Quality
Quality and properties of cardboard and corrugated board
Cardboard and corrugated board are essential materials in the packaging industry. They offer a combination of strength, flexibility and sustainability that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. To fully understand the benefits of these materials, it is important to consider their quality and nature .
Cardboard
Cardboard is a thick, sturdy paper material, usually made of several layers of pressed fibers. It is often used for packaging, boxes, folders, archival boxes and similar applications.
Quality of cardboard
The quality of cardboard is determined by several factors:
- Raw material quality : High-quality cardboard is made from high-quality pulp fibers, which offer greater strength and better surface finish.
- Thickness and density : The thickness (measured in grams per square meter, g/m²) and density of the cardboard affect its strength and stability. Thicker and denser cardboard is more robust and durable.
- Surface quality : A smooth surface is important for printing and labelling. Cardboard with a high surface quality enables sharp and clear printed images, which is particularly important for packaging with graphic designs.
Texture of cardboard
Cardboard is characterized by its stiffness and stability. Depending on the manufacturing process and intended use, cardboard can be produced in different shapes and qualities:
- Greyboard : Often made from recycled fibers, it is durable but less suitable for high-quality printing applications.
- Chromo board : Has a white, smooth surface that is ideal for printing. It is often used for packaging consumer goods.
- Folding boxboard : Combines rigidity and flexibility to make it suitable for producing boxes that are both protective and aesthetically pleasing.
Corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard consists of one or more corrugated paper layers glued between flat paper layers (liners). This structure gives corrugated cardboard its characteristic strength and lightness.
Quality of corrugated cardboard
The quality of corrugated cardboard depends on the following aspects:
- Paper quality : The quality of the paper layers used (corrugated board and liner) affects the overall strength and durability. High-quality papers improve the performance of the corrugated board.
- Wave shape : There are different wave profiles (A, B, C, E, F) that affect the strength and damping properties. Larger waves provide better shock absorption, while smaller waves provide a smoother surface for printing.
- Bonding : The type and quality of the adhesive that bonds the paper layers are crucial for the stability and moisture resistance of the corrugated board.
Materials
Properties of corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is characterized by its versatility and adaptability:
- Single wall corrugated cardboard : Consists of a corrugated layer between two flat layers. It is lightweight and suitable for protecting light to medium weight products.
- Double wall corrugated cardboard : Has two layers of corrugation and three flat layers, which increases its strength and makes it suitable for heavier or more delicate products.
- Triple wall corrugated cardboard : Consists of three corrugated layers and four flat layers, providing maximum stability and protection, ideal for very heavy or particularly delicate goods.
Conclusion
Cardboard and corrugated board are versatile and high-performance packaging materials that impress with their quality and properties. Cardboard offers rigidity and print quality, while corrugated board offers exceptional strength and cushioning properties through its structure. Both materials are also sustainable and recyclable, making them ideal solutions for environmentally conscious packaging strategies. The choice of the appropriate material depends on the specific requirements of the task, with both cardboard and corrugated board bringing their individual strengths.