical. We always recommend relying primarily on inner packing materials to provide cushioning protection, regardless of shipping box construction.

Printing. Because B fluting is more compressed, it presents a flatter printing surface, making it an excellent option when high impact graphics are desired for shipping boxes.

Stacking Strength. C flute has excellent stacking strength, but B flute is more than adequate for most applications. In smaller size shipping boxes, the difference between the fluting is negligible.

Rigidity. B flute is a more rigid material, and is an excellent choice for die cut boxes and trays. Superior rigidity also makes B flute an excellent option for high speed automated packaging lines.
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Packaging Materials, Packaging Equipment, Packaging Solutions

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