Corrugated board flute types: Which one suits your needs?
Corrugated cardboard is one of the most versatile packaging materials. It owes its strength and flexibility to the so-called flutes that are incorporated between the outer layers of the cardboard. Each type of flute has specific properties that make it suitable for different areas of application.
From the robust A-flute to the fine F-flute, each structure offers advantages that optimize the protection, stability and presentation of products. A combination of several flute types in multi-flute corrugated board also ensures even more versatile applications.
Below you will find an overview of the most important flute types, their properties and their typical applications. Discover which solution best suits your requirements.
Overview about all flute types
| Wellenart | Wellenhöhe | Vorteile | Typische Anwendungsbereiche |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Flute | 4,0–4,9 mm | Very stable, high cushioning effect | Large goods, heavy cargo |
| B-Flute | 2,2–3,0 mm | Good stability, versatile in use | Shipping packaging, cardboard boxes for medium weights |
| C-Flute | 3,1–3,9 mm | High load capacity, buffer effect | Transport boxes for heavy goods |
| E-Flute | 1,0–1,8 mm | Lightweight, easy to print, space-saving | Sales packaging, presentation boxes |
| F-Flute | 0,6–0,9 mm | Smooth surface, highest print quality | Premium packaging, luxury products |
| BC-Flute | 6,0–7,0 mm | Very stable, high cushioning effect | Export packaging, heavy and sensitive goods |
| EB-Flute | 4,0–5,0 mm | Glatte Oberfläche, gute Bedruckbarkeit, stabil | Smooth surface, good printability, stable |
| ACA-Flute | 12,0–15,0 mm | Maximum stability, optimum shock absorption | Heavy-duty packaging, export packaging, sensitive products |
A-Flute: The coarse flute for maximum stability
The A-flute impresses with its large flute height of 4.0 to 4.9 mm, which offers an excellent cushioning effect and high stacking stability. This robust structure makes it ideal for packaging that requires maximum protection for heavy or sensitive goods.
Properties:
- Excellent cushioning effect: Protects heavy and sensitive products from impacts and shocks.
- High stacking stability: Ideal for packaging that has to withstand high loads.
Advantages:
- Perfect for heavy-duty packaging: Suitable for large or heavy products such as machines or furniture.
- Basis for multi-flute combinations: Often combined with other flute types for additional stability and shock absorption.
B-Flute: Versatile protection for your shipping needs
The B flute is a flexible solution for many packaging requirements. With a flute height of 2.2 to 3.0 mm, it offers a balanced combination of stability, protection and space saving.
Properties:
- Stability and protection: Suitable for products such as electronics, furniture or textiles that require solid but not too heavy protection.
- Lightweight and space-saving: Helps to reduce storage and transport costs due to lower weight and less volume.
Advantages:
- Cost-efficient: Saves on shipping due to the lower weight.
- Perfect for medium loads: Particularly suitable for light to medium-weight products that need to be transported safely.
- Optimised for shipping and storage: Reduces space requirements in the warehouse and enables efficient use of shipping cartons.
C-Flute: The stable medium flute
The C-flute, with a flute height of 3.1 to 3.9 mm, combines stability and protection. It is the ideal choice for packaging that needs to be both robust and resilient. Its buffering effect reliably protects the packaged goods from impacts and shocks.
Properties:
- Excellent stability: Ideal for large and heavy products such as household appliances or tools
- Effective protection: The buffer effect reduces damage caused by dust and shocks
Advantages:
- High load capacity: Ideal for transport boxes that have to carry heavy loads
- Versatile application options: Combines the strength of the A-flute with the flexibility of the B-flute
- Reliable protection: Guarantees the safety of sensitive and heavy goods during transport
E-Flute: Fine and versatile for lightweight products
With a flute height of 1.0 to 1.8 mm, E-flute is one of the finer flute types. It offers very good printability and a smooth surface, which makes it particularly attractive for sales and presentation packaging.
Properties:
- Fine structure: With a low wave height, ideal for packaging where appearance is important
- Excellent printability: Perfect for high-quality designs and an appealing brand presentation
- Space-saving: Reduces packaging volume and saves storage space
Advantages:
- Cost-efficient: lighter and cheaper than cartons with B or C flute
- Suitable for lightweight products: Ideal for cosmetics, electronics and food where the weight is low
- Attractive appearance: Smooth surface ensures a high-quality appearance in sales and presentation packaging
F-Flute: The mini flute for the finest packaging
With a flute height of just 0.6 to 0.9 mm, the F flute is the finest of all flute types. Its smooth surface and the highest print quality make it the perfect choice for packaging where design and presentation take centre stage.
Properties:
- Extremely smooth surface: Ideal for high-quality prints and a classy appearance
- Very fine texture: Ensures a pleasant feel and an elegant look
Advantages:
- Perfect for premium packaging: Suitable for luxury products such as jewellery, cosmetics or gift items
- Highest print quality: Offers brilliant colours and razor-sharp designs for packaging and displays
- Elegance and protection combined: Combines visual appeal with functional protection for high-quality products
BC-Flute: The powerful combination for heavy loads
The BC shaft combines the strengths of the B shaft and the C shaft to ensure maximum stability and protection. With an overall height of around 6 to 7 mm, this double flute offers excellent shock absorption and load-bearing capacity, which is particularly suitable for heavy or sensitive goods.
Properties:
- Excellent stability: The combination of B- and C-shafts ensures exceptional load-bearing capacity
- Effective shock absorption: Protects heavy goods from mechanical impacts and shocks
- Robust double shaft: With a total height of 6 to 7 mm, ideal for demanding applications
Advantages:
- Suitable for heavy loads: Ideal for industrial packaging and the transport of machines, household appliances or large goods
- Protects sensitive products: Provides reliable protection in the event of storms or heavy loads
EB-Flute: Stability meets aesthetics
The EB flute combines the advantages of the E flute and the B flute to ensure both stability and a smooth surface. With an overall height of around 4 to 5 mm, this double flute offers a perfect balance between protection and design, ideal for packaging with high demands.
Properties:
- Smooth surface: The E-flute ensures a high-quality look and enables excellent printability
- Additional stability: The B-flute provides the necessary protection for sensitive products
Advantages:
- For high-quality packaging: Perfect for industries such as cosmetics or food, where appearance plays an important role
- Combination of protection and design: Offers stability and an appealing look at the same time
- Versatile use: Ideal for shipping packaging with high demands on printability and functionality
ACA-Flute: The robust solution for heavy-duty packaging
The ACA flute combines two A-flutes and one C-flute to form an extremely stable and resilient structure. With a total height of around 12 to 15 mm, it is one of the thickest and strongest types of corrugated board and offers maximum shock absorption and exceptional resilience.
Properties:
- Highest stability: The triple structure consisting of two A- and one C-flute can withstand even the heaviest loads
- Effective shock absorption: Optimum protection against shocks and mechanical impacts
- Great material strength: With a thickness of 12 to 15 mm, ideal for demanding packaging requirements
Advantages:
- Suitable for heavy loads: Perfect for the safe transport of machines, industrial goods and sensitive large goods
- Reliable protection: Absorbs shocks and ensures the integrity of heavy or sensitive products