So many flutes, how do you choose?

In order to determine which flute is the right flute, we need to understand how a corrugated box is produced. Corrugated is made up of three layers: two linerboards that sandwich the wavy flutes.  Corrugated strength is the combination of board grade and the size of the flute.  Flutes range from A to F, but the name of the flute is not relative to the flute profile but rather when the flute was developed. 

C flute is the most common flute for standard shipping boxes.  This flute is the second largest flute, second to A flute. C Flute offers decent printing capabilities as well as good crush resistance and stacking strength.

A flute is the original and the thickest of flutes.  This flute offers the greatest cushioning for fragile products. A flute has the least amount of flute contact points.

B flute is the common choice for corrugated mailers.  With more flute contact points than C or A flute, B flute offers a good balance of smooth printing surface and strength.  B flute was originally developed for shipping canned goods and it is currently used for corrugated mailers and trays.

E Flute is thinner than B flute and is a preferred option of printers for high quality graphics but is not generally used for to protect shipments. E flute can also be a alternative to chipboard folding cartons.

F Flute (micro flute) offers excellent print capabilities and is sometimes used interchangeably with E Flute.  F Flute offers the most flutes per linear foot than all flutes.

	Flute	Flutes/Linear Foot	Flute Thickness
	A Flute	36	1/4"
	C Flute	39	3/16"
	B Flute	47	1/8"
	E Flute	90	1/16"
	F Flute	125	1/32"