What Does ECT (Edge Crush Test) Mean?
When it comes to shipping and packaging, there are a lot of acronyms and jargon that can be confusing. One phrase you may have come across is ECT, or Edge Crush Test. But what does this test actually involve? Keep reading to find out!
What is ECT?
ECT, or Edgewise Compressive Strength, is a measure of the corrugated board's ability to withstand weight and pressure. It provides an indication of the corrugated material's structural integrity, strength and flexibility. This test measures the corrugated paperboard's endurance when force is applied horizontally against its edges. To determine the corrugated board's ECT, it is crushed by a machine in precise increments while being measured for resistance to crushing. The ECT thus determines the corrugated board’s ability to protect whatever product may occupy it during shipping and handling processes. With a good understanding of the corrugated board’s ECT, packaging engineers are better equipped to tailor custom products that fit their customer’s exact needs.
How is ECT Tested?
The Edge Crush Test (ECT) is an important tool for testing the strength of corrugated board. Through pressure applied directly to the edge of a sheet until it crushes, corrugated materials can be evaluated in terms of their pressure resistance and stacking strength. By performing the ECT, manufacturers as well as consumers can know if a particular material will be able to endure pressure and any items it may contain will be delivered in safe condition. Knowing the pressure resistance is especially important when items like electronics or perishables are being considered. It’s simple and effective: with just pressure and crushing, one can easily determine if a box is strong enough to do its job!
Why Is This Number Important?
Knowing the strength of the edges on a board is absolutely essential, as it helps to determine how much transit and shipping damage it can endure. This number gives an indication of just how strong those edges are and how well they will protect the contents inside during transit or storage. Preventing crushing of materials is key, and relying on a test score can give shippers assurance that their goods will arrive in good condition.
How Is ECT Used?
The Edge Crush Test (ECT) is used to find the amount of force required to push a box or packaging material to its breaking point. This makes it an important tool for companies who have boxes and other curved boxes in their supply chain, as this value can help give them an idea of which boxes are best suited for their needs. By testing different boxes and packages in regards to ECT, organizations can make more informed decisions when choosing boxes and packages for their specific needs. Furthermore, this value can be used to compare different types of corrugated board between suppliers, helping managers determine which materials will provide the best durability and cost-efficiency while keeping their boxes safe during shipping.
Conclusion
The edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board, or ECT, is a measure of how much pressure the edges of the board can resist before they collapse. The test is carried out by applying pressure to the edge of a sheet of corrugated board until it crushes. The pressure applied is then divided by the area of the sheet to give the ECT value. This value can be used to compare different types of corrugated board or to compare boards from different suppliers. The test is important because it gives an indication of how strong the edges of the board are, which is important in preventing crushing during transit or storage. It also provides information on how well the board will resist impact damage. Knowing the edgewise compressive strength of your business' corrugated board supplier is essential in order maintain quality shipments and avoid damages.
