52
V. Nawandar et al.
1.3 Types of Flutes of Corrugation
The size of grooves in the corrugation is identified by the flute of corrugation. Bigger
the flute size, thicker will be the box. The size of the flute is decided on the basis
of the size of the box and the mass of the substance to be filled in the box. The
flutes are differentiated on the basis of take-up factor, which is defined as the ratio
of non-fluted length to the fluted length of paper [21].
The commonly used flutes of corrugation are A, B, C, E, and F, as shown in Fig. 9.
A-flute is the biggest flute and was developed first of all. It has high cushioning
properties for packaging of fragile products. It provides high stiffness and short
column crushing strength, which helps in piling of packed cartons one over other.
C-flute is smaller than A-flute. This flute provides crushing resistance, good
stacking strength as well as printability. This flute is used in about 80% corrugation
industry.
B-flute is smaller than C-flute, but it was developed before C-Flute. As the flute
size is small, it gives additional strength to liner during printing. This flute is preferred
by automatic corrugation plants where the corrugated sheets are pasted.
E-flute is smaller than B-flute and provides good printability as well as reduced
thickness which helps in less storage space. This flute is generally used to replace
the paper board boxes due to less material and greater strength.
F-flute is the smallest flute and is made by low-grade paper to avoid solid wastage
into landfill. This flute is used when there are no loads on the small boxes like in
jewellers shops, display purposes, etc.
Combinations of flutes are used to replace the standard flutes in order to provide
strength as well as ease of printing in automated plants [16].
Fig. 9 Types of flutes in the
paper corrugation [17]
V. Nawandar et al.
1.3 Types of Flutes of Corrugation
The size of grooves in the corrugation is identified by the flute of corrugation. Bigger
the flute size, thicker will be the box. The size of the flute is decided on the basis
of the size of the box and the mass of the substance to be filled in the box. The
flutes are differentiated on the basis of take-up factor, which is defined as the ratio
of non-fluted length to the fluted length of paper [21].
The commonly used flutes of corrugation are A, B, C, E, and F, as shown in Fig. 9.
A-flute is the biggest flute and was developed first of all. It has high cushioning
properties for packaging of fragile products. It provides high stiffness and short
column crushing strength, which helps in piling of packed cartons one over other.
C-flute is smaller than A-flute. This flute provides crushing resistance, good
stacking strength as well as printability. This flute is used in about 80% corrugation
industry.
B-flute is smaller than C-flute, but it was developed before C-Flute. As the flute
size is small, it gives additional strength to liner during printing. This flute is preferred
by automatic corrugation plants where the corrugated sheets are pasted.
E-flute is smaller than B-flute and provides good printability as well as reduced
thickness which helps in less storage space. This flute is generally used to replace
the paper board boxes due to less material and greater strength.
F-flute is the smallest flute and is made by low-grade paper to avoid solid wastage
into landfill. This flute is used when there are no loads on the small boxes like in
jewellers shops, display purposes, etc.
Combinations of flutes are used to replace the standard flutes in order to provide
strength as well as ease of printing in automated plants [16].
Fig. 9 Types of flutes in the
paper corrugation [17]