ISO 13821-2020 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 13821-2020 — Corrugated fibreboard — Determination of edgewise crush resistance — Waxed edge method. This International Standard specifies a laboratory method for measuring the edgewise crush (edge crush test) resistance of corrugated fibreboard using the waxed-edge preparation to minimise edge effects and obtain representative compression-strength results for single-, double- and triple-wall board and converted products.

Abstract

This document specifies a method for the determination of the edgewise crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard. The compressive force is applied in the direction of the flute axis. The method is applicable to single-wall (double-faced), double-wall and triple-wall corrugated fibreboard and may be used on samples taken from corrugated cases and other converted products; care is required when testing waxed board so that waxing does not alter the corrugated structure or the failure mode.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed current).
• Publication date: June 2020.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 85.060 — Paper and board; packaging and paper testing.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (ISO bibliographic entry).

Scope

Specifies the waxed-edge method for determining edgewise crush resistance (edge crush test, ECT) of corrugated fibreboard. The method covers sample preparation (including waxing of loaded edges where required), test apparatus, conditioning, test procedure and calculation of results; it is intended for use on single-, double- and triple-wall corrugated board and for samples taken from finished containers. The procedure is intended to reduce distortion and local edge failure that can bias results from unwaxed-edge tests.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of edgewise crush resistance (ECT) measured with load applied along the flute axis.
• Waxed-edge sample preparation to reduce edge effects and produce reproducible failure away from loaded edges.
• Applicable sample types: single-wall (double-faced), double-wall and triple-wall corrugated fibreboard and converted products (cases, boxes).
• Test apparatus and calibration/conditioning considerations to ensure comparable results across laboratories.
• Procedure for reporting results and interpretation of failure modes (ensuring wax or heat used in waxing has not altered board structure).

Typical use and users

Used by packaging engineers, corrugated-board manufacturers, converters, quality-control and materials-testing laboratories, third-party test houses and procurement/specifications teams to verify and compare the compressive edge strength of corrugated materials for design, acceptance testing and quality assurance of packaging. Results support box design, stack-load assessments and supply-chain handling requirements.

Related standards

Standards typically referenced alongside ISO 13821 include ISO 3037 (edgewise crush — unwaxed edge method / related edge crush procedures), ISO 13820 (description and calibration of compression-testing equipment), ISO 187 (conditioning and testing atmosphere for papers and boards) and other ISO methods for flat crush and ring-crush tests used in packaging performance assessment. These standards together provide the conditioning, apparatus and complementary test methods used in corrugated board evaluation.

Keywords

corrugated fibreboard, edgewise crush resistance, edge crush test (ECT), waxed edge method, packaging testing, flute axis, single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall, compression testing, ISO 13821:2020.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13821:2020 is an international standard that specifies the waxed-edge method for measuring edgewise crush resistance (ECT) of corrugated fibreboard.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation (including waxing of loaded edges), test apparatus and calibration, conditioning, the test procedure for applying compressive load along the flute axis, and result calculation and reporting for single-, double- and triple-wall corrugated board and converted products.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging engineers, corrugated-board manufacturers and converters, quality-control and materials-testing laboratories, third‑party test houses, and procurement/specification teams use ISO 13821 to assess and verify edgewise crush strength for design and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 13821:2020 (Edition 2) is published and was confirmed as current in a five‑year review; the 2020 edition is the current version (the 2002 edition was withdrawn and replaced by the 2020 edition).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ISO test methods for papers, board and corrugated fibreboard (which includes related standards for flat crush, ring crush, instrument calibration and conditioning such as ISO 3037, ISO 13820 and ISO 187). These complementary standards are commonly used together for comprehensive packaging material assessment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Corrugated fibreboard, edgewise crush resistance, ECT, waxed-edge method, compression testing, flute axis, packaging testing.