corrugated

Corrugated describes a material or structure formed into a regular pattern of ridges and grooves. The resulting geometry, commonly called fluting, increases stiffness and strength without adding much weight. The term is used for several materials manufactured with a corrugating process, including metal sheets and fiberboard.

Corrugated metal: sheets of steel or aluminum formed by pressing the metal between rolling dies that produce parallel ridges. The sheets are used in roofing, siding, and cladding. They are often galvanized or coated to resist corrosion and can be painted. Multiple thicknesses and flute profiles are available to balance rigidity and drainage.

Corrugated fiberboard: corrugated cardboard. It consists of a fluted paper medium bonded between two flat linerboards. Variants include single-face, single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall constructions for different cushioning and stacking strengths. Flute profiles such as A, B, C, and E influence bending stiffness and cushioning. It is widely used for packaging and shipping; also used in displays and insulation.

Manufacture and sustainability: Corrugation is produced by passing sheets through corrugators, using adhesives to bond liner sheets to the flute. Corrugated products are generally recyclable; cardboard recycling is common and supports sustainable packaging. Durability, light weight, and ease of installation contribute to widespread use across construction and logistics.