Understanding ECT in Corrugated Board: Insights from Corrugated Industry Expert Peter
In the realm of packaging, understanding the intricacies of materials and their properties is crucial for ensuring product integrity and performance.
And for me, as the manufacturer of carton making machines, some clients (box factories), will ask me different questions to me, from machine to cardboard processing, box processing, material details, etc. Frankly speaking, I don't have answer for every questions, so I consulted my other clients :))
Recently, one client asked me about ECT, it's a question that I don't know how to answer, because I have no enough knowledge on it.
I had the privilege of consulting with Peter, an industry expert, regarding a technical query on the Edge Crush Test (ECT) in corrugated board.
(Peter is a nice person with very professional knowledge in the corrugated industry, he managed box factory in AU. After he bought our machine, we communicated more and more, and then I realized that he was very professional and friendly, so I would always ask him for advice/answer when I had questions about which I am lack of knowledge, and he never disappointed me)
Below is his email about the ECT, his detailed response not only illuminated the subject but also underscored the depth of knowledge.
It is a pity that if only I could see the email, I would like to share it in here with people in need.
The following is the original email from Peter about the ECT.
Hello Moss,
Nice to hear from you. I am well and hope you are too.
I will try to help you by explaining ECT
ECT is determined by?
?Maintaining the flute profile is important to maximize ECT
The causes of loss of flute profile are
? ? ? ?- Soft roller helps reduce crush
? ? ? ?- Correct pressure on feed rollers is very important
? ? ? ?- Some slippery papers cause poor grip so operators apply more pressure, this squashes the flute and reduces?the ECT
? ? ? ?- When the cardboard?is warped, the operator increases the pressure to feed the board straight. Again this reduces the ECT
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ECT is a measure used to Corrugated board strength.
Theoretical values can be calculated mathematically?by GSM of paper used and fluting selected ie a, b, c, e, d or multiwall wall. Hence the figures 32 ECT, 48 ECT, etc.
Quality controllers?then perform?ECT with equipment in their Lab...
They can compare loss of ECT on the Corrugator, after feeding the sheet through the feed roller?and after printing.
Are you confused yet?
The ECT is an indication of the loss of strength of the board after converting.
This helps determine the box strength factor and performance in the field.
Slotting does not affect the ECT?or performance of the box.?
Diecutting?will affect ECT and that is determined by how much cutting and creasing rule is used. The Rubber used next to the cutting and creasing rule crushes the board and Reduces ECT.
How much ECT is reduced depends on each job, board quality, and operator.
What I think your customer is asking is "Can your slotter cut light and heavy weight board? and can it cut different flute profiles, ie A, B, C, and twin cushion"
Your answer is YES.
HOWEVER...if your customer is using heavy duty?A/C flutes or Triplemax he best supply you with the board grade make ups , i.e. paper weights and flute combinations.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Peter
By sharing his insights, he not only provided clarity on a complex subject but also fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Peter for his invaluable contribution and expertise. His email not only answered my query but also inspired me to delve deeper into the nuances of packaging materials and processes. Moving forward, I am excited to continue learning and collaborating with industry experts like Peter to further elevate our understanding and practices in the field of packaging.
Packaging expert with design, forensics, material handling, automation, sustainability, and cost reduction. All around end to end packaging expert.
7 个月That was the best explanation I read. Understanding where your losses come from and minimizing them can give your customer the best stacking strength at the lowest cost. The other side of ECT is understanding what strength you need for shipping. Finding a paper combination from the papers you have in house that will give you the strength you need economically. Then adding the loss into this from manufacturing and you can council the customer on the strength they need, the paper they need and how much strength can be expected from the board at the average loss in your system. It is a fun math exercise.