F Series - Packaging Info

DIN 55468 – Corrugated cardboard specifications

Based on some parameters, different cardboard types are defined. 

Types of Corrugated Board

Corrugated board can be designed as single-wall or multi-wall. Multi-flute corrugated boards exist as combinations of different types of flutes. 

Flute Types and Dimensions (Summary) 

Multiple wall cardboard can have different flute types, which are indicated by successive flute types like ‘BA’.
 

The Class or Grade define certain mechanical characteristics, such as ‘Bursting strength’, ‘Puncture resistance’ and ‘Edgewise crush resistance’.

FEFCO

FEFCO, the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers ( www.fefco.org ), has developed the International fiber board case code for standardizing corrugated box shapes.  

Sample:

Note: Cutting tables, such as the F Series, are often used for prototyping, so a library of standard boxes is not always applicable.  It can, however, be useful in a first customer contact to refer to these codes in order to have an idea about the job.

Software 

Designing/creating boxes (or other three-dimensional shapes) from scratch is complex (even with renowned 3D CAD-software (e.g., AutoCAD).  Therefore, most packaging software use the FEFCO codes and designs. 

This software can be categorized as follows: 

Main purposes :

• 3D visualization of printouts (for virtual sample demonstration)
• Unfolding of the printouts – output for printing
• Creation of box data – output for creating dyes or data for cutting tables

Characteristics:

Stand-alone program or plug-in in existing software (a lot of plugins focus on Adobe Illustrator).

1. The ESKO studio represents a set of tools and libraries to use in Illustrator. This engine is also used in some OEM projects:
2. Strata Enfold
3. FFEI RealPro is also linked to Illustrator
   • Illustrator based software has the advantage to be compatible with SummaFlex.  Stand-alone programs need to be tested.

Several programs provide small or larger editing capabilities. They are not intended for daily box design, but mainly for expanding/adapting the library occasionally.

Creating custom boxes is much more complex and this is often done in established CAD-software (e.g. AutoCAD).  Nevertheless, specialized 3D packaging software is also available. This software is generally rather expensive and focuses on customers who are working full-time on packaging design.

• The absolute number one is Esko ArtiosCad
• Other widely spread software are:
  1. TreeDIM (PackLib)
  2. EngView
  3. Impact Arden Software
  4. Packmage
  5. ERPA
  6. CaseMake

Since we have a cooperation with TreeDIM, there is free access to this large library of packaging, plv, display and furniture models to be resized. Its content is classified in different template libraries, where you can find the standard packaging-specific classifications: The FEFCO code for packaging in corrugated cardboard, the ECMA code for packaging in compact cardboard. There is also a dedicated library for each type of template: packaging, display, wrap, re-board, furniture etc. The access of all this comes with the purchase of a Summa flatbed.

When saving an edited file, a SummaFlex Pro connection can be created. It means the cutting and creasing tools are recognized when opening that specific file in the software of F Series, namely SummaFlex Pro and higher versions.

Creasing

Creasing is a method of crushing/indenting a material at a specified location in a specified width for a specified distance. 

Full creasing is creating a folding line by reducing the flexural stiffness through compressing the media. 

Hollow creasing is creating a folding line by reducing the flexural stiffness through forming of the media. 

Creasing on the F Series is normally done on the cutting Matt. 

Therefore, creasing on the table is a combination of the above creasing types, although it is most comparable with Full Crease. 

Note: On some router tables, hollow creasing is possible by first routing the creasing channels in a disposable board, just before starting the job. In this case, optical recognition is not possible. The media must have a fixed place on the table. 

Due to the nature of the process, when creasing thicker material 

(e.g. corrugated cardboard), the folding direction is inwards towards the side that has been hit with the creasing tool. To be able to bend to the other side, it may be required to turn the media around and do a second run. Alternatively, a small cut, not completely through, or a perforated line can also solve this issue. 

With thinner material, a creasing line can normally be bent in both directions, although it will bend easier to one side. 

Avoiding cracking of the coating, with or without printout, is most challenging. Therefore, the wheel shape is most important.  

For non-corrugated cardboard, the thickness of the wheel is the main factor and is traditionally mentioned in points, where 1 point is 0.3356 mm (0.014”). The 500-9327 is about 4 point.  

Summa is working on more tools to be compatible with more material types.  

To avoid cracking also multiple creasing lines next to each other can be applied.