Comprehensive Compression and Crushing Analysis for Packaging, Cartons, and Corrugated Boxes

The Box Compression Strength Test is one of the most critical mechanical tests used to determine the ability of packaging products to withstand compressive loads during storage, stacking, transportation, and distribution. Corrugated boxes and cartons are continuously exposed to vertical loads throughout the logistics chain. If the compression strength of a box is insufficient, collapse may occur, leading to product damage, customer complaints, and significant financial losses.

This test simulates real-life stacking and transportation conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. By providing accurate and repeatable results, the box compression strength test plays a key role not only in quality control processes but also in packaging design optimization and research & development activities.

Purpose of the Box Compression Strength Test

The primary purpose of the box compression strength test is to determine the maximum load-bearing capacity of a box when subjected to a vertical compressive force. The test enables manufacturers to:

  • Identify the maximum compression load a box can withstand

  • Evaluate stacking performance during storage and transport

  • Verify the structural integrity of packaging designs

  • Improve product safety and logistics reliability

What Is the Box Compression Strength Test?

The box compression strength test involves placing a box specimen between two parallel compression plates and applying a controlled load at a defined speed. During the test, the applied force increases continuously until the box:

  • Reaches its maximum compression strength

  • Exhibits structural failure or collapse

  • Shows significant deformation or crushing

Key parameters such as maximum force, deformation behavior, and permanent damage characteristics are recorded and analyzed in detail.

This test setup also allows the performance of related packaging and paper tests such as BCT, ECT, FCT, RCT, CMT, CCT, and PAT.

Importance of the Box Compression Strength Test

The box compression strength test provides a realistic and measurable evaluation of packaging performance. Its importance can be summarized as follows:

  • Stacking safety: Ensures boxes can withstand vertical loads without collapsing

  • Transportation reliability: Verifies resistance to compressive forces during shipment

  • Cost efficiency: Prevents excessive material usage while maintaining required strength

  • Damage reduction: Minimizes product loss, returns, and customer dissatisfaction

Scientific Basis of the Test

The test is based on material mechanics and deformation theory. The relationship between applied compressive force and resulting deformation is continuously measured. This allows precise identification of elastic and plastic behavior limits, providing insight into the structural performance of the packaging material under load.

As a result, the test evaluates not only the maximum strength but also how the box behaves throughout the loading process.

Test Procedure and Equipment Operation

The test specimen is placed centrally between the upper and lower compression plates. Test parameters such as compression speed, stop conditions, and measurement units are set via a touch-screen control interface. During the test, force and displacement values are monitored in real time. The test automatically stops when a predefined force, deformation, or failure condition is reached, and all results are recorded for evaluation.

Contribution of Technical Features to Testing Accuracy

  • Touch-screen interface for intuitive and precise test control

  • Emergency stop system ensuring operator safety

  • Dual-column frame design for stable and uniform load application

  • High measurement accuracy for reliable and repeatable results

  • Wide speed range compatible with multiple international standards

  • Programmable stop conditions for flexible test scenarios

  • Multiple measurement units and multilingual software support

  • Robust, durable structure with minimal maintenance requirements

Advantages of the Box Compression Strength Test

Technical Advantages

A single test system can perform a wide range of compression, crushing, and deformation tests. This increases laboratory efficiency and reduces overall testing time while maintaining high accuracy.

Contribution to Quality Control

Continuous monitoring of corrugated board, paper, and carton quality allows early detection of production inconsistencies. This ensures stable product quality and compliance with specified performance requirements.

Support for Export and Certification Processes

Tests performed in accordance with recognized national and international standards enable reliable preparation of test reports required for export and certification. This enhances customer confidence and strengthens market competitiveness.

Fields of Application

The box compression strength test is widely used in packaging and paper industries, corrugated board manufacturing, plastic and corrugated pipe production, automotive, construction, glass, ceramic, and building materials sectors. In all these fields, ensuring safe transportation and long-term durability of products is essential.

Standards

  • TS EN ISO 12048: Determination of compression strength of corrugated fiberboard boxes

  • DIN EN 22872: Evaluation of packaging behavior under compressive load

  • TAPPI T 804: Compression testing of corrugated boxes

  • FEFCO 50: Performance requirements for boxes under load

  • AFNOR H 13-001: Compression properties of paper and board packaging

  • TS EN ISO 9969: Ring stiffness and compression behavior of plastic pipes

  • ISTA Series: Performance testing of packaged products under distribution conditions

  • TS EN ISO 7263: Edge crush properties of corrugated board

  • TAPPI T 809: Compression resistance of paper and board specimens

  • ISO 3037: Edgewise crush resistance of corrugated board

  • ISO 3035: Flat crush resistance of corrugated board

  • ASTM D642: Compression resistance of shipping containers

  • ASTM D4169: Performance testing of shipping containers and systems

  • ASTM D4577: Load performance of packaging under compression

  • ASTM D7030: Mechanical performance testing of plastic pipes

  • DIN 55440-1: Mechanical performance of packaging under load

  • TS EN ISO 13968: Compression properties of paper and board packaging

  • 49 CFR 178-606: Performance requirements for transport packaging

Conclusion

The Box Compression Strength Test is an indispensable method for ensuring packaging reliability, transportation safety, and product protection. When performed accurately and in compliance with applicable standards, this test significantly improves packaging performance, reduces damage risks, and provides long-term cost benefits for manufacturers. For this reason, box compression strength testing is a fundamental component of modern quality control and R&D processes.