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CUSHIONING
Learning Objective: Identify the types of
cushioning materials used in the preparation
of mailing containers.
Cushioning absorbs and distributes forces caused
by shock and vibration. Examples of acceptable
cushioning materials are as follows:
Foamed plastics
Rubberized hair
Corrugated fiberboard
Excelsior (wood shavings)
Shredded newspaper
Figure 3-l shows the proper method of using
cushioning material.
If loose fill cushioning (excelsior, shredded
newspapers, and so forth) is used, it must overfill the
container before it is closed. This is to prevent
movement of the enclosed items to an outside surface
of the container or between any other items in the
package.
CLOSURES
Learning Objective: Identify the authorized
closing and reinforcement materials used for
securing mailing containers and approved
outer markings.
The closing and reinforcement of a package should
be carefully checked at the time it is presented for
mailing. The most common types of materials used for
closure and reinforcement of packages are as follows:
Gummed tape
Pressure-sensitive tape
Adhesives (cement, glue, and so forth)
Strapping (twine, cord, metal bands, and so
forth)
TAPE
Tape, other than cellophane and masking, can be
used for closing, sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard
containers. Cellophane and masking tape should only
be used to augment adhesive closures on envelopes or
to cover staples on bags. It is recommended that
pressure-sensitive tape or filament-reinforced tape be
used for closing and sealing of containers.
Paper Tape
Paper tape is widely used for closing and sealing,
but is not adequate for reinforcement. If paper tape is
used, it must be at least a 60-pound basic weight kraft.
Reinforced kraft paper tape should be used if
reinforcement of a container is required. It is more
durable than plain kraft tape and takes less time and
tape for an equal closure.
Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
Pressure-sensitive tapes come with various paper,
cloth, or plastic backings, both plain and reinforced.
They may be readily applied on a clean surface at any
temperature above freezing. Pressure-sensitive tape
should be used on containers in the same way as
gummed tape. Figure 3-3 shows the proper application
of tapes. Except for pressure-sensitive filament tape,
tapes used for closure and reinforcement should be at
least 2 inches wide.
ADHESIVES
Adhesives for closure on box flaps or on tapes
must remain serviceable from -20 degrees to +160
degrees Fahrenheit. Hot melt adhesive may be used if
at least four strips are applied on each box flap where
the outer flap overlays the inner flap; each strip is 3/16
inch wide after compression; the strips are not more
than 1-1/2 inches apart, with the first strip no more than
1/2 inch from the center seam; and all strips are the full
width of the inner flap, unless hot-melt adhesive is
applied to 25% of the area where the outer flap lies over
the inner flap.
BANDING
If banding is used for closure and reinforcement, it
should encircle the length and girth of the package at
least once. Although not preferred, twine and cord
may be used as reinforcement. You should not
encourage customers to use twine or cord as this type
3-4
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