Flat Crush Test Details

The flat crush test (FCT) is the number one method to determine a corrugated box's strength and stiffness. Corrugated boxes and boards are essential in packing products safely. This test examines the cartons and boards' quality and prevents package weakness while the product is in transit. The length and width of the corrugated boxes and planks' flutes undergo scanning to predict the quality.

To perform the flat crush test, you have to take the corrugators and vertically place them together. The flutes between the corrugators are exposed, and the flat crush test machine's movable plates apply force to the sample. The power used to reshape the model is shown on the screen of the machine. A high number on the flat crush machine indicates that the boxes or boards' characteristics are of good quality and flute formation is of moderate strength.

Example of a Flat Crush Test

A shipping and packaging company called Bhoe ships women's accessories globally. The company is concerned about breakages and the fragility of these products while in transit. Bhoe Company knows customers appreciate the well-wrapped earrings and necklaces that come out from a beautifully crafted box. If the corrugated boxes cannot stand the pressure, the Bhoe Company will lose revenue as the accessories and boxes will get damaged.

Bhoe Company has a warehouse that performs the flat crush test and measures the standard of the boxes they use to send the products. The company buys various flat crush test machines such as the presto crush tester and employs individuals who have the knowledge and technical skills to testing corrugated cartons. The company understands that sales will go up when the company does top-tier packaging. The boxes used by the Bhoe Company undergo the flat crush test to examine compression resistance while being transported and in storage.

Significance of a Flat Crush Test

The flat crush test, as mentioned, can examine the support bearing capability of corrugated boxes and boards. The type of flute determines the level of resistance the boards and boxes have. The test is essential in determining aspects such as strength and durability. The flutes in the cartons prevent damage during shipping, and the test can predict which boxes you can use that are great for protecting products like books and food—and how they can withstand the weight of other packed boxes. Strong corrugated boxes ensure products are transferred and received by the recipient while still in good shape.

A flat crush test can also inform the box's design. According to the boxes' grade, the flat crushing test's outcome, you will be able to pattern the box and flutes' direction and generate fun ways of opening boxes. You can also print the company logo and details on the boxes and boards. This flexibility is the right way for the sales manufacturers to market the product and offer a uniqueness that customers can appreciate.

The test will also ensure the box's sustainability and that the cost is practical. Corrugated boards and boxes can be folded back and used again. You can store the boxes and boards at your home or office. The flat crush test also determines the cartons and boards' sustainability by checking the flutes' strength.

Flat Crush Test vs. Corrugating Medium Test

The corrugating medium test (CMT) is challenging to perform and more time-consuming than the flat crush test (FCT). Although both methods examine the corrugated boxes and boards' flutes' strength, the corrugating medium test requires a high level of precision that can be quite hard to achieve.

The flat crush test device produces a readable figure on the screen that quickly hints at the results, while the corrugated medium test requires a formula that you perform that leads to the findings. The CMT looks at the corrugated boxes' cushioning performance, while the FCT generally looks at the corrugated boxes' strength and stiffness. The CMT uses two different methods, while the FCT has one way. The CMT requires you to use ten sample pieces, while the FCT requires one sample of 90mm in diameter.

During the corrugated medium test, you insert a sample vertically when the pressure roller temperature goes to 175 degrees Celsius; the application of pressure should be within 20 to 25 minutes. During the flat crush test, the sample is inserted vertically and crushed between two plates to disfigure it. The CMT requires humidity and temperature, but the FCT uses force.