What is a Corrugated Cardboard?

Corrugated cardboard, also known as corrugated board, is a strong packing material consisting of three layers of kraft paper. It gets its name from the corrugated medium, which is the internal layer of wavy paper that gives cardboard its strength. The inner sheet is corrugated throughout the production process to generate flutes or stiff folds in the paper. After that, the corrugated medium is sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper, which serve as the external liners. Corrugated cardboard is significantly stronger than conventional cardboard due to its three-layer construction.

What is a Corrugated Box?

Corrugated cardboard sheets are used to make corrugated shipping boxes. To make cartons of all shapes and sizes, stacks of corrugated cardboard are cut, scored, and folded. For further rigidity, glue is applied to corners and folds.

Types of Corrugated Cardboard

A layer of corrugated fluting and at least one-liner are found on all corrugated cardboard. Fluting and liners can be used in several layers to produce a variety of styles. The following are the most prevalent corrugated board varieties used in packing and shipping:

Single Face Board

There are just two layers in a single face board: a liner layer and a corrugated layer. Although it is not as robust as other forms of corrugated cardboard, it is sometimes used inside boxes to provide additional cushioning.

• Order of Layers: Fluting, liner
• Application: Interior packaging

Single Wall Board

The most prevalent form of corrugated cardboard is a single wall board. When someone mentions corrugated cardboard, they are almost certainly referring to this style. It is made up of two outer liners and a corrugated medium layer in the center.

• Order of Layers: Liner, fluting, liner
• Application: Shipping cartons

Double Wall Board

It has two layers of corrugated fluting and three liners, making it extremely durable. 

• Order of Layers: Liner, fluting, liner, fluting, liner
• Application Industrial cartons

Triple Wall Board

Wall board with three layers. It's strong enough to take the place of wooden containers. This corrugated cardboard has three layers of fluting, making it a reliable alternative for shipping chemicals or objects that require particular care.

• Order of Layers: Liner, fluting, liner, fluting, liner, fluting, liner
• Application: Shipping crates, chemical containers

Corrugated Flute Sizes

The letters A, B, C, E, and F are used to distinguish different types of corrugated boxes. C flute is the most often used flute corrugation, accounting for 80 percent of all boards and boxes. The flutes' alphabetical names do not relate to corrugated box sizes, but rather to the sequence in which they were created.

A Flute Cardboard

Type A cardboard offers high compression and cushioning properties, as well as stacking strength. It's ideal for fragile things and is frequently used for structural support.

B Flute Cardboard

Type B cardboard is a fantastic printing surface with outstanding crush and puncture resistance. Inner package components such as cushions and dividers are often made of this cardboard.

C Flute Cardboard

An excellent printing surface is Type C cardboard. It also has compression qualities and can withstand crushing. It's most typically used to secure glass, furniture, food, and other items in shipping boxes.

E Flute Cardboard

The thin structure of Type E cardboard helps to save storage space. Crush resistance is good, and the printing surface is superb. Pizza boxes, ballot boxes, and packaging for consumer items such as glass, ceramics, and cosmetics are all examples of this type of cardboard.

F Flute Cardboard

Type F cardboard provides a great printing surface as well as a high crush resistance. Because of its thin structure, it may produce stiffer boxes with less fiber. It's found in fast food clamshell containers and consumer goods packaging including cosmetics, jewelry, and shoes.