T 804 om-97

OFFICIAL TEST METHOD – 1981

REVISED – 1989
REVISED – 1997
© 1997 TAPPI

The information and data contained in this document were prepared

by a technical committee of the Association. The committee and the
Association assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the
use of such information or data, including but not limited to any
liability or responsibility under patent, copyright, or trade secret laws.
The user is responsible for determining that this document is the most
recent edition published.

Compression test of fiberboard shipping containers

1. Scope

1.1 This method is used for measuring the ability of corrugated or solid fiber shipping containers to resist
external compressive forces.
1.2 The method may be applied in a number of ways. For quality studies, it is usually desirable to test the
empty container. For the study of compression resistance where inner packing (corner posts, etc.) is involved, tests may
be made with the interior packing in place.
1.3 If overall performance of the entire pack is to be studied, the test can be conducted with the container
loaded with its contents and all inner packing. In many packs the contents and inner packing share in carrying a portion
of the load.
1.4 The container may be positioned in the machine so as to test the compressive resistance in any desired
direction, i.e., top-to-bottom, end-to-end, or side-to-side.

NOTE 1: For the purposes of this test, the top of the container is defined as the opening through which the product is inserted. The end is
the shorter of the two panels adjacent to the opening, and the side is the longer of the two panels adjacent to the opening.
2. Summary

In essence this method describes how to determine the resistance of a fiberboard shipping container to compressive
forces. This is accomplished by placing the container between two flat platens, one of which is mechanically or
hydraulically driven to compress the container. A recording device is incorporated to indicate the force and deformation
(deflection) required to compress the container.

3. Significance

These compressive forces are related to some of those exerted on containers in stacks or encountered in
transportation. The method may be used to compare the compressive resistance of different lots of similar containers
or to compare containers of different grades. It may also be used to compare the compression characteristics of
containers differing in construction or design. In addition, the information gained may be used to provide an indication
of the load that a particular container may be able to withstand in service.

Approved by the Fiberboard Shipping Container Testing Committee of the Corrugated Containers Division
TAPPI
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4. Apparatus

4.1 Compression tester1, having the following:

4.1.1 Two parallel platens, flat to within 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), one of which is movable in the vertical direction
so as to compress the container between the platens. One is a load measuring platen, and both are of sufficient size so
that the test container does not extend beyond the edges of the platens. The platens are fixed in the horizontal direction
so as to have no lateral movement greater than 1.3 mm (0.05 in.) and are held parallel throughout the test to within 1 mm
(0.04 in.) per 300 mm (1 ft) in the length and in the width dimensions. The fixed platen type of compression testers
should be used for all referee testing. Compression testers with floating or swivel platens provide an alternative to
evaluate compression strength from a real world perspective, but may produce different compression values.
4.1.2 Means of driving the movable platen at a uniform speed of 13.0 ± 2.5 mm/min. (0.5 in./min.) during the
test.
4.1.3 Means of recording or indicating the applied load to within ± 0.5% of the scale reading, or 22 N (5 lbf),
whichever is greater.
4.1.4 Means of recording or indicating the resultant deformation within ± 0.64 mm (± 0.025 in.).
4.1.5 Compression testers, like all laboratory testing equipment, need to be calibrated on a regular basis.
Obtain a calibration procedure from the compression tester manufacturer, which should be posted at the machine. Prior
to performing compression tests for fiberboard shipping containers calibrate the compression tester according to the
manufacturer's procedure.

5. Test specimens

5.1 Test at least five representative containers for each direction specified. Select only those containers that
have not been damaged by previous handling.
5.2 Precondition the unsealed boxes so as to ensure a moisture content of the board of 6% or less.
5.3 Prepare the specimen as follows: Square the box blank, and bend each of the four bottom flaps backward
180
on the score line until the flap touches its side of the box. Insert a sealing board or place the box over a sealing
device, whichever sealing method is used, then fold the inside flaps forward 270
to the normal closed position. Avoid
distortions and “out-of-squareness,” since this will affect the load-bearing ability of the containers.

6. Sealing

6.1 When this method is used as a quality control test or as a referee test, it is important that a consistent
method of flap closure be used to insure consistent results in both average and variability data.
6.2 Up to the review of this test method (1988), the technique for sealing flaps has been very specific. This
has consisted of water-based adhesive coverage of 100% of flap areas (more than 13 mm (0.5 in.) away from scores) and
holding the flaps in contact with one another until the bond is set. For the purposes of this writing, this sealing technique
will be referred to as the classical technique.
6.3 The procedure for sealing boxes according to the classical technique is outlined in the appendix.
6.4 Other sealing techniques are acceptable.
6.4.1 In top-to-bottom testing, the primary concern is to insure that the minor and major flaps are fastened to
each other by some means. The means may include hot melt adhesive, stitches, clips or tape. The important factor is
that the flaps not be allowed to freely sink into the depth of the box during the compression test.
6.4.2 The compression testing of empty boxes with unsealed flaps can be acceptable as long as it is understood
that this is the procedure being used. There is evidence that the testing of empty boxes with unsealed flaps can at times
result in higher average test values than testing the same boxes with sealed flaps.
6.4.3 When testing boxes end to end or side to side, the placement of and action of the flaps during the
compression test become even more critical to the average test value attained. When testing boxes end to end or side
to side, one should use either the classical flap sealing technique or a technique that simulates the manner in which the
flaps will be closed in actual field use.

1
Names of suppliers of testing equipment and materials for this method may be found on the Test Equipment Suppliers list in the bound
set of TAPPI Test Methods, or may be available from the TAPPI Technical Services Department.
3 / Compression test of fiberboard shipping containers T 804 om-97

7. Conditioning

7.1 Condition in accordance with TAPPI T 402 “Standard Conditioning and Testing Atmospheres for Paper,
Board, Pulp Handsheets, and Related Products,” precondition the test specimens so as to approach the equilibrium
moisture content at standard conditions from a drier state and then condition for a minimum of 24 h.

NOTE 2: The criterion for the conditioning period for other than regular grade, single-wall boxes is that there should be less than a 0.1%
change in their weight between successive weighings taken at intervals of at least 2 h.

7.2 If water based adhesive is used in sealing the flaps, allow the boxes to dry for 24 h after sealing to permit
the adhesive to dry.

NOTE 3: If boxes are sealed with liquid based adhesives, they should be preconditioned and conditioned after flap sealing to insure that all
of the water applied with the adhesive is properly distributed.

7.3 If conditioning is impractical in special instances, determine the moisture content of the boxes in
accordance with TAPPI T 412 “Moisture in Paper and Paperboard” immediately after the test.

8. Procedure

8.1 Test each box in the conditioned environment. If this is not possible, test each box immediately upon
removing it from the conditioned room.
8.2 Center the test container on the bottom platen of the compression machine. Adjust the load indicator to
zero, i.e., counterbalance or compensate by adjustment for the gross weight of the box including the sealing board or its
contents. Select the lowest load range of the machine compatible with the greatest anticipated test load. Apply a preload
to the specimen (see 8.2.1) and set the deformation point to zero, or begin the deformation measurement at zero at this
point. The preload ensures definite platen contact and in most instances levels off any irregularities of the box.
8.2.1 The initial preloads are: (a) single-wall boxes, 223 N (50 lbf); (b) double-wall boxes, 446 N (100 lbf);
(c) triple-wall boxes, 2230 N (500 lbf).
8.2.2 Apply the test load at a rate of 13.0 ± 2.5 mm/min. (0.5 in./min.). Record the load applied and the
deformation until failure of the container. Take readings at each 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) deformation if a recording device is
not used.

9. Report

9.1 As a minimum, report the following:

9.1.1 Dimensions of container, style, flute, flute direction, grade of material, and type of manufacturer's joint.
If the container was tested with interior parts, or contents, describe these.
9.1.2 Method of closure.
9.1.3 The orientation in which the containers were tested, e.g., T–B, E–E, or S–S.
9.1.4 Number of specimens tested.
9.1.5 A graph or tabulation of the loads sustained and corresponding deformations. A summary usually
consists of the average of the highest loads at or below the critical deformation, the critical deformations used, the
average of maximum loads, the average of the deformation at the maximum loads, and the standard deviation.
9.1.6 A statement identifying the type of compression apparatus used as having fixed or floating platens.
9.1.7 A statement to the effect that all tests were made in compliance with this method including
preconditioning or that the method was used with certain specific exceptions.

NOTE 4: Further desirable information in the report includes any observations that may assist in interpreting the results of the tests, such as
the nature and cause of failure, any auxiliary tests made, presence of printing on the container, etc.

9.2 Report the moisture content of the container board as soon as possible after making the compression test.

10. Precision

10.1 The values for repeatability and reproducibility have been calculated from the results of a round robin
which is discussed in detail in Appendix B. The average and variability data reported by each laboratory were based
T 804 om-97 Compression test of fiberboard shipping containers / 4

on 10 individual compression tests. The repeatability and reproducibility reported below were calculated for
comparisons of averages of 5 compression tests. This was done since 5 tests is the most common number used in
establishing the compression value of an order.
10.2 Repeatability (within a laboratory) = 7.0%.
10.3 Reproducibility (between laboratories) = 10.6%. This is true when the two laboratories use the same
method of sealing the containers.
10.4 Repeatability and reproducibility represent the agreement which is expected 95% of the time when two
test results are compared. Refer to TAPPI T 1206 “Precision Statement for Test Methods” for complete definitions of
these terms.

11. Keywords

Containers, Compression tests, Fiberboards, Compressibility, Compression strength.

12. Additional information

12.1 Effective date of issue: July 20, 1997.

12.2 This method was first published in 1945 as a Tentative Standard, became an Official Standard in 1967
and was revised in 1975.
12.3 For special purposes or studies (non-referee tests), this method may be used as described at conditions
such as high humidity, low temperatures, and other specially prescribed conditions. Such special procedures used must
be specifically stated in the report.
12.4 Common practice is to give particular consideration to the highest load attained up to the point of critical
deformation. The critical deformation is the deformation beyond which the contents might be forced to carry a
significant part of the load. The critical deformations generally used in the industry for A- or C-flute, single-wall, regular
slotted containers are: (a) top-to-bottom, 19 mm (0.75 in.); (b) end-to-end, 13 mm (0.50 in.); (c) side-to-side, 13 mm
(0.50 in.).
12.4.1 The maximum load and the deformation at maximum load are also recorded even if they occur above
these critical deformations. Deformation is the reduction in height which the specimen undergoes, measured in terms
of reduced platen separation, as measured from the preload.
12.5 Related methods: ASTM D 642 “Compression Test for Shipping Containers,” American Society for
Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA; APPITA P 800 “Compression Test for Shipping Containers,” Technical
Association of the Australian and New Zealand Pulp and Paper Industry, Parkville, Australia.

Appendix A: Classical technique for sealing flaps

A.1 Sealing equipment, consists of the following:

A.1.1 A means of clamping the inner and outer flaps together, after the adhesive has been applied and the flaps
have been closed, and for holding the flaps flat and in good contact.

NOTE A1: The adhesive may be any water based case-sealing glue.

A.1.2 Sealing board used for the purpose should be wooden boards thick enough to apply the sealing pressure
uniformly, and with dimensions about 38 mm (1.5 in.) to a maximum of 100 mm (4 in.) smaller than the inside container,
so that the board left in the container will not influence the test. See the Appendix for suggested methods of clamping.
A.2 Apply a uniform film of adhesive to the inner flaps. Keep the adhesive approximately 13 mm (0.5 in.)
but not more than 25 mm (1 in.) away from all the score lines. Close the outer flaps and square them, and, with the
sealing equipment, apply firm pressure to assure complete and flat contact of the flaps. Do this quickly to prevent undue
drying of the adhesive before contact is made. After the adhesive has been dried sufficiently to prevent disturbing the
bond, remove the pressure.
A.3 When the box is to be tested empty, the flaps may be sealed by one of the following methods or an
equivalent one which will ensure a firm seal without damage to the container.
A.3.1 The bottom flaps may be clamped by one of these devices:
A.3.1.1 A spring loaded bottom sealer which clamps the flaps between two flat platens.
A.3.1.2 A flat surface of a bench on which the container is placed after the bottom flaps have been closed, a board
of proper size inserted inside and further by:
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A.3.1.2.1 Placing a weight on the board, or

A.3.1.2.2 Hanging a weight on the board by means of a hook through a slot in the bench, or
A.3.1.2.3 Passing a long carriage bolt through a hole in the board, the flaps, and the bench, and drawing tight
with a wing nut.
A.3.1.3 A sealing board on the inside and outside with a carriage bolt extended through a hole in the inside
board, the flap and the outside board, drawn tight with a wing nut or toggle clamp.
A.3.2 The top flaps may be clamped as follows:
A.3.2.1 Inserting the sealing board in the container,
A.3.2.2 Inverting the container on the bench, and
A.3.2.3 Hanging a weight on the board as in A.3.1.2.2 above, or
A.3.2.4 Using a long bolt and wing nut as in A.3.1.2.3 above or
A.3.2.5 Using a sealing board outside as in A.3.1.3 above.
A.4 When the adhesive has set, release the clamping device and permit the inner sealing board to fall loose,
holding the box upright so that the board falls flat and does no damage. If the box has interior dividers or contents, place
a board on the top flaps and place a weight on it.
A.5 Make sure that the sealing board is in such a position that it will not offer any support to the box during
the test.

Appendix B: A discussion of the repeatability and reproducibility data

B.1 These precision data are based on tests conducted for TAPPI in 12 laboratories in 1988.
B.2 All the corrugated board in this study was taken from one position off the corrugator and was made at
a constant speed over approximately a two-minute period. These sheets were run in order through a flexo folder gluer
at a constant speed over about a 3-minute period. The boxes were numbered in order of production off the flexo. A
random numbers table was used to select the sets of boxes for testing at each laboratory. The board used in the test was
200 pound test C-flute. The boxes were tested top to bottom.
B.3 The results for repeatability and reproducibility were compared in the following ways:
B.3.1 Only three of the 12 laboratories were equipped to run the test using the classical sealing method. These
three laboratories tested groups of boxes according to the classical sealing method and the hot melt adhesive sealing
method, which was the most common.
B.3.2 Seven laboratories tested using the hot melt adhesive sealing technique. Repeatability and reproducibility
were determined for those 7 laboratories.
B.3.3 Repeatability and reproducibility were determined for all 12 laboratories. Methods of Sealing were: 7 -
Hot Melt; 1 - PVA; 1 - Clipped; 1 - Stitched; 1 - Tape, Clipped; 1 - Bottom Stitched, Top Clipped and Taped.
B.3.4 The results:

Technique Number of Compression

method laboratories average, lbs Repeatability Reproducibility

Classic 3 810 7.1% 9.3%

Hot melt 3 805 7.5% 8.5%

Hot melt 7 818 7.0% 10.6%

Most common
for each lab 12 840 6.5% 16.2%

Repeatability and reproducibility are for averages of 5 samples.

B.4 Reproducibility is about 10% when the two laboratories follow this procedure and use the same flap
fastening method. Comparing compression averages when two different flap fastening methods have been used adds
to the uncertainty of the comparison.
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Appendix C

C.1 Some pieces of compression test equipment can be altered to enable the user to allow the top platen to
float or to swivel. This means that the top platen is not always parallel to the bottom platen. As the test proceeds the
top platen is allowed to seek the weakest point on the horizontal plane of the test surface. This is a good technique to
use when seeking the weak link in a stacking pattern as might be experienced in a warehouse stacking situation.
C.2 The floating platen technique is likely to yield different test results from the fixed platen technique. If
the floating platen technique is used, it should be highlighted in the test report. If the purpose of the testing being
conducted is to gather quality assurance data on individual boxes or to gather comparative data for a referee situation,
it is highly recommended that the fixed platen technique be used.

Your comments and suggestions on this procedure are earnestly requested and should be sent to the TAPPI Technical
Divisions Administrator.