Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.516 (Standards for fiberboard boxes) require?
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Based on 49 CFR 178.516, the standards and requirements for fiberboard boxes (identified by the code 4G) are as follows:
* Material and Construction: You must use strong, solid, or double-faced corrugated fiberboard (single or multi-wall) that fits the capacity and intended use of the box. The outer surface must resist water so that a 30-minute Cobb method test shows a mass increase of no more than 155 grams per square meter (0.0316 pounds per square foot). The fiberboard must also bend properly, be cut, creased (without cutting through the thickness), and slotted for easy assembly without cracking, surface breaks, or undue bending. For corrugated fiberboard, the fluting must be firmly glued to the facings.
* Ends and Reinforcements: Box ends can be made entirely of wood, use a wooden frame, or be made of other suitable material. You may also use wooden battens or other suitable materials for reinforcement.
* Manufacturing Joints: Body joints must be either taped, lapped and glued, or lapped and stitched with metal staples. Any lapped joints must have an appropriate overlap.
* Closures: If you close the boxes by gluing or taping, you must use a water-resistant adhesive.
* Fit: Boxes must be designed to fit their contents snugly.
* Weight Limit: The maximum net mass allowed is 400 kg (882 pounds).
* Component Basis Weights: When manufacturing, marking, and selling UN4G combination packagings with outer fiberboard boxes and inner fiberboard components, the individual containerboard or paper wall basis weights can vary by no more than plus or minus 10% from the nominal basis weight reported in the initial design qualification test report.