corrugates

Corrugates, or corrugation, refers to surfaces or materials that feature a series of parallel ridges and grooves. The term applies to both the act of forming such a pattern and the resulting structures, including corrugated cardboard, corrugated metal, and other sheet goods. Corrugation increases stiffness and rigidity while often reducing weight.

The most common corrugated product is corrugated cardboard, a multilayer composite consisting of a fluted sheet bonded between one or two flat liner boards. The alternating ridges (flutes) and flat liners provide enhanced bending stiffness and crush resistance. flute profiles vary (for example, A, B, C, and E) to balance thickness, strength, and printability. Production involves passing sheets through a corrugating machine to form the flute, followed by adhesive bonding to the liners.

Other corrugated materials, particularly metal and plastic sheets, use a similar ridge-and-groove geometry to improve stiffness, load distribution, and water drainage. Applications span packaging, roofing, siding, and various industrial uses where lightweight, durable panels are advantageous. The corrugated form offers high strength-to-weight ratios and good resistance to impact and deformation.

Historically, corrugation emerged in the late 19th century and became a transformative technology for packaging and construction. The term derives from Latin corrugare, meaning to wrinkle or fold. In contemporary usage, corrugates can refer to the ridged material itself or the process used to create ridges in a sheet.