Corrugated flutes are an ideal component in corrugated cardboard material structures, as they are used to strengthen the material. It is likely that you have seen them multiple times at a certain point in your life. They look like wavy lines that are attached to linerboard/paperboard to create corrugated cardboard.
Corrugated materials are available in a variety of flutes, offering unique sizes and serving different purposes. But before we dive into corrugated flute types, let’s discuss corrugated flute briefly.
What are Corrugated Flutes?
Corrugated flutes are the wavy paper layers found between the flat sheets of cardboard. These waves give the cardboard its strength and help protect items inside the box. The flutes act as a cushion, absorbing shock when the box is bumped or dropped.
Each flute runs in a straight line from one end of the board to the other, creating air pockets between the layers. These air pockets help make the material lightweight yet tough. So instead of using thick wood or metal to protect items, business uses boxes made of corrugated material to pack their item, which is a lightweight and cost-effective option.
Why Flute Types Matter
Not all flutes are the same. Some are thick and strong. Others are thin and flexible. The type of flute used in a box depends on what the box will carry.
Flutes are labeled with letters such as A, B, C, E, and F. Each one has a distinct size and is suitable for a different use. For example, some flutes are better for holding heavy tools, while others are perfect for packing snacks or small gifts.
Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Types of Corrugated Flutes
A-Flute
A-Flute is the thickest type. It has about 33 flutes per foot. That means there are 33 of those little waves in every foot of cardboard, offering 14 inches of thickness. This type gives the best cushion and is great for fragile items. It’s often used in large shipping boxes that need strong support.
B-Flute
B-Flute is thinner than A-Flute. It has about 47 flutes per foot. This type is strong, but also more flexible. B-flute has a thickness level of 1/8″ and is often used for smaller boxes or boxes that need to be printed with graphics.
C-Flute
C-Flute is a common type. It has about 39 flutes per foot and gives a good balance of strength and cushioning. C-Flute offers 11/64 inches thickness level and is often used in regular shipping boxes. It’s strong enough to carry many products, yet not too thick. This makes it popular for general use.
E-Flute
E-Flute is much thinner and has about 90 flutes per foot with a thickness level of 1/16”. Because the waves are so small, this type is great for printing and folding. It’s often used for display packaging boxes or retail boxes. While it’s not as strong as the thicker flutes, it’s perfect when looks matter more than heavy support.
F-Flute
F-Flute is even thinner than E-Flute. It has around 125 flutes per foot. That means the waves are very tiny and close together. It’s smooth, lightweight, and great for high-quality prints.
Select the Right Wall Type for Your Boxes
When choosing the right box, it’s not just about the flute size. The number of walls also matters a lot. Let’s go over the three main types of corrugated wall structures for corrugated boxes.
Single Wall
This is the most common and basic type. A single wall board has one layer of fluting between two flat sheets called liners. It’s light, easy to handle, and strong enough for most everyday packaging needs. Use this when shipping things like books, clothes, or anything that doesn’t need extra protection.
Double Wall
Need something tougher? Go with a double wall. This one has two layers of fluting and three liners. That extra layer adds more strength and keeps your product safer. It’s great for heavier items or anything that might get tossed around during delivery. Many businesses use double-wall corrugated boxes for fragile or valuable products.
Triple Wall
The triple wall has three layers of fluting and four liners. This box type is designed for large items such as machinery, tools, or automotive parts. It’s extremely strong and can withstand a significant amount of weight.
Which Flute Should You Use?
Choosing the right flute depends on what you are packing. Here are a few simple tips:
- Use A-Flute for fragile and breakable items
- Use B-Flute for small boxes or cans
- Use C-Flute for mailer boxes for shipping everyday items
- Use E-Flute or F-Flute for printing cosmetic packaging boxes
If you need to ship something heavy, a double-wall box might be your best choice. If you need a box to look good on a shelf, go with E-Flute or F-Flute.
Final Thoughts
Corrugated flutes may seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference in the world of packaging. Each type of flute has its own job, from protecting glassware to showing off printed designs.
Whether you’re sending a gift to a friend or packing up your home to move, you’ve likely trusted these tiny waves to keep your things safe. And now that you know what they are and how they work, you can choose the right box with confidence.
Are you unsure about which flute you should choose for your corrugated packaging boxes? No worries, you can contact our experts at Custom Box Makers, and they will help you select the right type of corrugated flutes for your boxes.
