Canning and Fish Packaging Technology

Unit 13 - Paper and Board

13.1.5.2.3.1.Mechanical strength characteristics of flute types
The mechanical strength characteristics of various flute types are summerised in the following table.

Flute	Resistance to compression			Resistance to puncture			Cushioning ability
				Puncture	Burst	Tear
A	Fair	Very good	Fair	Good	Good	Fair	Very good
B	V. good	Fair	V. good	Fair	Fair	Good	Fair
C	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good

However, the above mechanical properties also depend on the type of paper used in the construction. Board of flute B has higher resistance to impact than flute A, but its column strength and cushioning ability are not as high as those of A. Another point in favour of flute B is that it is the relatively easier to control printing of the board made with flute B than flute A. Flute C is developed on a compromise between flute A and B.

Boards made with flute E has highest flat crush value and has the best printing surface among all corrugated boards. This grade of board is strong, thin and light, hence a good replacement for solid fibre board boxes.

Other things being the same double wall board is much stronger than single wall board and triple wall board is much stronger than the double wall board and hence it can even be used in combination with wood. Depending on the requirement, different flute forms may be used in combination in double wall and triple wall corrugated boards.