Flutes

Corrugating is defined as the imparting of wave-like

shape to a paper.
Kraft paper or fluting media paper is passed
through heated corrugated rolls to obtain continuous
rolling, wave-like shape. These are called flutes.
Observed vertically, they form a row of columns - a
basic structural form capable of supporting great
weight. Viewed horizontally, flutes are arches-
another basic structural form capable of providing
cushioning properties. The combination of columns and arches pro –
duce a material far stronger then the paper from which it is converted.
Depending on the strength properties required, different types of
flutes are used. Generally four different types of flutes, known as A,B,C
and E are available. Recently

Box Strength

The process of Corrugation involves the shaping the paper into the shape
of a wave. The fluting media paper or the kraft paper is passed via
heated corrugated rolls for getting a wave like continuous rolling shape,
which are known as flutes. When they are viewed vertically they
resemble a row of columns which are the basic structural form which
can support a high amount of weight. While from a horizontal view,
these flutes are arches which form the basic structure that has cushioning
properties. This amalgamation of arches and columns form a product
which is much stronger than the paper used for making it. The type of
flute which will be used depends on the properties There are four types
of flutes manufactured in the market, and they are named as – A, B, C, D
and E. The Box strength is divided into three categories – Three Ply,
Five Ply and Seven Ply. When the fluted paper is stuck with the flat
sheet of paper then it becomes a 2-ply corrugated board. When one
fluted paper is stuck with two flat papers then it gets converted into 3-
ply corrugated board. In the same way the 9-ply, 7-ply and the 5-ply
corrugated boars are also manufactured by attaching several flat papers
to the fluting paper.

The “Flute” describes the structure of the wave shaped

cardboard material that makes up a board’s corrugation.
Flutes come in several sizes, known as flute profiles. The
standard profiles range from A-flute (the largest) to F-flute and
below (microflutes).
A-flute = 36 flutes/linear foot
B-flute = 49 flutes/linear foot
C-flute = 41 flutes/linear foot
E-flute = 90 flutes/linear foot
F-flute = 128 flutes/linear foot

Generally, larger flutes provide greater strength and

cushioning, while smaller flutes have better printability and
foldability.
Flute profiles can be mixed and matched within a single piece of
combined board. CE double wall is durable because of its C-
flute layer, while its E-flute layer provides a smooth printing
surface. A sheet of material can be made of different thickness
of board to manipulate printability, compression and cushioning
strengths.
A-Flute 

A-Flute, the original flute, is the highest flute size, and therefore,
when combined with an inner and outer facing, is the thickest.
With 36 flutes to the foot, A-Flute makes the most of
corrugated’s cushioning and stacking properties for fragile and
delicate items. Because A-Flute offers excellent stiffness
qualities and short column crush resistance, it has a broad range
of uses.
 36 Flutes / Foot
 1/4"
B-Flute

B-Flute, the second flute size adopted by the corrugated

industry, has lower arch heights than A and more flutes per foot
(49). This means that the medium contacts and supports the
liners at a greater number of points, providing a stiff, flat surface
for high quality printing and die cutting and with excellent crush
resistant properties. B-Flute is also preferred for high speed,
automatic packing lines and for pads, dividers, partitions and
other forms of inner packing. Complex die cuts and beverage
trays are excellent applications for B-Flute as are can cases,
wrap-around blanks, glass-to-glass packs and slipsheets. B-Flute
is generally combined with lightweight liners but can be used
with heavier facings if the need arises.
  49 Flutes / Foot
 good puncture resistance
 less space consumed in warehouse
 uses: canned goods, displays
C-Flute

C-Flute came along next to split the difference between A and B

Flutes. With 41 flutes per foot, it's thinner than A-flute, thicker
than B, and offers good cushioning, stacking and printing
properties. C-Flute is by far the most widely used flute size. An
estimated 80% of today's corrugated containers are made of C-
Flute board.
 41 Flutes / Foot
 good stacking strength
 good crushing resistance
 very common
 uses: glass, furniture, dairy
E-Flute

E-Flute has the greatest number of flutes/foot (94) which gives it

the greatest crush resistance and the flattest surface for high
quality printing applications. The thin board profile of E-Flute
(it is one-fourth the thickness of C-Flute) reduces box size and
saves storage space. Because of its thin profile and cushioning
properties, E-Flute can substitute for conventional folding
cartons or solid fiber containers. Examples of E-Flute
applications include boxes for cosmetics, glass, ceramic items
and delicate instruments. Another growing end-use is the pizza
box: a cost effective, printable container for product protection.
 95 Flutes / Foot
 lightweight
 strong alternative to paper board
 superior printing surface
 excellent for custom die cut boxes
 uses: displays, point of purchase boxes
F-Flute

F-Flute, the newest flute, is nearly half the thickness of E-Flute

and is a popular choice in the corrugated industry. The idea for
F-flute originated in Europe to reduce the fibre content of
packaging.
Converting to F-Flute can reduce the total amount of fibre in
packaging. F-flute makes a more rigid box and sends less waste
to landfills. In Europe, F-Flute is being used for specialty
packaging, point-of-purchase displays, jewelry and cosmetic
packages and shoe boxes. In the U.S., the McDonald’s Big Mac
clamshell in F-Flute has received great attention. Dairy Queen,
too, is using the F-Flute clamshell for its “Ultimate sandwich”
and its hot dogs.
 128 Flutes / Foot
 1/32"