Advanced Folding Carton Performance Testing Methods
Beyond standard drop and compression tests, advanced performance testing provides deeper insight into how folding cartons behave under real-world stresses. These methods help packaging engineers predict failures, validate material changes, and optimize designs for specific distribution environments.
Edge Crush and Bending Stiffness
While TAPPI T811 measures edgewise compressive strength for corrugated, similar principles apply to high-caliper paperboard.
- Purpose: Ensures cartons resist panel bowing and edge deformation under stacking.
- Relevance: Especially important for tall cartons or those used in e-commerce.
Cobb Sizing Test
Measures water absorptiveness of paperboard (TAPPI T441).
- Purpose: Assesses suitability for moisture-prone environments.
- Application: Helps determine whether barrier coatings or poly layers are required.
Coefficient of Friction (COF)
Assesses sliding resistance between cartons (ASTM D1894).
- Purpose: Prevents excessive slipping or jamming on high-speed lines.
- Impact: Influences coating choice and pallet stability.
Vibration and Shock Testing
- Vibration (ASTM D4728): Simulates transport over various road surfaces.
- Shock/Drops (ASTM D5276): Measures carton resilience to impacts from handling.
Environmental Conditioning
- High/Low Humidity Cycles: Identify score cracking or warping risks.
- Thermal Cycling: Reveals adhesive brittleness or coating delamination in extreme conditions.
Benefits of Advanced Testing
- Predicts failures before market launch.
- Justifies material and style changes with data.
- Reduces warranty claims and returns.
References
ASTM International. (2016). ASTM D4728-06(2016): Random vibration testing of shipping containers. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D4728-06R16
ASTM International. (2015). ASTM D5276-98(2017): Standard test method for drop testing of loaded containers. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D5276-98R17
TAPPI. (2013). T 441: Water absorptiveness of sized (non-bibulous) paper, paperboard, and corrugated fiberboard (Cobb test). TAPPI Press.
ASTM International. (2020). ASTM D1894-20: Standard test method for static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and sheeting. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D1894-20
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