Imagine dealing with a toilet roll with a non-sturdy core at the center. Quite a mess, isn't it? This is why the quality of cardboard cores that are manufactured to hold the rolls of products is extremely crucial.
Cardboard cores are important in manufacturing, providing structural support, and shipping a variety of products. Different sizes and thicknesses of cardboard cores are used for different purposes. The quality of cardboard cores is an essential aspect as they are used for packing and storing different types of goods safely. The quality of the cardboard cores should be such that it ensures the structural integrity of the product remains intact. This blog will discuss the different aspects a business needs to consider to make top-quality cardboard cores. Let us first understand what cardboard cores are.
What are cardboard cores?
Cardboard cores, also known as paper cores, are sturdy cardboard bases around which materials are wrapped. Cores have a cylinder shape and are mostly made from cardboard or recycled paper. The center of these cores is hollow, and they have open ends, making them very lightweight. The winding and unwinding process of the material becomes easy, saving time and energy. Toilet paper, cellophane tapes, paper towels, wax paper, aluminum foil, wrapping paper, fabric, and paper rolls all use cardboard cores.
Cardboard cores are available in different diameters, lengths, and thicknesses. The cylindrical base gives a sturdy, solid, and reliable frame to the material. Cardboard cores are less expensive than other materials used for similar purposes. This feature makes cardboard cores a popular choice for businesses. Manufacturers produce cardboard cores based on their intended usage. Applications that require robust features will opt for heavy, thick cardboard. However, cardboard cores can also be used for less demanding applications.
Why are cardboard cores important?
When a product is initially packed, it may be in good condition. However, rough handling, pulling, pushing, stacking during transportation and storing in a warehouse can damage the product. Also, storing goods for a long time in a store leads to wear and tear and may lower the product quality. As a result, the consumers will receive damaged goods. It will, in turn, hamper the brand's image and impact the business. Hence, businesses prefer to wrap products around cardboard cores so that the product is wrapped safely and can be stacked easily.
Usually, products that come in sheets are wrapped around cardboard cores for storing, distribution, or packing. These cores give support, stability, and tension control during the winding and unwinding process. It doesn't allow the product to get knotted, wrinkled, or torn.
When consumers receive goods that are packaged professionally, and properly wrapped on a cardboard core, consumers are more likely to trust the brand and buy their products. It enhances the image of the brand and its reputation. Cardboard cores are used as tape cores, textile cores, industrial cores, label cores, flexible film cores, and many more.
How are cardboard cores created?
First, the raw materials are prepared and are fed into the machine. The thickness of the core is based on the number of layers of material used. The paper roll is set at an angle. This step is done so as to get a smooth spiral shape of cardboard core. Next, the paper strips are made to pass through the glue pan so that the layers are bound together. After that, at an angle the paper strips coated with glue are made to coil around the mandrel, a cylindrical rod. The size of the mandrel sets the inner diameter of the cardboard core. Finally, the blade cuts the core to the required size as it emerges from the mandrel.
Factors important for making top-quality cardboard cores
Strict quality control methods are implemented at each step of the process, from selecting quality raw material to testing the final product to get good quality cardboard cores. Each step of the process is important. Quality cardboard makes the cores durable for a long time and uniform throughout. The key factors that lead to the production of top-quality cardboard cores are discussed below. You can select good quality cardboard cores based on the combination of these factors.
- Quality of Raw Materials
The overall quality of a cardboard core is dependent on the quality of raw materials used to produce it. Selecting the materials carefully is important for producing high-quality cardboard cores. Paper, cardboard, recycled paper, or paperboard produce cardboard cores. These materials are selected for their durability, strength, and consistency. High-quality cardboard cores are made using premium-quality paper. Cardboard or recycled papers are produced from fresh wood pulp fiber. These are biodegradable products and, hence, have a lesser environmental impact.
The fiber also degrades with time. It is important to use pulp that contains robust fibers to create a durable cardboard core. Strong fibers help the core to maintain its strength over time. It ensures the cardboard core remains solid and reliable while used.
- Glue used for sticking layers
Layers of cardboard or paper need to be stuck together. High quality glue gives a strong bond between the layers of cardboard. It ensures that the core does not break apart while using. Hence, the glue must be applied properly and in a controlled manner. It is important to ensure safety when applying the glue. For this the glue used must be environmentally friendly and not be made out of toxic substances.
Different types of glue serve specific purposes that improve the overall functional feature of paper cores. Waterproof glue is used to protect paper cores from getting damaged due to moisture. This type of glue is suitable to be used in humid conditions. The glue that has high strength provides stability to the core so that it can bear heavy loads without getting deformed. Manufacturers must thoroughly test it to ensure that the glue meets the required strength.
- Smooth Finish
Products like toilet paper rolls, adhesive tapes, and aluminum foils need cardboard cores to maintain their shape and usability. Cardboard cores come in various widths and lengths. They must be customized in size and thickness according to specific orders. High-quality cardboard cores come with a uniform shape, consistency in core dimensions, wall thickness, and smoothness in the surface. Even a little deviation from accurate dimensions may damage the products during packaging. The surface finish of the cores must be smooth to prevent the wound material from getting damaged while winding or unwinding.
- Precision is important
The firmness of cardboard cores depends on the manufacturing processes. Any weak points in the layer bonding process of the cardboard cores can lower the strength and durability of the cardboard core. In order to use the cardboard cores for the intended application, they need to meet certain dimensions. For winding or unwinding the material easily, the core must have consistent dimensions. If the cardboard core doesn't have a uniform size or shape, it becomes difficult to handle the material that is to be wound on it. Hence, it is important to have an accurate inner and outer diameter.
- Advance machineries
The thickness of the cardboard core depends upon the number of layers of raw material used. Using advanced techniques helps produce uniform cardboard cores. Advanced machines are required for precision cutting and winding, with accurate dimensions and consistent quality. It is also important to closely monitor the manufacturing process.
- Importance of rigorous testing
The cardboard core needs to go through rigorous testing steps. It helps to understand how the cardboard core will perform in real conditions, and if there is any issue, it can be identified. This testing is done using various methods and tools. An example of a testing process is the torture test.
Conclusion
Well-designed cardboard core structures give the material a proper frame and structural integrity and make them easy to use for the customer. Several factors must be considered to get quality cardboard cores. By considering these factors, manufacturers can produce cardboard cores that are of the highest quality. Investing in good quality cardboard cores helps businesses build a strong perception of their customer for the brand.
Businesses can also partner with a reliable cardboard core supplier to get the best cores for their products without any hassles. Cardboard Core provides top-quality cardboard cores with different inner diameters and thicknesses. We also provide mailing tubes of different sizes and take custom orders for all kinds of requirements. Check out our offerings today!