ASTM D5118/D5118M-95(2001)

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Designation: D 5118/D 5118M – 95 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Practice for
Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5118/D 5118M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope MMM-A-250 Adhesives, Water-Resistant (For Closure of
Fiberboard Boxes)
1.1 This practice covers the fabrication of new fiberboard
PPP-B-638 Packing of Boxes, Caps, Liners, and Sleeves
boxes, liners and sleeves.
FED-STD-123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
1.2 This practice points out the factors and components that
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
must be controlled in the manufacture of corrugated and solid
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
fiberboard boxes, liners and sleeves.
Title 49
1.3 This practice does not cover the adequacy of fiberboard
2.4 Other Publications:
containers under all conditions of exposure to atmosphere,
National Motor Freight Classification
handling, shipping and storage.
Uniform Freight Classification
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
3. Terminology
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
3.1 Definitions of terms relating to packaging are found in
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
Terminology D 996.
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Corrugated and solid fiberboard boxes, sleeves and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
liners are used to unitize products into packages of size and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
shape suitable for manual or mechanical handling and to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
protect the contents against environmental, handling, shipping,
2. Referenced Documents and storage conditions.
4.2 This practice covers some of the basic constructions and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
styles of commercially available fiberboard packaging used to
D 685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
2 unitize and protect contents.
for Testing
4.3 Use of Other Specifications—Nothing in this practice
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
2 shall be construed to prohibit the use of boxes of special design
ments
or of fiberboard packages identified by package number in the
D 3950 Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Join-
2 current Uniform Freight Classification and National Motor
ing Methods)
2 Freight Classification when in the experience and judgement of
D 3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
2 the purchaser, the nature of the articles or material to be
D 3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
shipped justifies such boxes or packages. Some commodities
D 4727 Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard
2 may require less protection while other commodities may
Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
require better boxes than are specified herein. Containers for
2.2 Federal Specifications:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard
Products. Available from National Motor Freight Classification, Inc., 2200 Mill Road,
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1995. Published March 1996. Originally Alexandria, VA 22314.
published as D 5118/D 5118M – 90. Last previous edition D 5118/D 5118M – 90. Available from National Railroad Freight Committee, Suite 1120, 222 River-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09. side Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606.
3 6
Available from Standardization Documents, Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D, Available from the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, attn: NPODS. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 5118/D 5118M
explosives and dangerous articles must also comply with
regulations for the Transport of Hazardous Materials (CFR
Title 49).
5. Styles
5.1 Fiberboard boxes covered by this practice may be of the
following styles:
5.1.1 RSC/0201 —Regular slotted box (Fig. 1).
5.1.2 OSC/0202 —Overlap slotted box (Fig. 2).
5.1.3 FOL/0203 —Full overlap slotted box (Fig. 3).
5.1.4 SFF/0206 —Special full flap slotted box (Fig. 4).
5.1.5 CSSC/0204 —Center special slotted box (Fig. 5).
5.1.6 CSOSC/0205 —Center special overlap slotted box
(Fig. 5).
5.1.7 HSCC/0312 —Half slotted box with cover (Fig. 6).
5.1.8 DBLCC/0310 —Double cover box (Fig. 7).
5.1.9 IC/0325 —Interlocking double cover box (Fig. 8).
5.1.10 FTC/0301 —Full telescope box (Fig. 9).
5.1.11 FTHS/0320 —Full telescope half slotted box (Fig.
10).
5.1.12 OPF/0401 —One piece folder (Fig. 11).
5.1.13 FPF/0410 —Five panel folder (Fig. 12).
5.1.14 TS—Triple slide box (type CF only) (Fig. 13).
5.1.15 TSC—Tongue and slot closure box (Fig. 14).
5.2 Other styles may also be applicable (see 8.1.3).
Available from European Federation of Manufacturers of Corrugated Board
FIG. 2 Box, Fiberboard; OSC—Overlap Slotted Box
(FEFCO), 37 Rue d’Amsterdam, 75008, Paris, France. Also known as the
International Box Code System, that is, in RSC/0201, RSC stands for regular slotted
container and 0201 is the international box code number for the RSC.
6. Requirements
6.1 Materials:
6.1.1 Fiberboard shall conform to type, class, variety, and
grade of Specification D 4727 unless otherwise specified. Flute
structure shall be as specified in Specification D 4727 (see
8.1.2).
6.1.2 Manufacturer’s joints shall be secured by one of the
following materials: (The joint is that seam of a box where the
ends of the box blank are joined.)
6.1.2.1 Metal fasteners shall be commercially preformed
staples or staples formed from commercial steel stitching wire.
All metal fasteners shall have commercially applied coating of
zinc or copper wash.
6.1.2.2 Manufacturer’s joint tapes shall be of the following
constructions:
(1) For boxes not exceeding 65 lb [30 kg] gross weight
sealing strips must not be less than 2 in. [51 mm] wide, and
must comply with one of the following requirements:
(a) Two thicknesses of sulphate paper, total basis weight
not less than 80 lb [130 g/m ] combined with a water-resistant
compound and reinforced with not less than double strand
nylon fiber not less than 210 denier forming a pattern with
strands not more than ⁄2 in. [13 mm] apart.
(b) Cloth having crosswise (filler) threads having a
minimum tearing strength of 40 Elemendorf units. Inside and
outside strips of sulphate paper not less than 2 in. [51 mm]
wide; outside strip having a basis weight of not less than 60 lb
FIG. 1 Box, Fiberboard; RSC—Regular Slotted Box [100 g/m ] having a bursting strength of not less than 60 psi
D 5118/D 5118M
running crosswise of tape not more than ⁄8 in. [10 mm] apart,
the rayon fibers to be not less than 1100 denier.
—With glass fibers in a diamond pattern the sides of which,
parallel to each other, are formed by a cluster of yarn not less
than two per inch as measured in the machine direction. Each
cluster shall be formed of at least two 150-1/0 threads or the
equivalent in weight of 75-1/0 yarn.
(c) Two thicknesses of sulphate paper, one 30 lb [50 g/m ]
basis weight and the other 60 lb [98 g/m ] basis weight
reinforced with cotton or linen fibers.
(d) Two or more thicknesses of sulphate paper, total basis
weight not less than 150 lb [244 g/m ] and having a bursting
strength of not less than 150 psi [1034 kPa], all plies firmly
glued together not less than ⁄4in. [6 mm] wide along both
edges. Cloth having crosswise (filled) threads having a mini-
mum tearing strength of 70 Elemendorf units. Inside and
outside strips of sulphate paper not less than 2 in. [50.0 mm]
wide, each having a basis weight not less than 90 lb [147 g/m ],
and having a bursting strength of not less than 90 psi [621 kPa].
6.1.2.3 Cold adhesive shall conform to MMM-A-250 and
as specified herein. When boxes are used for packaging or
packing food and the adhesive used may contact or be in
proximity to the food, the adhesive shall comply with the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promul-
gated thereunder.
6.1.2.4 Hot melt adhesives can be used when gross weight
does not exceed 65 lb [30 kg], by overlapping the sides of box
FIG. 3 Box, Fiberboard; FOL—Full Overlap Slotted Box
forming the joint not less than 1 ⁄4 in. [32 mm] and by firmly
gluing this joint with hot melt adhesive consisting of 100 %
solids contents of thermal-plastic materials, which will main-
[414 kPa]; inside strip having a basis weight not less than 40 lb
tain bond at temperatures ranging from − 20°F [−29°C]
[65 g/m ], and a bursting strength of not less than 40 psi [275
to + 165°F [ + 74°C] above zero.
kPa].
6.2 Boxes shall be designed for type, class, variety, and
(2) For boxes exceeding 65 lb [30 kg] gross weight, sealing
grade as set forth in Specification D 4727, Tables 1 and 2, and
strips must be not less than 3 in. [76 mm] wide, unless
styles specified herein (see 5.1, 5.2 and 6.2.1).
otherwise provided, and must comply with one of the follow-
6.2.1 Style:
ing requirements:
(a) One thickness of sulphate paper, the fibers of which are 6.2.1.1 The style of box or folder shall be as specified (see
integrally bonded and reinforced with rubber, basis weight not 8.1.3). The location of the openings shall be determined by the
less than 175 lb [285 g/m ], embossed and varnished. Two specified dimensions, which shall always be furnished in the
thicknesses of sulphate paper, total basis weight not less than order of length, width, and depth (see 6.3 and Fig. 1 and Fig.
80 lb [130 g/m ], reinforced in the cross direction with 15).
alternating bands of 840 denier and 420 denier nylon, not less
6.2.1.2 Regular Slotted (RSC/0201)—This box shall meet
than 4 bands every 2 in. [51 mm]. One thickness of sulphate
the requirements of Fig. 1. The box shall be scored and slotted
paper having a basis weight not less than 70 lb [114 g/m ]
to form a body piece having four flaps for closing each of two
reinforced in the cross direction with alternating bands of 840
opposite faces. The flaps along the longer edge of the box
denier and 420 denier nylon, not less than 4 bands every 2 in.
openings are the outer flaps and those along the shorter edge
[51 mm], nylon bands firmly adhered to the surface of the
are the inner flaps. Flaps shall not project beyond an edge of
paper by means of a water-resistant compound.
the box. All flaps shall be of equal length with the outer flaps
meeting in the center of the width panel but shall not overlap.
NOTE 1—Kraft tape basis weights are calculated as a ream weight of
The gap not to exceed ⁄4in. [6 mm] will be permitted unless
500 sheets of 24 in. [610 mm] by 36 in. [915 mm] paper. The base stocks
are 90 lb [41 kg], 120 lb [55 kg] or 140 lb [64 kg] kraft ream weight. These otherwise specified.
2 2 2 2
convert to 30 lb/1000 ft [150 g/m ], 40 lb/1000 ft [195 g/m ], and 47
6.2.1.3 Overlap Slotted (OSC/0202)—This box shall meet
2 2
lb/1000 ft [230 g/m ] kraft liner board equivalents.
the requirements of Fig. 2. This box shall be scored and slotted
(b) Two thicknesses of sulphate paper, total basis weight not to form a body piece having four flaps for closing each of two
less than 80 lb [130 g/m ] combined with a water-resistant opposite faces. When closed, the inner flaps shall not overlap
compound and with reinforcing as follows: and the outer flaps shall overlap the distance specified (see
—Asphalt reinforced with sisal fibers. 8.1.9). Inner flaps shall be the same length as the outer flaps,
—With glass, rayon, or glass and rayon fibers combined, except where the relation of width to length would cause the
D 5118/D 5118M
FIG. 4 Box, Fiberboard; SFF—Special Full Flap Slotted Box
FIG. 6 Box, Fiberboard; HSCC—Half Slotted Box with Cover
6.2.1.4 Full Overlap Slotted (FOL/0203)—This box shall
meet the requirements of Fig. 3. The box shall be constructed
FIG. 5 Box, Fiberboard; CSSC—Center Special Slotted Box and in accordance with 6.2.1.3, except that the length of the outer
CSOSC—Center Special Overlap Slotted Box
flaps shall be the full width of the box and shall not extend
beyond the edge of the box (see 6.6).
inner flaps to overlap, in which case, the inner flaps shall be cut 6.2.1.5 Special Full Flap Slotted (SFF/0206)—This box
shall meet the requirements of Fig. 4. This box shall be
so that, when in closed position, they shall meet.
D 5118/D 5118M
FIG. 7 Box, Fiberboard; DBLCC—Double Cover
FIG. 9 Box, Fiberboard; FTC—Full Telescope
FIG. 8 Box, Fiberboard; IC—Interlocking Double Cover
constructed in accordance with 6.2.1.3, except that the length
of the inner flaps in the closed position shall be such that they
FIG. 10 Box, Fiberboard; FTHS—Two Piece Full Telescope Half
meet in the center of the box but do not overlap. A gap not to
Slotted Box
exceed ⁄4 in. [6 mm] will be permitted.
6.2.1.6 Center Special Slotted (CSSC/0204)— This box
shall meet the requirements of Fig. 5. The box shall be Outer flaps shall be the same length as the inner flaps and may
constructed in accordance with 6.2.1.2, except that the length overlap (no flap cutting is required). Dimension of the box
of the inner and outer flaps shall be such that they meet in the shall be such that the outer flaps do not extend beyond the
center of the box but do not overlap. A gap not to exceed ⁄4 in. configuration of the box.
[6 mm] will be permitted. 6.2.1.8 Half Slotted With Cover (HSCC/0312)—This box
6.2.1.7 Center Special Overlap Slotted (CSOCS/0205)— shall meet the requirements of Fig. 6. The box consists of a box
(See Fig. 5.) This box shall be as specified herein. When body and a cover. The body shall be scored, slotted and secured
closed, the inner flaps shall meet in the middle of the face with to form a tube having four flaps, of equal length on the bottom.
a gap not to exceed ⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] when in the closed position. The outer flaps shal
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