Corners are the most vulnerable parts during transport: a single knock leaves a dent, a single bump damages a corner — no matter how beautifully the front of the box is designed, a crushed corner is like a person with a injured knee. This article clearly explains the key points of corner protection; clients involved in packaging and logistics planning are advised to refer to it as required.
Combination and inspection? Combination: corner protectors + air cushions (for heavy items); edge protectors + cushioning (for light items); carry out a drop test (on all four corners and eight edges) before dispatch, then proceed with the order. The criteria for inspection are: ‘corners must not collapse, edges must not be damaged’.
How should edge protection be implemented? Edge protection (foam strips / corrugated strips): secure along the edges (to prevent abrasion) and use thicker material (to withstand compression); ‘edge strips’ (adhered to the box body) prevent scratches. The specifics of edge protection should be determined based on the transport distance.
First, identify the source of damage. Forces acting on corners and edges: the four corners (impact), the edges (friction), and the base (compression); First, distinguish between items that are ‘vulnerable to impact’ (glass, ceramics) and those that are ‘vulnerable to abrasion’ (painted surfaces, electronics) before deciding on a solution — use rigid protection for impact-sensitive items and soft padding for abrasion-sensitive items.
How should air cushions be used? Air cushions (air column bags): to fill empty spaces (preventing movement) and provide cushioning (protection against drops); ‘Air columns’ (individually sealed) – damage to one compartment does not affect the rest. When selecting air cushions, ensure they ‘fill the space completely and hold their shape’.
The economics of edge and corner protection: corner protectors provide rigid protection, edge protectors prevent abrasion, and air cushions offer cushioning — by clearly identifying ‘where damage occurs and how far the item will travel’, you can ensure your investment in edge and corner protection is directed precisely to the points of stress.
How should corner protectors be used? Corner protectors (paper / foam): wrap around corners (all four corners) and stand upright along edges (edges and ridges); “paper corner protectors” (environmentally friendly) are suitable for export. When selecting corner protectors, the guiding principle is that they must “withstand knocks and bumps”.
