The ability of a container to perform in distribution is significantly impacted by the conditions it encounters throughout its life cycle. Some of these conditions are difficult for the packaging engineer to influence, including stacking time and relative humidity. Others are determined by handling and unitizing packages; for example, pallet patterns, pallet overhang, pallet deck board gaps and excessive handling all contribute to deteriorating container performance.
We can now estimate the impact of these conditions on container strength. If the original box compression strength is known (determined in the lab using a dynamic compression tester), we can factor it by generally accepted multipliers to arrive at an estimated maximum safe stacking strength.
Looking at the full life cycle of any packaging product is important when making decisions as a packaging designer. more importantly, IPS has acquired a new packaging design software that analyzes different systems of metrics for packaging design. This software not only quantifies decisions made by engineers, but it shows you the full life cycle of the package.
Did you know? A Manufacturer's Joint is a flat piece of corrugated fiberboard that has been cut, slotted and scored. For some box styles, in order to make a box, the two ends of the box blank must be fastened together with tape, staples or glue. The place where these two ends meet is known as the manufacturer's joint.
