Engineering Multiplier
Ratio values applied to the calculated strength of a container ensure that it can withstand the unpredictable stresses of the real world. The stacking load safety factor accounts for variables such as vibration during transport, high humidity, and the loss of strength over time. A common safety factor for a corrugated box might be five, which means the box is designed to hold five times the weight of its actual static load.
Factor Determination
Choosing the correct stacking load safety factor requires an analysis of the entire supply chain. If the boxes will be stored for a year in a tropical climate, a higher factor is used to compensate for the significant creep and moisture damage. If the trip is short and the warehouse is climate controlled, a lower factor may be acceptable to save on material costs.
Economic Balance
Over-engineering a box with an excessive safety factor leads to wasted material and higher shipping costs. However, an insufficient stacking load safety factor results in collapsed pallets and damaged goods, which can be far more expensive than the extra paper. The goal is to find the minimum factor that guarantees zero failures under the worst expected conditions.
