Technology
Types of Corrugated Board: Complete Guide to Flutes and Structures
Comprehensive guide to corrugated board types including flute profiles (A, B, C, E, F), wall structures (single, double, triple), and applications for each type.
Corrugated board comes in many types, each designed for specific applications. Understanding these types helps you choose the right packaging solution.
What is Corrugated Board?
Corrugated board (also called corrugated cardboard or corrugated fiberboard) consists of
Liner: Flat paper sheets on outside
Medium: Wavy paper in between (the flutes)
Adhesive: Bonds liner to medium
The fluted structure provides strength-to-weight efficiency unmatched by solid materials.
Flute Types Explained
A-Flute
Height: 4.8mm (3/16 inch)
Flutes per foot: 33
Characteristics: Best cushioning, highest stacking strength
Applications: Fragile items, furniture, appliances
B-Flute
Height: 2.5mm (3/32 inch)
Flutes per foot: 47
Characteristics: Good printing surface, puncture resistant
Applications: Canned goods, retail displays, die-cut boxes
C-Flute
Height: 3.6mm (9/64 inch)
Flutes per foot: 39
Characteristics: Balance of cushioning and printability
Applications: Most common shipping boxes, general packaging
E-Flute
Height: 1.2mm (3/64 inch)
Flutes per foot: 90
Characteristics: Excellent printing, thin profile
Applications: Retail packaging, pizza boxes, shoe boxes
F-Flute
Height: 0.8mm (1/32 inch)
Flutes per foot: 128
Characteristics: Superior print quality, replaces folding carton
Applications: Fast food packaging, cosmetics, small retail
Wall Structures
Single Wall (3-Ply)
Structure: Liner + Medium + Liner
Flute options: A, B, C, E, or F
Weight range: 200-600 gsm
Applications: Light to medium duty shipping
Double Wall (5-Ply)
Structure: Liner + Medium + Liner + Medium + Liner
Common combinations: BC, EB, AC
Weight range: 400-1000 gsm
Applications: Heavy products, stacking loads, export
Triple Wall (7-Ply)
Structure: Three medium layers
Combinations: ACA, BAB, etc.
Weight range: 600-1400 gsm
Applications: Heavy industrial, pallets, crates
Flute-to-Flute (Xuegong Patent)
Structure: Peak-to-peak corrugation
4-ply without core layer or 5-ply with core
Benefits: Superior crush strength, no warping
Patent holder: Xuegong Group
Choosing the Right Type
Consider these factors
Product weight and fragility
Stacking requirements
Printing needs
Cost constraints
Environmental conditions
Flute Selection Guide
| Need | Recommended Flute |
| Maximum cushioning | A or AC double |
| High print quality | E or F |
| General shipping | C or B |
| Heavy duty | BC double or triple |
| Thin profile | E or F |
Xuegong produces adhesives and equipment for all corrugated board types. Contact us for technical support.
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