BCT Calculator

| Added in Miscellaneous

What is BCT (Box Compression Test)?

The Box Compression Test (BCT) measures the maximum compressive load a corrugated box can withstand before collapsing. This is crucial for determining stacking strength and shipping safety.

Formula

The McKee formula is the most widely used equation for estimating BCT:

[\text{BCT} = 5.876 \times \text{ECT} \times \sqrt{\text{Perimeter} \times \text{Thickness}}]

Where:

  • BCT is the Box Compression Test value (lb or kg)
  • ECT is the Edge Crush Test value (lb/in or N/mm)
  • Perimeter is the box perimeter (inches or cm)
  • Thickness is the board thickness (inches or mm)

Example Calculation

For a box with:

  • ECT = 120 lb/in
  • Perimeter = 50 inches
  • Thickness = 2.5 inches

[\text{BCT} = 5.876 \times 120 \times \sqrt{50 \times 2.5}]

[= 5.876 \times 120 \times \sqrt{125}]

[= 5.876 \times 120 \times 11.18]

[\approx 7883.78 \text{ lb}]

Common Applications

  • Packaging Design: Determine optimal box strength for product protection
  • Stacking: Calculate safe stacking heights in warehouses
  • Shipping: Ensure boxes can withstand transport conditions
  • Quality Control: Verify corrugated board meets specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

BCT measures the maximum compressive load a corrugated box can withstand before collapsing. It is essential for determining stacking strength and safe shipping conditions.

The McKee formula estimates BCT as: BCT = 5.876 x ECT x sqrt(Perimeter x Thickness). This empirically derived equation is the industry standard for predicting box compression strength.

ECT measures the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board. It indicates how much force the board can resist when compressed on its edge, typically measured in lb/in or N/mm.

Box perimeter is calculated as 2 x Length + 2 x Width (or 2L + 2W). Measure the outside dimensions of the box base in inches or centimeters.