Glossary Category: Performance and Laboratory Testing
B
- BCT (Box Compression Test)
- A test that measures the maximum vertical crush resistance of a finished, empty, and perfectly sealed cardboard box. The box is subjected to progressive compression between two parallel plates until it collapses structurally. Expressed in newtons or kilograms, this test indicates the actual load-bearing capacity of the box when stacked under storage conditions.
C
- COBB test
- A laboratory test that quantifies the mass of water absorbed by the surface of the cardboard (expressed in g/m²) over a predetermined time interval (generally 60 or 180 seconds) when in direct contact with the liquid. It allows for the evaluation of the cardboard’s protective effectiveness against rain, condensation, and moisture penetration in cold transport or storage environments.
And
- ECT (Edge Crush Test)
- A standardized laboratory test that measures the vertical compressive strength of the edge of a corrugated cardboard sample. Expressed in kiloNewtons per meter (kN/m), it defines the material’s intrinsic structural capacity to withstand stacking stresses. It is the key parameter for the engineering design of packaging intended for palletizing.
T
- Burst Test (Mullen Test)
- A test that evaluates the strength of a cardboard wall when subjected to hydraulic pressure applied uniformly over a circular area until the sample fails. Expressed in kilopascals (kPa), it determines the packaging’s ability to withstand internal pressures generated by heavy products or external impact forces during logistics handling.