Learn the Various Flute Grades for Your cardboard handle boxes

The flute (the undulating portion situated between the liner) distinguishes Cardboard Handle Boxes from their cardboard relative. 

The size of the flutes determines the wall thickness and mounting strength of a box. The measure of a flute is indicated by a letter designation. They are measured in terms of their thickness and number of perforations per linear foot. 

Here are the most frequent sizes of flutes:

A-Flute, which is 1/4″ thick and has 33 flutes per linear foot, is the widest flute. Its thickness provides substantial protection and makes it an excellent choice for fragile objects.

B-Flute is 1/8″ thick (47 flutes per linear foot). This is significantly thinner than A-flutes, but deceptively sturdy.  It is typically utilized for counter displays and canned products. 

This flutist is commonly used for die-cutting

C-Flute is 3/16″ thick (39 perforations per linear foot). This is presumably the one you are most familiar with, as it is the most common option for shipping cardboard handle boxes.

E-Flute is only 1/16″ thick (90 flutes per linear foot), so it is quite thin. It lacks the robustness of the larger flutes but has a number of advantages. Occasionally, it is utilized in place of paperboard for folding carton cases. It is easy to store and suitable for printing.

F-Flute (125 flutes per linear foot) is the narrowest flute grade at 1/32″ thick and 125 flutes per linear foot. It has a very flat surface, allowing for crisply printed graphics. 

Selecting the Appropriate Type of Wall for Custom cardboard handle boxes

Even if you know the size of flute you desire, you must still make several crucial decisions. 

There are numerous varieties of Custom Printed Mailer Boxes wall thicknesses. Occasionally, you require minimal protection for your products, while at other times you require something more robust. 

Here are your choices for wall types: 

Single-face packaging is typically supplied on rolls and consists of a single sheet of liner adhered to a single sheet of corrugated medium. It provides additional cushioning for fragile objects. This could be used to provide additional protection when transporting wine glasses.

Single-wall custom printed mailer boxes consists of a single sheet of corrugated material adhered between two sheets of liner. It is the most prevalent and likely what comes to mind when you consider a corrugated cardboard handle boxes.

The double-walled structure is more resilient but less flexible

Triple-wall packaging is the most durable, with three corrugated sheets layered and four liner board facings. It is used for industrial components and occasionally for produce containers. 

Different Corrugated Box Packaging Designs

• Finding the right size is also essential when selecting the right custom printed mailer boxes package for your products. 
• There are a variety of sizes and shapes of corrugated crates. You don’t want to have to jam your belongings, but you also don’t want them to float around. 
• Keep in mind that the internal dimensions of a box are written as length x width x height (L x W x H) when selecting a box size.

Here are some of the most prevalent box styles that are available in various sizes: 

RSC: Regular Slotted Container  This is the most prevalent option. Consider the standard shipping package. All of the flaps on this box are identical in length, with the two outer flaps meeting in the center when the box is closed. Tape is required to secure the openings.

Full Overlap Container (FOL): This type of box has increased strength due to the fact that both sets of outer flaps fully overlap, creating the top and bottom of the box double-layered. 

If you have ever ordered a book or other media materials, you have seen one of these crates. Folding them into a box after creasing and slotting them. 

Full Telescope Design (FTD): As the name implies, this container has a discrete top and bottom that fit together. The double walls provide additional resilience.

Obviously, these crates must be sealed in some way. For heavy-duty cargo, cardboard handle boxes are typically sealed with custom printed mailer boxes tape, tuck-in flaps, or strapping. 

All of these options can be overwhelming, but there are numerous tools and services available to help you find the appropriate box. If you need a simple box, you can readily find a template for a standard box online.  

SirePrinting, Impact, and Packmage are examples of sophisticated software with features such as comprehensive 3D models and the ability to design your own die-cut templates. 

If you’re still uncertain of where to begin, request a free consultation with our packaging team for customized advice regarding dielines, box styles, varnish, and more.