The study of the optimal design of corrugated-box for can-products

The objective of this research is to study factors affecting both the strength of corrugated fibreboard boxes and the products contained therein. In this research, for popularity reason, corrugated fibreboard box and canned sardine represent the package system. The study is conducted to determine the mechanical properties of box material after in-house transportation (from factory to warehouse), and then to compare the test results with those obtained from similar boxes before packing to evaluate the selected residual strength. The obtained data will be useful in views of the optimal design of corrugated fibreboard boxes for canned products. This research reveals that the main factors affecting the strength of corrugated fibreboard boxes are frequency of handling and transportation, storing duration, and transporting distances. The analysis of the first stage of the test results, before proposing the appropriate box, reveals that the affected mechanical property of corrugated fibreboard boxes, where the transporting distance and the storage period are short (40 km and 2 days, approx., respectively) is the box compression strength (a decrease by 33 %, approx.). On the other hand, where the transporting distance as well as the storage period are long (over 800 km and 60 days, respectively), the box compression strength, the flat crush resistance and the edgewise crush resistance all suffer a decrease of approximately 72 %, 60 % and 49 %, respectively. The analysis of the second stage of the test results (the proposal of the appropriate box stage) reveals that : 1. Box of regular slotted container style with top-loading type gives a heigher mechanical strength than that of end-loading type. 2. RSC, top-loading box with inside dimensions properly fitting the contained can-products shall decrease damage of box in view of the box compression strength. 3. The bursting strength value of corrugated box does not depend upon frequency of handling and transportation, storing duration, and transporting distances. The bursting strength of pre-packing and post-shipment boxes is rarely different, so long as, there is no crack or tear shown on either inner surface or outer surface of the box. The test results show that the bursting strength value of corrugated board is higher when the side of board with a higher basis weight of liner is placed in contact with the diaphragm of the Mullen Tester. 4. The proposed boxes can decrease the cost per unit of corrugated boxes, i.e. RSC, top-loading and end-loading shall be decreased by 21.94 % and 29.94 %, respectively. Fram the research, it can be concluded that the appropriate design of corrugated box used in testing in the selected canning factory, in views of adequate strength of box, low in cost and comfort, packing, is RSC (top-loading) box with inside dimensions properly fitting the contained can-products.