corrugation

Corrugation refers to the creation or presence of alternating ridges and grooves on a sheet or structure. The corrugated geometry increases stiffness and bending strength, distributes loads more evenly, and can dampen impact while keeping weight low.

Corrugation is widely used with paper-based materials (corrugated cardboard) but also in metal and plastic forms. In cardboard, a fluted sheet is sandwiched between linerboards to form single-wall, double-wall, or triple-wall configurations. Metal corrugation typically uses rolled sheets with a sine-wave or trapezoidal pattern; plastics use extrusion or forming to create corrugated sheets or panels.

Manufacturing: In cardboard, a continuous process glues and presses the fluted medium between outer liners, then cuts to size. Metal corrugation uses rolling stands with intermeshing corrugating rollers to impart a wavy profile; plastics may be extruded or thermoformed into corrugated sheets.

Applications: Packaging and shipping rely on corrugated cardboard; roofing, siding, and interior panels use metal corrugation; drainage pipes and water-management channels use corrugated plastics; architecture uses decorative or structural corrugation.

History: Corrugation of cardboard emerged in the late 19th century, becoming fundamental to modern packaging. Today, the concept spans materials from cardboard to metals and plastics, valued for its strength-to-weight ratio and versatility.