Overview
EN ISO 3037:2022 - "Corrugated fibreboard - Determination of edgewise crush resistance (non-waxed edge method)" - specifies a standardized test (also known as ECT, edgewise crush test) to measure the maximum force per unit length that a rectangular corrugated fibreboard sample can support when compressed in the direction of the flute axis. This edition (adopted by CEN as EN ISO 3037:2022) replaces the 2013 version and is intended for quality measurement and specification of corrugated board products.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to single-wall (double-faced), double-wall and triple-wall corrugated fibreboard and to test pieces from converted products and cases.
- Valid for all flute types provided no buckling or tipping occurs during the test.
- Test principle
- A rectangular specimen is compressed between fixed platens with force applied along the flute axis until failure; the maximum force is recorded.
- Tested parameters and failure modes
- Defines edgewise crush resistance and distinguishes failure modes such as buckling and tipping.
- Test procedure elements
- Clauses cover sampling (ISO 186), conditioning (ISO 187), specimen preparation, test apparatus (fixed-platen machines per ISO 13820), test execution (constant feed rate introduced), calculation, accuracy and reporting.
- Precision and annexes
- Precision data and inter-laboratory performance are provided (refer to Annex B). Annex A gives examples of suitable cutting devices.
- Method character
- This is the non-waxed edge method (group a) in the introduction). It is operationally simple and suited to routine quality control but produces systematically lower ECT values than waxed- or clamped-edge methods because of edge effects.
Applications and typical users
- Applications
- Quality control, specification and lot acceptance testing of corrugated board materials.
- Input data for packaging design and for empirical prediction of box compression strength (BCT) when appropriate correlations are used.
- Testing of samples from converted cartons and packaging components.
- Typical users
- Corrugated board manufacturers, box converters, packaging engineers, quality laboratories, test houses and standards bodies.
Related standards
- ISO 13820 - fixed platen compression-testing equipment
- ISO 186 - sampling to determine average quality
- ISO 187 - standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing
EN ISO 3037:2022 is widely used across Europe (CEN adoption) and internationally (ISO 3037:2022). For accurate interpretation and implementation, consult the full standard text and referenced normative documents.
