Overview
ISO 3037:2022 - Corrugated fibreboard - Determination of edgewise crush resistance (non-waxed edge method) defines a standardized test (an ECT variant) for measuring the edgewise crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard. The method applies a compressive force in the direction of the flute axis to a rectangular test piece until failure; the maximum force per unit length is recorded. The standard covers single-wall (double-faced), double-wall and triple-wall board and can be used on samples taken from corrugated cases and converted products.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope & applicability: Applicable to all flute types provided no buckling or tipping occurs during the test. Intended for quality measurement and specification purposes.
- Test principle: A rectangular test piece is compressed between platens (flute axis aligned with load) until failure; the peak load is reported as edgewise crush resistance.
- Test piece dimensions: Typical cuts are 100.0 mm ±0.5 mm perpendicular to flutes and 25.0 mm ±0.5 mm in the flute direction (height); lengths parallel to flutes normally 70–300 mm. Ten valid single results are required.
- Sample preparation & quality: Cuts must be clean, straight, parallel and perpendicular to board surfaces. Reject samples with visible defects (scores, creases, washboarding) or where buckling/tipping occurs.
- Conditioning & sampling: Samples shall be conditioned per ISO 187 and sampled per ISO 186.
- Apparatus: Fixed-platen compression testing machine in accordance with ISO 13820; suitable cutting devices (e.g., high-speed table saw or Billerud-type cutter) and guide blocks.
- Procedure controls: The 2022 revision adds emphasis on controlled/constant feed rate during compression and clarifies preparation (Clauses 6–9).
- Reporting & precision: Test report requirements are specified; precision data and repeatability/inter-laboratory information are provided in Annex B.
Applications and Users
- Who uses ISO 3037: Packaging engineers, QC/QA laboratories, corrugated board manufacturers, converters, testing laboratories and procurement teams specifying board performance.
- Practical uses:
- Routine quality control of corrugated fibreboard batches.
- Specifying board for packaging and transport performance prediction (correlates with BCT when using compatible prediction formulas).
- Comparing production lots and identifying defects (e.g., washboarding) that affect edgewise strength.
- Limitations: As a non-waxed edge method, ISO 3037 typically gives lower numerical ECT values than waxed, clamped or alternative geometries due to edge effects; results from different ECT methods are not directly interchangeable.
Related Standards
- ISO 13820 - Description and calibration of fixed-platen compression-testing equipment
- ISO 186 - Sampling to determine average quality
- ISO 187 - Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing
- ISO 13821 - Waxed-edge ECT (alternative method)
- Other referenced methods: TAPPI T 839, JIS Z 0403-2 (for comparison)
Keywords: ISO 3037, corrugated fibreboard, edgewise crush resistance, ECT, non-waxed edge method, compression testing, flute axis, packaging testing.
Open preview (PDF)Corrugated fibreboard — Determination of edgewise crush resistance (non-waxed edge method)