ISO 3037:2022

Overview

ISO 3037:2022 - Corrugated fibreboard - Determination of edgewise crush resistance (non-waxed edge method) defines a standardized test (an ECT variant) for measuring the edgewise crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard. The method applies a compressive force in the direction of the flute axis to a rectangular test piece until failure; the maximum force per unit length is recorded. The standard covers single-wall (double-faced), double-wall and triple-wall board and can be used on samples taken from corrugated cases and converted products.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope & applicability: Applicable to all flute types provided no buckling or tipping occurs during the test. Intended for quality measurement and specification purposes.
• Test principle: A rectangular test piece is compressed between platens (flute axis aligned with load) until failure; the peak load is reported as edgewise crush resistance.
• Test piece dimensions: Typical cuts are 100.0 mm ±0.5 mm perpendicular to flutes and 25.0 mm ±0.5 mm in the flute direction (height); lengths parallel to flutes normally 70–300 mm. Ten valid single results are required.
• Sample preparation & quality: Cuts must be clean, straight, parallel and perpendicular to board surfaces. Reject samples with visible defects (scores, creases, washboarding) or where buckling/tipping occurs.
• Conditioning & sampling: Samples shall be conditioned per ISO 187 and sampled per ISO 186.
• Apparatus: Fixed-platen compression testing machine in accordance with ISO 13820; suitable cutting devices (e.g., high-speed table saw or Billerud-type cutter) and guide blocks.
• Procedure controls: The 2022 revision adds emphasis on controlled/constant feed rate during compression and clarifies preparation (Clauses 6–9).
• Reporting & precision: Test report requirements are specified; precision data and repeatability/inter-laboratory information are provided in Annex B.

Applications and Users

• Who uses ISO 3037: Packaging engineers, QC/QA laboratories, corrugated board manufacturers, converters, testing laboratories and procurement teams specifying board performance.
• Practical uses:
  • Routine quality control of corrugated fibreboard batches.
  • Specifying board for packaging and transport performance prediction (correlates with BCT when using compatible prediction formulas).
  • Comparing production lots and identifying defects (e.g., washboarding) that affect edgewise strength.
• Limitations: As a non-waxed edge method, ISO 3037 typically gives lower numerical ECT values than waxed, clamped or alternative geometries due to edge effects; results from different ECT methods are not directly interchangeable.

Related Standards

• ISO 13820 - Description and calibration of fixed-platen compression-testing equipment
• ISO 186 - Sampling to determine average quality
• ISO 187 - Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing
• ISO 13821 - Waxed-edge ECT (alternative method)
• Other referenced methods: TAPPI T 839, JIS Z 0403-2 (for comparison)

Keywords: ISO 3037, corrugated fibreboard, edgewise crush resistance, ECT, non-waxed edge method, compression testing, flute axis, packaging testing.