Box Styles - RSC, FTC, FOL - IPI Group LLC - Colorado

CORRUGATED BOX GUIDE

Corrugated Box Styles

IPI Group LLC manufactures primarily large or small custom boxes for oversized and difficult to pack items but also distribute a full line of stock boxes. The following is a basic list of the different box styles we manufacture. If you don't see what you need, we can also design new styles depending on your needs!

Please Note: Boxes are measured as length x width x height which means the length & width dimensions are the opening of the box with the length being the longer of the two dimensions and the width the smaller dimension. The height is the dimension down into the box from the top (please see bottom of page for more detailed info on measuring your box!)

RSC - Regular Slotted Container

Regular Slotted Cartons are the most common of all box styles. The flaps on top and bottom of the box meet in the middle for easy tape, glue or staple closure.

DST/FTC & HSC/FTC - Full Telescoping Container

Full Telescoping Containers are used when either the box height is beyond the capabilities of our machine, the box requires extra protection or strength, or the items to be packaged vary in heigth. FTC boxes can be made as DST/FTC style or as HSC/FTC styles.

FOL - Full Overlap container

Full Overlap boxes have top and bottom flaps that "overlap" each other on the width and tape along one edge of the length of the opening sides. These boxes are commonly used when the box is fairly long with a narrow width to keep the flaps large enough to fold and tape, glue, or staple shut. They also create extra protection on the opening ends.

POL - Partial Overlap contianer

Partial Overlap boxes are used when a box is to wide (over 14") for our machine to make a Full Overlap style box however the customer desires extra protection. POL boxes can also be used in situations such as Corrugated Plastic Boxes where the box is required to be opened and closed several times with a Velcro hook and loop closure.

OPF - One Piece Folder

One Piece Folder boxes are generally used for items with a very small height, however, a RSC style closure is desired.

Half slotted container box corrugated cardboard

HSC & DST - Half Slotted Container with a Design Style Tray top

Half Slotted Containers have RSC style box bottoms with no flaps on top. They can be closed with a Design Style Tray type top for use as multi use applications such as totes.

MEASURING YOUR BOX (BOX DIMENSIONS)

Dimensions are given in the sequence of length, width, and depth. The dimensions of a box are described based on the opening of an assembled box, which can be located on the top or the side, depending on how it is to be filled. The opening of a box is rectangular (it has two sets of parallel sides). The longer of the two sides is considered its length, the shorter of the two sides is considered its widthThe side perpendicular to length and width is considered the depth of the box. When supplying measurements always use the inside dimensions of the box!

For example: A box that measures 27" x 15" x 18" would have an opening that is 27" x 15" and would measure 18" from top to bottom). The flaps would meet on the 15" width and the tape closure would run the 27" length of the box. The measurements are always ID (Inside Dimensions) unless otherwise specified.

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DOUBLE WALL (DW) OR SINGLE WALL (SW)?

The two most common types of corrugated cardboard are double wall and single wall

Singlewall (SW) - The most common type of corrugation material used in boxes. It consists of one medium (flute) glued between two sheets of linerboard. It is available in a wide range of strengths.

For most customers, singlewall boxes provide the protection and durability required at an affordable price.

Doublewall (DW) - Much more resistant to punctures or crushing when stacked. It consists of two mediums (flutes) glued between three sheets of linerboard. Just like singlewall, it is also available in a variety of strengths.

Doublewall allows for heavier objects to be shipped and stacked and should be used when a stronger box or extra padding is needed.

Edge Crush Test (ECT) vs. Bursting Strength

There are currently two tests used throughout the corrugated industry to determine strength.

The newest and most common standard used is the Edge Crush Test (ECT). This test directly relates to the stacking strength of a box. ECT measures the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It is measured by compressing a small piece of board on edge between two plates perpendicular to the direction of the flutes until a peak load is determined. ECT is measured in pounds per lineal inch of load bearing edge (lb/in), and normally reported as an ECT value (example: 44 ECT).

Bursting Test is a measure of the force required to puncture the corrugated board and is measured by a Mullen Tester. This force is indirectly related to a box's ability to withstand external or internal forces and therefore protect a product during shipment. Bursting strength is reported in pounds (example: 275#).