Overview - EN ISO 7263-1:2019 (A-flute)
EN ISO 7263-1:2019 specifies a laboratory test method to determine the flat crush resistance of a corrugating medium after laboratory fluting using an A‑flute geometry. The method simulates single-faced corrugated board formation by passing the medium between heated corrugating rolls and measuring the maximum force required to cause flute collapse. The standard is intended for any corrugating medium that will be used, after fluting, in the manufacture of corrugated board.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Measurement of flat crush resistance of laboratory‑fluted corrugating medium (A‑flute); Part 2 covers B‑flute.
- Test procedures: Two permitted procedures:
- Immediate testing after fluting (typically 15 s–25 s after discharge).
- Testing after reconditioning (typically 30 min–35 min under standard laboratory conditions).
- Measured values:
- Flat crush resistance (maximum force before flute collapse), reported in newtons (N).
- Flat crush resistance index = flat crush resistance divided by paper grammage (for normalized comparison).
- Apparatus and settings:
- Fluter with matched heated steel rolls; roll temperature maintained at 175 °C ± 8 °C.
- Roll drive speed around 4.5 r/min ± 1.0 r/min; rolls held in mesh by a force of 100 N ± 10 N.
- Specific A‑flute roll geometry (e.g., roll diameter ~228.5 mm and tooth counts) is defined in the standard.
- Test method elements: sampling, conditioning (ISO 187 reference), preparation of test pieces, fluting, compression testing (ISO 13820 referenced), expression of results and test reporting.
- Quality/precision: Informative Annex B provides precision data and references ISO/TR 24498 and TAPPI T 1200.
Practical applications and users
- Packaging engineers and corrugators assessing raw corrugating medium performance for strength and stacking resistance.
- Quality control and R&D laboratories verifying material specifications and comparing suppliers.
- Material suppliers and converters using the flat crush resistance index to optimize grammage versus performance.
- Procurement and specification authors who need standardized test data for supplier contracts and compliance.
Benefits of using EN ISO 7263-1:2019
- Provides a reproducible laboratory method to predict potential flat crush behavior of corrugated board.
- Enables consistent comparison between materials and manufacturing conditions (immediate vs conditioned testing).
- Supports product development, quality assurance and compliance with industry measurement practices.
Related standards
- ISO 7263-2 - Flat crush resistance after laboratory fluting (B‑flute).
- ISO 3035 - Flat crush resistance of manufactured corrugated fibreboard.
- ISO 187 - Conditioning and test atmosphere.
- ISO 13820 - Calibration of compression-testing equipment.
- ISO/TR 24498 and TAPPI T 1200 - Precision guidance referenced in Annex B.
Keywords: EN ISO 7263-1:2019, flat crush resistance, corrugating medium, A‑flute, laboratory fluting, corrugated board, test method, packaging quality.