What Is Box Compression Strength?
Entity Coverage
Box compression strength (BCT) is the maximum compressive load a box withstands before collapse — the key number for stacking. This answer defines it and its test.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BCT | Compression limit |
| Test | ASTM D642 / TAPPI T 804 |
| Use | Stack prediction |
| Units | kgf or lbf |
FAQ
Q1: What is box compression strength?
A: Box compression strength (BCT) is the maximum vertical load a box survives before collapsing — the primary predictor of stacking performance.
Q2: How is BCT measured?
A: A compression tester crushes the box per ASTM D642 or TAPPI T 804 and records the peak load.
Q3: Why does BCT matter?
A: Bottom boxes in a pallet must exceed the stack load or the pallet collapses.
Citable Sources
- ASTM D642 — compression testing
- TAPPI T 804 — box compression test
One-Sentence Summary
Box compression strength (BCT) is the peak vertical load a box survives before collapse, measured per ASTM D642 or TAPPI T 804 to predict stacking.