How to spec a partition from Innerpac Inc.

Specing a Partition

How to "Spec" a Partition
Every item designed has certain dimensions, or specifications ("specs") that are critical to the design and ultimate success of the protection the partition provides. The specs come from overall carton size, the dimensions of the product to be packaged, the overall weight of the carton once packaged and pieces per carton.

Example How to Measure

In our example, using .040 caliper chipboard, the cylinder to be packaged has dimensions of 5" x 4". We typically recommend that you add 1/16" to 1/8" for 'play' on both height and width, but this may vary with each item based on your desired effect. If the part should be snug, you may choose 1/16" of room. Conversely, other parts that may vary slightly, may require 1/8" play. We typically add some room to the height as well, so the top of the carton is not resting on the product itself. The average is 1/8".

For the overall length and height of the partition sides, we reduce the inside dimension of the carton by 1/8". In our example, if we wished to fit the partition in a carton with inside dimensions of 18" x 18", our partition should not exceed 17-7/8" in length and width. Once complete, a box height can be determined to accommodate one or more layers.

To match a chipboard partition to the product above, we would provide the following layout:

SIDE	STRIPS	LENGTH **	HEIGHT **	SLOTS	CELL SIZE *	ARRANGED	AIR CELLS	SIZE
1	5	17-7/8"	5-1/8"	5	4-1/8"	4	2	11/16
2	5	17-7/8"	5-1/8"	5	4-1/8"	4	2	11/16
* INNERPAC USES CENTER-TO-CENTER DIMENSIONS FOR CELL SIZE. ** OVERALL LENGTH / HEIGHT OF PARTITION SIDES SHOULD BE 1/8" SMALLER THAN YOUR BOX SIZE.

Make no mistake, however, if you can answer the following key questions, we can design a partition to meet your needs:

Type of product (glass, computer hardware, vacuum tube, etc.).
Size (length, height, width).
Standard box count or box size?
Fragility of product (fragile, moderately fragile, durable).
Mode of shipping to your customer (UPS, palletized, etc.).
Weight or height restrictions.

Corrugated Thickness and Conversion Chart

MATERIAL	THICKNESS (APPROX)	SUGGESTED EQUIVALENT
ECT 26 B	.11494	125 B
ECT 26 C	.14925	125 C
ECT 32 B	.12048	200 B
ECT 32 C	.16129	200 C
	.27027	200 Doublewall
	.07143	200 E
ECT 44 B	.12987	275 B
ECT 44 C	.17544	275 C
ECT 48 DW	.27027	275 DW

Slotting Allowance for Chipboard/Corrugated

MATERIAL	SLOT WIDTH
Chipboard, to .053	1/16"
Chipboard, to .120	1/8"
Corrugated B Flute	1/8"
Corrugated C Flute	3/16"
Corrugated Double Wall	1/4"
Corrugated E Flute	1/16"

With the above information, we will create a quotation and samples for testing that will meet your expectations.

How to Spec a Partition

Specing a Partition