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Basis Weights

DOT 49 CFR

MEMBER'S QUESTION:

We are pursuing packaging options for a large volume of boxes that must comply to the DOT 49 CFR regulation.  In this day and age of ECT where board combinations can float as long as the performance of the corrugated box is quaranteed, why are we still required to keep the basis weight of the components with a range of plus/minus five percent of the original design?

ASK!Ralph Responds:

ECT Comparisons

MEMBER'S QUESTION:

We have the opportunity to secure a substantial piece of business.  The customer's specifications reference box dimensions, ECT, and basis weight combinations.  I will submitt selected box samples to a third party lab for evaluation so that you will be able to offer suggestions as to alternative containerboard combinations that will give us both an environmental and economic sustainability advantage.

ASKRalph! Responds:

Below is an assessment of the five different samples you submitted for testing verses what the ECT potentials that could have been developed given the basis weights of the board combinations discovered during the evaluation.

Basis Weight

Combinations

all C Flute

Converted ECTs

Actual Results by Testing

Potential

ECT Ranges

Basis Weights of Components

MEMBER'S QUESTION:
Here is my new question. How do I test the paper to be sure that the board combo weights are correct ? If we order a board combination of 42-26-42 how can I verify that the correct paper weights were used ? What test equipment and TAPPI standard should I use.

Thanks again for all your help.

ASKRALPH! RESPONDS:

Thank you for an easy to answer and  another good question this time.

The TAPPI test method for a basis weight analysis is “Grammage of Paper and Paperboard T-410”.  You will need to gently soak the sample apart in some warm water until the three components have separated from each other.  Take a single edge razor blade and gently scrape off the starch from the liners and the medium.  Be careful not to remove fibre.

The samples will need to be dried to 7 percent moisture. You will then need to measure the dimensions of the sample and then convert the weight per sample size into pounds per thousand square feet for the three components.  You can use an inexpensive scale to measure the weight of the samples.

Or, I could recommend an outside lab.  Surprise visits to your sheet suppliers to view the roll stock inventory and check production records and purchasing logs is always a good idea.

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