Industrial box without adhesive but with tape

In summary, the conversation is discussing the use of adhesive in box assembly and its role in withstanding weight and providing structural rigidity. The need for adhesive is questioned as tape is applied instantly and shear force plays a key role in the joint. The possibility of reducing adhesive consumption is considered, but the importance of proper taping techniques and minimizing liability is also mentioned. The use of theoretical calculations to determine the weight a box can withstand is debated, but ultimately it is suggested to follow postal regulations for packaging.
  • #1
Butters
77
1
I'm thinking of reducing adhesive consumption in box assembly which has to hold ~7 kg. The assembly process consists of product insertion, glue application on box ends and tapping along the gap (nothing extraordinary here).
My question is: Why does a box even need adhesive if it gets tapped externally which I believe to withstand the weight?
There're two narrow strips of glue on both ends of the box. Initial idea is to reduce the size of those strips but I don't see the point in using adhesive at all when it has tape applied instantly.
I'd like to do some calculations regarding the issue. I think that shear force plays a key role in this case. How should I carry my theoretical calculations?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is guessing without a drawing of the joint, but the glue probably transfers the load in shear over the whole glued area. A tape joint would carry the whole load through the tape, in between the two parts that are taped together. That might be OK in theory, but if the tape was damaged if would probably tear apart completely.

I guess the real purpose of the tape is to stop the glued joint being pulled apart through rough handling of the box, not to carry the load.
 
  • #3
Box.jpg


This is basically how it looks. How do I resolve my shear forces?
 
  • #4
Glue was probably included due to the fact that a lot of people do a crappy job in taping a box shut. They will overlap the sides with a half-inch, tape the folded flaps, and cut the tape allowing only another half inch of overlap on the other side. And without pressing the tape down so that it will definitely be adhering to the cardboard, they then expect the box to be able to be transported to destination without incident.
A box poorly taped on the bottom will spill its contents when picked up. A box with a poorly taped top will have the flaps separate from the tape and become undone. The flaps where they meet the edge of the side have to be tightly taped so that the flaps do not shift with respect to one another loosening up the tape. It doesn't hurt to tape the edges of the flaps to the side for extra stress management.

The glue will aid anybody or his monkey to be able to properly close the box and secure the flaps, with hope that the box and contents will remain as one unit during transportation. You want the box to arrive at the destination looking as good as it did when it left your place, which will impress the receiver.

As long as any crushing, puncture, or mishandling cannot be traced to you, then your liability has been reduced, in regards to returned or refused damaged goods.

So you can teach a course in how to tape a box properly, impressing the use of more tape up the sides from taping the flap crack, and with additional taping the flap-edge if necessary.

Rather than just looking at saving a penny per box on glue, you might want to investigate the handling of the box, the number of times it changes hands from send off to being received, and the state of the box when it arrives, and the state of the contents upon arrival. Boxes are thrown, upended, stacked, put upside down, dropped, squished. Theoretical calculations should take some aspect of those conditions into consideration.
 
  • #5
I've seen the automated process which does gluing and tapping. Don't think any misalignment of the tape is even possible. However, I liked the idea about liability and I do agree that this won't probably save a lot.
Anyhow, I'd still like to know how to apply some theoretical calculations in the case, i.e. knowing adhesive and cardboard parameters how do I find weight a box could withstand?
 
  • #6
The glue gives the box structural rigidity. The tape serves as a backup should part of a glued joint be overstressed. :smile:
 
  • #7
Butters said:
Anyhow, I'd still like to know how to apply some theoretical calculations in the case, i.e. knowing adhesive and cardboard parameters how do I find weight a box could withstand?

It's probably not worth the effort to even try. Cardboard is an anisotropic material. The basic design concept of a cardboard box only "works" because of nonlinear behavior of the structure. And the answer will depend very much on what is inside the box. For example if the contents are supported by polystyrene pieces that effectively form a "frame" along the edges of the box, with rigid connections at the corners, that is a very different situation from a the weight of the contents pressing over the whole of the cardboard surface.

Just find something like the postal regulations for packages in the relevant countries, and follow the guidelines. The "7 kg contents" is irrelevant, if a 150kg gorilla working as a mail handler stands on your box to reach something else.
 

1. What is an industrial box without adhesive but with tape?

An industrial box without adhesive but with tape is a type of packaging box that does not use adhesive or glue to seal the box, but instead uses tape to secure the contents inside. It is commonly used in industries where a strong and secure packaging solution is needed.

2. How is an industrial box without adhesive but with tape different from a regular box?

An industrial box without adhesive but with tape is different from a regular box in that it does not require adhesive or glue to seal, but instead relies on tape. This makes it a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, as it eliminates the need for adhesive materials.

3. What are the benefits of using an industrial box without adhesive but with tape?

There are several benefits to using an industrial box without adhesive but with tape. These include cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and ease of use. Additionally, since tape is used instead of glue, there is no risk of the contents being damaged by adhesive residue.

4. Is an industrial box without adhesive but with tape as strong as a regular box?

Yes, an industrial box without adhesive but with tape is just as strong as a regular box. In fact, the tape used to seal the box is often stronger than adhesive, providing a more secure packaging solution for heavy or delicate items.

5. What industries commonly use industrial boxes without adhesive but with tape?

Industries such as manufacturing, shipping, and logistics commonly use industrial boxes without adhesive but with tape. They are also used in e-commerce and retail for packaging and shipping products. Any industry that requires a strong and secure packaging solution can benefit from using these types of boxes.

Similar threads

  • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
8K
Replies
13
Views
6K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
8K
  • General Discussion
Replies
29
Views
9K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
3
Views
3K
Back
Top