Attachment 11- D1974-D1974M.pdf

Designation: D1974/D1974M − 10

StandardPractice for Methods of Closing, Sealing, and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1974/D1974M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes several methods for closing, sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard (solid and corrugated, excluding triple wall) shipping boxes used for shipment. One or several methods listed in this practice may be referenced in regulations, specifications, or contracts. (See Appendix for cross reference).

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units

are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

NOTE 1—This practice is intended to be workable in both inch-pound units and SI units. Unit conversions are intended to be functional but are not necessarily exact; this should not significantly affect the performance of the closing, sealing, or reinforcing methods. Descriptions in inch-pound and SI units are considered interchangeable in this practice.

NOTE 2—All references to this standard should be made by closure number.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the

safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:2

D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)3

D951 Test Method for Water Resistance of Shipping Con-tainers by Spray Method

D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-ments

D3654/D3654M Test Methods for Shear Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes

D3759/D3759M Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Pressure-Sensitive Tape

D3950 Specification for Strapping, Nonmetallic (and Join-ing Methods)

D3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-tainers and Systems D4675 Guide for Selection and Use of Flat Strapping Ma-terials1

D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fi-berboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes

D5118/D5118M Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Ship-ping Boxes

D5330/D5330M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Packaging, Filament-Reinforced

D5486/D5486M Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Packaging, Box Closure, and Sealing

D5570 Test Method for Water Resistance of Tape and Adhesives Used as Box Closure

D5749 Specification for Reinforced and Plain Gummed Tape for Sealing and Securing

F592 Terminology of Collated and Cohered Fasteners and Their Application Tools

2.2 U.S. Government Documents:4

MMM-A-250 Adhesive, Water Resistant (For Closure of Fiberboard Boxes)

2.3 Other Standards:

International Fiberboard Case Code5

1 This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.27 on Paper and Paperboard Products.

Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2010. Published September 2010. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1974 – 98(2003).

DOI: 10.1520/D1974_D1974M–10.

2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

3 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.

4 Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http:// dodssp.daps.dla.mil.

5 International Fiberboard Case Code, European Federation of Manufacturers of Corrugated Board (FEFCO), 37 rue d’Amsterdam, 75008, Paris, France, 874-63-76.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0644 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0644 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0951 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0951 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0996 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D0996 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3654_D3654M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3654_D3654M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3759_D3759M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3759_D3759M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3950 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3950 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D3953 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4169 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4169 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4675 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4675 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4727_D4727M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D4727_D4727M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5118_D5118M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5118_D5118M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5330_D5330M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5330_D5330M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5486_D5486M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5486_D5486M http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5570 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5570 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5749 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/D5749 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/F0592 http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/F0592 http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/D10.htm http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/D1027.htm

NOTE 3—FEFCO5 established a code of box styles to facilitate international trade. The box codes consist of four-digit numbers; for example, a regular slotted container was assigned the code 0201.

3. Terminology

3.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution envi-

ronments are found in Terminology D996.

3.2 Definitions:

3.2.1 crown—staple end opposite staple point, connecting both staple legs and providing bearing area (F592).

3.2.2 leg—staple part connecting staple crown with staple point, driven through and into or through materials being fastened (F592).

3.2.3 stitch—staple cut and formed from wire immediately prior to driving by same machine (F592).

3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.3.1 closure—the means of securing the flaps or covers of a box so that the box will not accidentally open during normal shipment, handling, and storage.

3.3.2 leg thickness—dimension of staple-leg cross section measured parallel to staple-crown axis (F592).

3.3.3 leg width—dimension of staple-leg cross section mea-sured perpendicular to staple-crown axis (F592).

3.3.4 reinforcing—the means (when required) of improving the stability and integrity of a fiberboard box or closure so as to increase the performance level of the box during normal handling, shipping, or storage.

3.3.5 sealing—the means (when required) of making a box reasonably impervious to the entrance of extraneous material (such as dust) or to prevent the leakage of the box contents during distribution.

3.3.6 setup—the forming of a knocked-down box (or box section) into a box (section) ready for filling, including the end, cover, and section closures made before the box is filled.

3.3.7 staple—preformed U-shaped wire fastener usually with two same-size pointed or pointless legs connected by crown located opposite staple-point ends; designed to be driven by strike, pneumatic, electric, manual, or spring tools through or through and into layers of penetrable material and to hold two or more pieces together.

3.3.8 wide crown staple—a staple whose nominal width is 11⁄4 in. [approximately 32 mm] or greater.

3.3.9 wide crown stitch—a stitch whose nominal width is 11⁄4 in. [approximately 32 mm] or greater.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 The means of closing the flaps of corrugated shipping

containers is one of the important decisions for a shipper. It may affect the overall material cost, the labor costs, the packaging equipment costs, and the performance of the box during distribution.

4.2 This practice provides a list of many available proce-

dures for closing, sealing, and reinforcing boxes. Most of these describe a particular packaging material and a particular use of it on a box. Some methods involve package performance testing; any closure or reinforcement which passes prescribed tests (usually on the proposed box and contents) is considered to comply with that section of this practice. Performance-based methods are encouraged because they allow for considerable flexibility in the choice of packaging materials and methods yet provide assurance of a given level of performance.

4.3 A diverse range of methods are described in this practice but relative performance levels are not given. Laboratory package testing such as Practice D4169 and field experience are recommended to rate alternative methods on performance for the intended use.

4.4 The descriptions of materials and methods in this

practice provide direction for the procurement of materials and for their common uses on boxes. These descriptions may be sufficient for some specification purposes, but others will require more thorough material and application requirements than those given here.

4.5 The list of methods in this practice is not exhaustive;

deviation or variation from the listed methods is possible with the approval of the appropriate parties referencing this practice.

Depending on the characteristics of the contents, the specific shipping container, the acceptable package costs, the distribu-tion hazards, and the desired degree of assurance of successful shipment, more stringent methods than those listed may be needed or less stringent methods than those listed may be adequate. The methods described are typical uses of the closure, reinforcing, or sealing materials; many of these materials can be used for other box styles or other methods on boxes but all of these are not included in this practice.

Materials for box closure, reinforcement, or sealing are com-mercially available which have higher or lower performance characteristics than those listed in this practice; these may often be used in a lesser or greater quantity than the described applications of the listed materials.

4.6 This practice assumes the following:

4.6.1 The shipping container and inner packing are properly

designed for the contents and the distribution hazards (see Practices D4169 and D5118/D5118M),

4.6.2 Normal, reasonable care is taken in shipment, includ-

ing storage, handling, loading, and bracing, and

4.6.3 Normal, reasonable care is taken in the application of

the closure, reinforcing, or sealing materials to the shipping container.

5. Materials and Equipment

5.1 Adhesives:

5.1.1 Hot Melt Adhesives—Hot melt adhesives are solid at

room temperature, liquified by heat, applied molten, and solid upon cooling to bond two surfaces. They are based on thermoplastic polymers modified with resins or waxes, or both, and are usually applied in the range of approximately 300 to 400°F [approximately 150 to 200°C]. The adhesive should maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected in distribution and storage.

5.1.2 Water-Borne Adhesives—Several types of adhesives

are available in which water is the vehicle or solvent. These are typically applied at room temperature and the surfaces are

D1974/D1974M − 10

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compressed together until the adhesive develops sufficient strength to maintain substrate contact. The adhesive should maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected in distribution and storage. The federal specification applicable to adhesives is MMM-A-250.

5.1.3 Semi-automatic and fully automatic box closure

equipment is available for the application of adhesives. Hot melt adhesives are also applied by hand held “guns.” Adhe-sives work best on clean, dry surfaces. It is important to have the box flaps held in place until the hot melt adhesive solidifies or the water borne adhesive develops sufficient bond.

5.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape:

5.2.1 Pressure-Sensitive, Film-Backed Tape—This tape con-

sists of a film backing, usually a biaxially oriented polylpro-pylene or polyester (some polyvinyl chloride films are also used), with a high tack pressure-sensitive adhesive. No solvents, heat, or moistening are needed. The tape should maintain its functionality in the environmental conditions expected in distribution and storage. The applicable reference is Specification D5486/D5486M.

5.2.2 Pressure-Sensitive Filament Tape—This type of tape

typically consists of fiberglass filaments embedded in a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a protective film backing.

Several grades of tape are available. The tape should maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected in dis-tribution and storage. The applicable reference is Specification D5530.

5.2.3 Pressure-Sensitive Paper Tape—This type of tape has

a backing of kraft paper and a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape should maintain its functionality in environmental condi-tions expected in distribution and storage. The applicable reference is Specification D5486/D5486M.

5.2.4 A wide variety of tape dispensing and applying

equipment is available. Hand-held dispensers are common.

Pressure-sensitive tapes also capable of being applied by equipment at high speeds. Tapes work best on clean, dry surfaces. It is important to give an adequate rubdown to pressure-sensitive tapes to develop sufficient bond to hold the flaps closed.

5.2.5 Uses of pressure-sensitive tape in the closure, sealing, and reinforcing methods call for their commonly available commercial widths. The widths common in the U.S. Custom-ary system are not identical to the available metric replacement widths. The most frequent width conversions are as follows:

U.S. Customary in.

Metric mm

0.5 12

0.75 18

1 24 2 48 3 72

NOTE 4—The effect of this width difference on package performance is not considered significant.6

5.3 Gummed (Remoistenable) Tape:

5.3.1 Reinforced Gummed Tapes—This type of tape has a

water activated adhesive and contains glass reinforcing fibers embedded between two sheets of paper, using nonasphaltic binders. Many constructions are available. The tape should maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected in distribution and storage. The applicable reference is Speci-fication D5749.

5.3.2 Gummed Paper Tape—This type of tape has a backing

of kraft paper and a water activated adhesive. The tape should maintain its functionality in environmental conditions expected in distribution and storage. The applicable reference is Speci-fication D5749.

5.3.3 A wide variety of tape dispensing and applying

equipment is available. Table top dispensers are common.

Gummed tapes are capable of being applied by equipment at high speeds. Tapes work best on clean, dry surfaces. It is important to hold water activated tapes in place until they develop sufficient bond to hold the flaps closed.

5.4 Staples and Stitches:

5.4.1 Staples:

5.4.1.1 Staples shall be of good commercial quality steel

and have a minimum tensile strength of 80 000 psi [550 mPa].

They shall have a rust-resistant coating of copper, zinc, or other material. Staples and stitches listed in the closure methods of this practice shall meet or exceed the following minimums:

Crown Width Leg Width Leg Thickness

0.50 in. [12.5 mm] 0.100 in. [2.5 mm] 0.017 in. [0.43 mm]

1.25 in. [32 mm] 0.072 in. [1.9 mm] 0.033 in. [0.84 mm]

5.4.1.2 Staples are collated and cohered into strips or rolls.

The strips are designed for loading into straight magazines.

The roll, also called a coil, allows the loading of a large number of staples into a tool.

5.4.1.3 Staples are driven by staplers. Two types of staplers are in common use.

(a) One type of stapler uses moving anvils to clinch the staple legs around the fiberboard. These tools drive the staple legs through the flaps, simultaneously inserting anvils through the flap surface to meet and clinch the staple legs so they grab the inner flaps and secure them to the outer flaps. The anvils then retract from the flaps.

(b) The other type of stapler uses a stationary anvil to clinch the staple legs. The anvil may be supported by a pedestal or by an arm attached to the stapler.

(c) Each type of stapler is available as a manual device and as a powered device. The manually operated staplers are usually portable although some are mounted on frames and activated by a foot pedal. The latter are commonly called “bottomers” used to close the bottom flaps of a box before filling. The powered tools may be electric or pneumatic.

Staples may be driven by portable staplers or by stationary heads mounted in semi- or fully-automatic equipment for moderate production requirements.

5.4.2 Stitches:

5.4.2.1 Stitches shall be of good commercial quality steel.

Common nominal crown widths are 0.50 in. [12.5 mm] and

1.25 in. [32 mm]. Nominal leg width is 0.100 in. [2.5 mm].

Nominal leg thicknesses are 0.014 in. [0.36 mm] and 0.017 in.

[0.43 mm]. The minimum tensile strength is 100 000 psi [690

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mPa] for wire of thickness (0.014 in. [0.36 mm]. The minimum tensile strength is 80 000 psi [550 mPa] for wire of thickness

0.017 in. [0.43 mm]. They shall have a rust resistant coating of copper, zinc, or other material.

5.4.2.2 Stitches are driven by electric or pneumatic stitch-

ers. These tools cut a section of wire from a spool of wire, form a stitch (with crown and legs) and drive the legs through the box flaps. The legs are clinched on a clinch block, thereby securing the inner and outer flaps. Stitchers are stationary machines.

5.5 Strapping—See Guide D4675 for a discussion of strap-

pings and their application equipment.

5.6 Environmental Considerations:

5.6.1 General—Although the environmental impact of a

package is a component of the package design and evaluation process, the integrity of the product should not be compro-mised. Product damage or disposal resulting from package failure, or both, may well cause greater environmental impact than the package. Product containment, protection, and preservation, along with consumer safety, remain the primary functions of the package.

5.6.2 Toxic Content—The use of potentially toxic materials

in packaging components is a concern for their presence in emissions when packaging is incinerated, or in leachate when packaging is landfilled. Materials used for the closure, sealing, or reinforcement of boxes shall not have any lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium which has been intentionally introduced as a component during manufacturing or distribu-tion as opposed to the incidental presence of any of these elements. Box closure, sealing, and reinforcing materials presented in this standard typically meet this requirement.

5.6.3 Solid Waste—Considerations of packaging solid waste

involve the total mass and volume of all package components.

The closure, sealing, and reinforcing components are usually less than 1 % of this total. While these materials are still part of solid waste considerations, emphasis should be on the total.

5.6.3.1 Source Reduction—Reductions in closure, sealing, and reinforcing materials should be consistent with perfor-mance and material requirements specified in contracts and regulations and with good engineering practice.

5.6.3.2 Reuse—Closure, sealing, and reinforcing materials

which allow the reuse of fiberboard boxes are encouraged.

5.6.3.3 Recycling—Efforts should be focused on maximiz-

ing the reuse and fiber recovery of fiberboard boxes. One consideration in the choice of a closure, sealing, or reinforcing material should be compatibility with the recycling of old fiberboard containers. Materials should be chosen which can be removed from a box prior to recycling, removed from the pulper (vessel for dispersing old fiberboard into pulp slurry), or otherwise removed in the recycling process. The materials should then be suitable for appropriate recycling, incineration, or landfill in accordance with applicable regulations. If the materials are not removable in the recycling process, they should not cause significant reductions in the properties of the recycled paper or paperboard.

5.7 Water Resistance—When a box becomes wet, the per-

formance of the box and its closure are reduced. It is desirable to have box-closure methods which retain an ability to keep the box closed when wet. Sealing or reinforcing methods some-times are useful to improve performance of wet boxes and closures. Water resistance is sometimes a regulatory or con-tractual requirement.

5.7.1 Where boxes are closed by gluing or taping, an

adhesive is considered water resistant if, when set, cannot be dissolved by water after at least 24 h immersion. The water resistance of tape and adhesives shall be measured by Test Method D5570.

5.7.2 The water resistance of methods of closing, sealing, and reinforcing boxes can be evaluated on packages. Box Closure Methods 1D and 1E provide some measurement of water resistance. From a practical standpoint, successful completion of the following performance tests provides a demonstration of water resistance. Subject three samples of box, contents, and box closure to the rain cycle of Test Method D951 at medium intensity (2 in./h or 50 mm/h) for 6 h. The boxes shall immediately be subjected to the drop tests of Practice D4169, Element A at Assurance Level II with the final (sixth) drop conducted from twice the specified drop height onto a side of the box. The sample packages shall then be able to be picked up and moved without the flaps opening.

6. Methods of Box Closure

6.1 Performance-Based Closures (for all box styles)—When

a Method 1 box closure is referenced, any reasonable means of closing the box is allowed which is able to successfully complete the prescribed performance test on the proposed package with contents. Care must be taken with the choice of acceptance criteria for a closure. Often the criterion is that after the tests, the box remain closed in a condition suited for normal sale or use; some limited box or closure damage may be acceptable.

6.1.1 Closure Method 1A—The closure must be able to

complete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 3 or 4, Assurance Level 1.

6.1.2 Closure Method 1B—The closure must be able to

complete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 3 or 4, Assurance Level II.

6.1.3 Closure Method 1C—The closure must be able to

complete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 3 or 4, Assurance Level III.

6.1.4 Box Closure 1D—The closure must be able to com-

plete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 18, Assurance Level I.

6.1.5 Box Closure 1E—The closure must be able to com-

plete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 18, Assurance Level II.

6.1.6 Box Closure 1F—The closure must be able to com-

plete the test sequence of Practice D4169, Distribution Cycle 18, Assurance Level III.

6.2 Closure Methods for Regular Slotted Containers, Box

Code 0201, Center Special Slotted Container, 0204, and similar box styles.

NOTE 5—See 2.3 (and Note 2) for information in box codes.

6.2.1 Adhesive Closures of RSC’s and Similar Boxes:

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6.2.1.1 Closure Method 2A1—The box shall be closed with

a hot-melt adhesive in strips a minimum of 1 in. [25 mm] long and 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] wide after compression. There shall be a minimum of four strips, two on each side of the center line; the separation between strips shall be a maximum of 2 in. [50 mm] with the innermost strips being 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] from each side of the center line.

6.2.1.2 Closure Method 2A2—The box shall be closed with

a hot-melt adhesive which will maintain bond at temperatures for a range from − 20°F [−29°C] to 165°F [74°C]. Adhesive shall be applied in at least eight full-length strips on each inner flap, each strip having a minimum width of 3⁄16 in. [5 mm] after compression. Strips shall not be more than 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] apart with one strip not more than 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] from each side of the center seam. See Fig. 1.

6.2.1.3 Closure Method 2A3—The box shall be closed with

a waterborne adhesive by securely bonding at least 50 % of the contact area of the flaps. The bonded areas shall extend to within 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] of the center seam. See Fig. 2.

6.2.1.4 Closure Method 2A4—The box shall be closed with

the application of adhesive conforming with MMM-A-250 by securely bonding at least 75 % of the contact area of the flaps.

The adhesive shall be applied within 1⁄4 in. [6 mm] of the edges and scorelines of the inner flaps.

6.2.1.5 Closure Method 2A5—The box shall be closed with

a hot melt or a waterborne adhesive securely bonding at least 25 % of the contact area of the flaps. The bonded areas shall extend to within 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] of the center seam.

6.2.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape Closure of RSC’s and Similar

Boxes:

6.2.2.1 Closure Method 2B1—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide pressure-sensitive film backed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends. The tape shall have a nominal 2 mil [0.05 mm] biaxially oriented polypropylene backing and con-form with Specification D5486/D5486M, Type III. See Fig. 3.

6.2.2.2 Closure Method 2B2—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide pressure-sensitive film backed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends. The tape shall have a nominal 1.4 mil [0.035-mm] biaxially oriented polypropylene backing with a nominal tape thickness of 2.2 mils [0.06 mm]. The adhesive shall have a holding power to fiberboard, Test Method D3654/ D3654M, Procedure A, of at least 2000 min. See Fig. 3.

6.2.2.3 Closure Method 2B3—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide pressure-sensitive film backed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends. The colored tape shall conform with Specification D5486/D5486M Type II, Class 1 or 2. See Fig. 3.

6.2.2.4 Closure Method 2B6—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide paper tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in [50 mm] onto the box ends.

The tape shall comply with Specification D5486/D5486M, Type V. See Fig. 3.FIG. 1 Example of Closure Method 2A2

FIG. 2 Example of Closure Methods 2A3 and 2C5

FIG. 3 Example of Closure Methods 2B1, 2B2, 2B3, 2B4, 2B5, 2B6, 2C1, 2C2, 2C3, and 2C4

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6.2.2.5 Closure Method 2B7—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide paper tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends.

Four additional strips of tape shall be centered over the seam formed by the edges of the outer flaps and the end panels; the tape shall extend within 3⁄4 in. [19 mm] of the box corners. The tape shall conform with Specification D5486/D5486M, Type V.

See Fig. 4.

6.2.3 Gummed Tape Closure of RSC’s and Similar Boxes

(Including One Panel Folder, international box codes 0401, 403, 415, and 416—see also Practice D5118/D5118M):

6.2.3.1 Closure Method 2C1—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [75 mm] wide reinforced gummed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] onto the box ends. The tape shall have glass reinforcements in both the machine and cross machine direction (or at angles to provide some cross direction strength). See Fig. 3.

6.2.3.2 Closure Method 2C2—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [75 mm] wide reinforced gummed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] onto the box ends. The tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type 1. See Fig. 3

6.2.3.3 Closure Method 2C3—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [75 mm] wide reinforced gummed tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] onto the box ends. The tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type II, Grade B. See Fig. 3.

6.2.3.4 Closure Method 2C4—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide paper tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends.

The tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type II, Grade B. See Fig. 3.

6.2.3.5 Closure Method 2C5—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide paper tape applied over the center seams of the box, continuing at least 2 in. [50 mm] onto the box ends.

Four additional strips of tape shall be centered over the seam formed by the edges of the outer flaps and the end panels; the tape shall extend within 3⁄4 in. [19 mm] of the box corners. The tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type II, Grade B.

See Fig. 4.

6.2.3.6 Closure Method 2C6—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [50 mm] tape applied over all open seams of the box. Tape on the vertical seams will cover the entire length of each seam and conclude at least 2 in. [50 mm] around the bottom edge of the box end. The tape on the center seam will conclude at least 2 in. [50 mm] over the center seam onto the end of the box. The tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type II, Grade B.

See Fig. 5.

6.2.4 Staple and Stitch Closure and Setup of RSC’s and

Similar Boxes—General—Staples are used both for box setup and final closure. Stitcher operation requires that the stitcher’s head and clinch block be on opposite sides of the flaps being joined. Hence, stitches are used only for the setup where access of the clinching block is not restricted. The following methods apply to the use of staples for both setup and final closure and for box setup with stitches.

6.2.4.1 Closure Method 2D1—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches applied to each side of the center seam in an area where outer flaps overlay inner flaps;

fasteners should not be more than 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] apart. See Fig. 6. See Table 1 for quantities required for various box widths.

6.2.4.2 Closure Method 2D2—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches applied to each side of the center seam in the area where outer flaps overlay inner flaps and to the sides of the outside flaps: fasteners shall not be more than 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] apart. See Fig. 7. See Table 1 for quantities required for various widths.

6.2.4.3 Closure Method 2D3—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches distributed uniformly over the areas where outer flaps overlay inner flaps. Table 1 presents the number of staples/stitches for each end for stated box widths.

See Fig. 8.

6.2.4.4 Closure Method 2D4—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches applied across the center seam not more than 5 in. [125 mm] apart in the area where outer flaps overlay inner flaps. See Fig. 9. See Table 2 for quantities required for various box widths.

6.2.4.5 Closure Method 2D5—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches applied across the center seam in the area where the outer flaps overlay inner flaps and to the

FIG. 4 Example of Closure Method 2B7 FIG. 5 Example of Sealing Method 2C

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

sides of the outside flaps: fasteners shall not be more than 5 in.

[125 mm] apart. See Fig. 10.

6.2.4.6 Closure Method 2D6—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches distributed uniformly over the areas where outer flaps overlay inner flaps. Table 2 presents the number of staples or stitches for each end of stated box widths.

See Fig. 11.

6.2.5 Strapping Closure of RSC’s and Similar Boxes:

6.2.5.1 Closure Method 2E—The box shall be closed as

described in Guide D4675, Section S1.

6.3 Closure Methods for Overlap Slotted Container, Box

Code 0202, Center Special Overlap Slotted Container, Code 0205, and Other Partially Overlapping Boxes:

6.3.1 Adhesive Closure of Partial Overlap Boxes:

6.3.1.1 Closure Method 3A1—The box shall be closed with

hot melt or waterborne adhesive securely bonding at least 50 % of the two overlapped flaps as shown in Fig. 12.

6.3.1.2 Closure Method 3A2—The box shall be closed with

the application of adhesive conforming with MMM-A-250 by securely bonding at least 50 % of the area of contact of the flaps.

6.3.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape Closure of Partial Overlap

Boxes:

6.3.2.1 Closure Method 3B1—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive tape applied so that one half of the width is on the outer flap and one half is applied to the under flap. The tape shall be 2 in. [48 mm] wide and conform with Specifii-cation D5486/D5486M, Type II. Tape shall extend down onto the end panels not less than 2 in. [50 mm].

6.3.3 Gummed Tape Closure of Partial Overlap Boxes:

6.3.3.1 Closure Method 3C1—The box shall be closed with

reinforced gummed tape applied so that one half of the width is on the outer flap and one half is applied to the under flap. The tape shall be 3 in. [75 mm] wide and conform with Specifica-tion D5749 Type I.

FIG. 6 Example of Closure Method 2D1

TABLE 1 Number of 1⁄2-in. Crown Staples or Stitches for Regular Slotted Containers

Inside Width of Box, in.A

Number of Fasteners At Each End of Box, by Method

2D1, Commercial, Fig. 5

2D2, Rule 41, Fig. 6

2D3, Government, Fig. 7

6 2 2 6 7 2 4 6 9 4 6 6

10 4 6 8 11 4 6 8 12 4 8 10 14 6 10 12 16 6 10 14 17 6 12 14 18 6 12 16 19 8 14 16 20 8 14 18 22 8 16 20 24 10 16 22

A One inch = 25.4 mm.

FIG. 7 Example of Closure Method 2D2

FIG. 8 Example of Closure Method 2D3

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.3.4 Staple and Stitch Closure and Setup of Partial Over-

lap Boxes—General —Staples are used both for box setup and final closure. Stitcher operation requires that the stitcher’s head and clinch block be on opposite sides of the flaps being joined.

Hence, stitches are used only for the setup where access of the clinching block is not restricted. The following methods apply to the use of staples for both setup and final closure and for box setup with stitches.

6.3.4.1 Closure Method 3D1—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches applied along the length of the overlap; fasteners should not be more than 21⁄2 in. [63 mm] apart. See the length column of Table 3 for quantity required for various box lengths. See Fig. 13.

6.3.4.2 Closure Method 3D2—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches applied along the length of the overlap and the sides of the outside flaps not more than 21⁄2 in.

[63 mm] apart to join the inner and outer flaps. See Table 3 for quantities required for various box lengths and widths. See Fig.

14.

6.3.4.3 Closure Method 3D3—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches applied along the length of the overlap; fasteners shall not be more than 5 in. [125 mm] apart.

FIG. 9 Example of Closure Method 2D4

TABLE 2 Number of Wide Crown Staples or Stitches for Regular Slotted Containers

Inside Width of Box, in.A

Number of Fasteners At Each End of Box, by Method

2D4, Commercial, Fig. 8

2D5, Old Rule 41, Fig. 9

2D6, Government, Fig. 10

8 1 1 4 10 2 2 5 12 2 2 6 14 2 2 8 16 2 4 9 18 2 4 10 20 2 4 11 22 3 5 12 24 3 5 14 26 3 5 15

A One inch = 25.4 mm.

FIG. 10 Example of Closure Method 2D5

FIG. 11 Example of Closure Method 2D6

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

See Fig. 13. See the length column of Table 4 for quantity required for various box lengths.

6.3.4.4 Closure Method 3D4—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches applied along the length of the overlap and the sides of the outside flaps not more than 5 in.

[125 mm] apart to join the inner and outer flaps. See Table 4 for quantities required for various box lengths and widths. See Fig.

14.

6.3.4.5 Closure Method 3D5—The box shall be closed with

staples or stitches distributed over the areas where outer flaps overlay inner flaps. The number of staples or stitches is given in Table 5. When the inner flaps gap by more than 3 in. [75 mm], additional staples shall be driven in a row parallel to and approximately 1⁄2 to 1 in. [12 to 25 mm] from the long edge of the outer flaps for the full length of the gap. See Fig. 15.

6.3.5 Strapping Closure of Overlap Boxes:

6.3.5.1 Closure Method 3E—The box shall be closed as

described in Guide D4675, Section S1.

6.4 Closure Methods for Full Overlap Box, Box Code 0203, Center Special Full Overlap Slotted Container, Code 0206, Five Panel Folder, Code 0410, and Other Boxes with Fully Overlapping Flaps:

FIG. 12 Example of Closure Method 3A1 and 3A2

TABLE 3 Number of 1⁄2-in. Crown Staples or Stitches for Boxes With Partially or Fully Overlapping Flaps

Number of Fasteners Along Length of Flap Overlap

Number of Fasteners Along Each Side of the Overlapping Flap

Methods 3D1, 3D2, 4D1, and 4D2 Methods 3D2 and 4D2

Length Fasteners Along

Length of Overlap

Width Fasteners Along

Each EdgeA below 6 1 below 4 1⁄2 0 6 up to 9 2 up to 7 1 up to 12 3 up to 9 1⁄2 2 up to 15 4 up to 12 3 up to 18 5 up to 14 1⁄2 4 up to 21 6 up to 17 5 up to 24 7 up to 19 1⁄2 6 up to 27 8 up to 22 7 up to 30 9 up to 24 1⁄2 8 A This quantity excludes the fastener in the line of fasteners running the length of the overlap of the flaps.

FIG. 13 Example of Closure Method 3D1

FIG. 14 Example of Closure Methods 3D2, 3D3, and 3D4

TABLE 4 Number of Wide Crown Staples or Stitches for Boxes With Partially or Fully Overlapping Flaps

Number of Fasteners Along Length of Flap Overlap

Number of Fasteners Along Each Side of the Overlapping Flap

Methods 3D3, 3D4, 4D3, and 4D4 Methods 3D4 and 4D4

Length Fasteners Along

Length of Overlap

Width Fasteners Along

Each EdgeA up to 10 2 up to 6 0 16 3 11 1 22 4 16 2 28 5 21 3 34 6 26 4 40 7 31 5 46 8 36 6 52 9 41 7 58 10 46 8 A This quantity excludes the fastener in the line of fasteners running the length of the overlap of the flaps.

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.4.1 Adhesive Closures of Boxes with Fully Overlapping

Flaps:

6.4.1.1 Closure Method 4A1—The box shall be closed with

the application of hot melt or waterborne adhesive by securely bonding at least 50 % of the contact area of the flaps. See Fig.

16.

6.4.1.2 Closure Method 4A2—The box shall be closed with

the application of adhesive conforming with MMM-A-250 by securely bonding at least 50 % of the contact area of contact of all flaps. See Fig. 16.

6.4.1.3 Closure Method 4A3—The box shall be closed with

the application of a hot melt or waterborne adhesive by securely bonding at least 25 % of the contact area of the flaps.

The bonded areas shall extend to within 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] of the flap edges.

6.4.2 Pressure-Sensitive Tape Closure of Boxes with Fully

Overlapping Flaps:

6.4.2.1 Closure Method 4B1—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [72 mm] wide pressure-sensitive paper tape applied to all seams. The tape shall conform with Specification D5486/ D5486M, Type V. See Fig. 17.

6.4.2.2 Closure Method 4B2—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide pressure-sensitive tape applied to all seams.

The tape shall conform with Specification D5486/D5486M, Type I, II, III, or IV. See Fig. 17.

6.4.2.3 Closure Method 4B3—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 1⁄2 in. [12 mm] by at least 4

in. [100 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 2 in. [50 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type II. See Fig. 18.

6.4.2.4 Closure Method 4B4—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 3⁄4 in. [18 mm] by at least 6

in. [150 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 3 in. [75 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M Type II. See Fig. 18.

TABLE 5 Number of Staples or Stitches for Partial and Full Overlap BoxesAB

Overlapping Flap Width (Equal to Box Width for Full Overlap Boxes), in.C

Number of Fasteners at Each End of Box

Wide Crown 1⁄2 in. Crown

6 ... 6 7 ... 6 8 4 6 9 4 6

10 5 8 11 5 8 12 6 10 14 8 12 16 9 14 17 9 14 18 10 16 19 10 16 20 11 18 22 12 20 24 14 22

A Closure Method 3D5, Partial Overlap—Fig. 13.

B Closure Method 4D5, Full Overlap—Fig. 20.

C 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

FIG. 15 Example of Closure Method 3D5

FIG. 16 Example of Closure Methods 4A1 and 4A2

FIG. 17 Example of Closure Methods 4B1, 4B2, and 4C1

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.4.2.5 Closure Method 4B5—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 3⁄4 in. [18 mm] by at least 6

in. [150 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 3 in. [75 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type IV. See Fig. 18.

6.4.3 Gummed Tape Closure of Boxes with Fully Overlap-

ping Flaps:

6.4.3.1 Closure Method 4C1—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [75 mm] wide reinforced paper tape applied to all seams.

The tape shall conform with Specification D5749, Type I. See Fig. 17.

6.4.3.2 Closure Method 4C2—The box shall be closed with

reinforced gummed tape in 3 in. [75 mm] wide by 10 in. [250 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips should extend onto each box panel at least 5 in. [125 mm] with at least one strip for each 20 in. [500 mm] of flap length. Tape must comply with Specification D5749, Type I. See Fig. 18.

6.4.4 Staple and Stitch Closure and Setup of Boxes with

Fully Overlapping Flaps—General—Staples are used both for box setup and final closure. Stitcher operation requires that the stitcher’s head and clinch block be on opposite sides of the flaps being joined. Hence, stitches are used only for the setup where access of the clinching block is not restricted. The following methods apply to the use of staples for both setup and final closure and for box setup with stitches.

6.4.4.1 Closure Method 4D1—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staple or stitches applied along the length of the overlap; fasteners should not be more than 21⁄2 in. [63 mm] apart. See Fig. 19. See the length column of Table 3 for quantity required for various box lengths.

6.4.4.2 Closure Method 4D2—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples or stitches applied along the length of the overlap and the sides of the outside flaps not more than 21⁄2 in.

[63 mm] apart. See Fig. 19. See Table 3 for quantities required for various box lengths and widths.

6.4.4.3 Closure Method 4D3—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches securely placed along the length of the overlap not more than 5 in. [125 mm] apart to join the inner and outer flaps. See Fig. 20. See the length column of Table 4 for quantity required for various box lengths.

6.4.4.4 Closure Method 4D4—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples or stitches securely placed along the length of the overlap and the sides of the outside flaps not more than 5 in. [125 mm] apart to join the inner and outer flaps. See Fig.

20. See Table 4 for quantities required for various box lengths and widths.

6.4.4.5 Closure Method 4D5—The box shall be closed with

staples or stitches distributed over the areas where outer flaps overlay inner flaps. The number of staples or stitches is given in Table 5. When the inner flaps gap by more than 3 in. [75 mm], additional staples shall be driven in a row parallel to and approximately 1⁄2 to 1 in. [12 to 25 mm] from the long edge of the outer flaps for the full length of the gap. See Fig. 21.

FIG. 18 Example of Closure Methods 4B3, 4B4, 4B5, and 4C2

FIG. 19 Example of Closure Methods 4D1 and 4D2

FIG. 20 Example of Closure Methods 4D3 and 4D4

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.4.5 Strapping Closure of Boxes with Fully Overlapping

Flaps:

6.4.5.1 Closure Method 4E—The box shall be closed as

described in Guide D4675, Section S1.

6.5 Closure Methods for Full Telescope Boxes, Box Codes

0300, 0301, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0307, 0308, 0309, 0320, 0321, and Other Boxes Which Fully Telescope (for half-slotted containers, the top and bottom must be closed by an appropri-ate method in 6.2 for Method 2 closures):

6.5.1 Pressure-Sensitive Tape Closure of Full Telescope

Boxes:

6.5.1.1 Closure Method 5A1—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [72 mm] wide pressure-sensitive paper tape applied to all seams. The tape shall conform with Specification D5486/ D5486M, Type V. See Fig. 22.

6.5.1.2 Closure Method 5A2—The box shall be closed with

2 in. [48 mm] wide pressure-sensitive tape applied to all seams.

The tape shall conform with Specification D5486/D5486M.

See Fig. 22.

6.5.1.3 Closure Method 5A3—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 1⁄2 in. [12 mm] by at least 4

in. [100 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 2 in. [50 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length for box sides and ends. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type II. See Fig. 23.

6.5.1.4 Closure Method 5A4—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 3⁄4 in. [18 mm] by at least 6

in. [150 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 3 in. [75 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length for box sides and ends. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type II. See Fig. 23.

6.5.1.5 Closure Method 5A5—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 3⁄4 in. [18 mm] by at least 6

in. [150 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 3 in. [75 mm] with at least one strip for each 15 in. [380 mm] of flap length for box sides and ends. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type IV. See Fig. 23.

6.5.2 Gummed Tape Closure of Full Telescope Boxes:

6.5.2.1 Closure Method 5B1—The box shall be closed with

3 in. [75 mm] wide reinforced paper tape applied to all seams.

The tape shall conform with Specification D5749, Type I. See Fig. 22.

6.5.2.2 Closure Method 5B2—The box shall be closed with

reinforced gummed tape in 3 in. [75 mm] wide by 10 in. [250 mm] long strips placed across the box seams. Strips shall extend onto each box panel at least 5 in. [125 mm] with at least one strip for each 20 in. [500 mm] of flap length for box sides and ends. Tape shall comply with Specification D5749, Type I.

See Fig. 23.

6.5.3 Staple Closure of Full Telescope Boxes:

6.5.3.1 Closure Method 5C1—The box shall be closed with

1⁄2-in. crown staples spaced 21⁄2 in. [63 mm] apart around the perimeter of the box cover. Staple crowns shall be parallel to the edge of the top section. See Fig. 24 for an example.

FIG. 21 Example of Closure Method 4D5

FIG. 22 Example of Closure Methods 5A1, 5A2, and 5B1

FIG. 23 Example of Closure Methods 5A3, 5A4, 5A5, and 5B2

FIG. 24 Example of Closure Methods 5C1 and 5C2

Vanessa Gamble (Defense Logistics Agency) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.5.3.2 Closure Method 5C2—The box shall be closed with

wide crown staples spaced 5 in. [125 mm] apart around the perimeter of the box cover. Staple crowns shall be parallel to the edge of the top section. See Fig. 24 for an example.

6.5.4 Strapping Closure of Full Telescope Boxes:

6.5.4.1 Closure Method 5D1—The box shall be closed as

described in Guide D4675, Section S1.

6.5.4.2 Closure Method 5D2—The box shall be closed with

steel or plastic strapping conforming with Specifications D3953 or D3950 placed around the package. Three parallel bands are required, one in the center and one within 6 in. [150 mm] of ends of box. See Fig. 25.

6.5.4.3 Closure Method 5D3—The box shall be closed with

steel or plastic strapping conforming with Specifications D3953 or D3950 placed around the package. A minimum of two crossing bands shall be used. Boxes exceeding 30 in. [760 mm] in length shall have additional bands placed around the box. See Fig. 26.

6.6 Closure Methods for Boxes with Partially Telescoping

Covers, Box Codes 0306, 0310, 0311, 0312, 0313 (for half-slotted containers, the top and bottom must be closed by an appropriate method in 6.2 for Method 2 closures):

6.6.1 Pressure-Sensitive Tape Closures for Boxes with Cov-

ers:

6.6.1.1 Closure Method 6A1—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 1⁄2-in. [12-mm] strips ex-tending 2 in. [50 mm] onto the top surface of the box, down the side or end, and onto the bottom surface of the box 2 in. [50 mm]. One strip shall be used for each 15 in. [380 mm] of length for box sides and ends. Boxes weighing over 50 lb [23 kg] shall use 3⁄4 in. [18 mm] wide tape. The tape shall comply with Specification D5330/D5330M, Type II. See Fig. 27.

6.6.1.2 Closure Method 6A2—The box shall be closed with

pressure-sensitive filament tape in 3⁄4-in. [18-mm] strips ex-tending 3 in. [75 mm] onto the top surface of the box, down the side or end, and onto the bottom surface of the box 3 in. [75 mm]. One strip shall be used for each 15 in. [380 mm] of length for box sides and ends.