What is a flat crush test (FCT)?

03 May 2023
Mecmesin

Mecmesin's flat crush resistance test serves to define corrugated cardboard/fiberboard's resistance to compressive loads. The level of the flat crush resistance depends on the flute material and the type of the flute.

In the test, walls simply retain the shape and do not influence the crush resistance. Round samples, 90mm in diameter, are cut out of the cardboard, and then crushed between two crushing plates.

The pressure necessary to deform the flute is then measured and the results are expressed in kPa.

This test is applicable to ISO 3035*, TAPPI T825 and similar rigid support methods. The accuracy of this test is greatly enhanced by self-adjusting compression plates, or ultimately by a precision guide fixture. The above video shows an upper self-adjusting compression plate.

The equivalent of the FCT test in the case of measuring the flute resistance to flat crush is CMT test.

Contact Mecmesin to learn more about the FCT test and which other tests you may also require to test your products.

*ISO 3035: This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of the flat crush resistance of corrugated fibreboard used in the manufacture of packing cases.

Image shows Flat Crush Test Upper and Lower Plates with Modified Anvil Plate and Self-Adjusting Adapter

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Jo Webb
Company News
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Created 03 May 2023
Modified 10 May 2023
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What is a flat crush test (FCT)?

See also

Mecmesin Expands OmniTest UTM Range

ASTM D3330 Test Method A 180 degree Peel test on Single Tape

135° Peel Test with Custom Designed Vacuum Fixture

Have your tests yielded invalid results?

Essentials of GRIP & FIXTURE Selection in Force & Torque Testing

Mecmesin webinar: Cap Closure and Removal Torque Testing - Now on demand!

Grips & Fixtures used on Force & Torque Testers

Essentials of Consumer Packaging Testing

Mecmesin solutions for testing in cosmetics and personal care

Mecmesin webinar: Fundamentals of compression testing

Force and torque testing methods used to assess the quality and performance of syringes

Mecmesin webinar: T-Peel (adhesion strength) testing

Mecmesin webinar: Introduction to consumer packaging testing

Testing of chemicals and adhesives

Testing gels and hydrocolloids

Mecmesin webinar: Tensile testing: Basics, tips and trends

Mecmesin launches new texture analysis website

White paper: Why test top-load?

Mecmesin OmniTest machine demo by the Duchess of Sussex at University of Chichester Tech Park opening

Mecmesin Ltd, global leader in force and torque test and measurement, acquired by Battery Ventures

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Testing food packaging - quality assurance questions and answers

Testing beauty product packaging – ensuring functionality and form

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Mecmesin white paper: Force testing in medical tubing

Mecmesin celebrates 40 years of testing packaging to perfection

Digital manually operated torque testers

Motor-driven torque testing systems

Universal testing machine range (0.5 - 5 kN)

Universal testing machine range (10 - 50 kN)

Mecmesin announces ‘Helixa’ precision torque tester

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