Interactive Packaging Board, Corrugated Flute, Laser Wood & Sheet Metal Material Selector
Paperboard GSM ↔ Caliper (mm / pt) Converter & Cross-Discipline Stock Selector
| Material Grade | Caliper (T) | US Points / Gauge | Kerf / Bend Spec | 1:1 CAD Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 gsm SBS / C1S Folding Carton Board | 0.4 mm | 16 pt | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Knife) | Open CAD (T=0.4mm) → |
| 350 gsm SBS / C1S Retail Carton Board | 0.45 mm | 18 pt | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Knife) | Open CAD (T=0.45mm) → |
| 400 gsm Heavy Kraft / Virgin Board | 0.55 mm | 22 pt | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Knife) | Open CAD (T=0.55mm) → |
| F-Flute Micro-Corrugated Retail Board | 0.8 mm | 32 pt (F-Flute) | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Die-Cut) | Open CAD (T=0.8mm) → |
| E-Flute Corrugated Mailer Board (23–26 ECT) | 1.5 mm | 60 pt (E-Flute) | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Die-Cut) | Open CAD (T=1.5mm) → |
| B-Flute Corrugated Shipping Board (32 ECT) | 3 mm | 118 pt (B-Flute) | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Rotary) | Open CAD (T=3mm) → |
| C-Flute Master Carton Corrugated (32–44 ECT) | 4 mm | 157 pt (C-Flute) | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Slotter) | Open CAD (T=4mm) → |
| 3.0 mm Baltic Birch Laser Plywood (B/BB) | 3 mm | 1/8" Nominal | Laser Kerf K = 0.12 mm | Open CAD (T=3mm) → |
| 3.0 mm Cell-Cast Acrylic Sheet (PMMA) | 3 mm | 0.118" Cast | Laser Kerf K = 0.15 mm | Open CAD (T=3mm) → |
| 6.0 mm Baltic Birch / CNC MDF Panel Stock | 6 mm | 1/4" Nominal | Laser Kerf K = 0.16 mm | Open CAD (T=6mm) → |
| 16 Gauge Cold Rolled Mild Steel (CRS) | 1.52 mm | 16 ga (0.060") | Bend K-Factor = 0.42 | Open CAD (T=1.52mm) → |
| 2.0 mm 5052-H32 Marine Aluminum Sheet | 2 mm | 0.080" Al | Bend K-Factor = 0.40 | Open CAD (T=2mm) → |
How This Material & Flute Caliper Selector Calculator Works
Selecting the exact material caliper (T) and kerf/bend allowance before generating a 1:1 CAD dieline prevents assembly interference where flaps fail to lock or finger joints fit loosely. Inspired by industrial packaging material libraries and expanded across all four fabrication disciplines, our interactive Material & Flute Caliper Selector converts paperboard basis weight (GSM) to millimeter and point (pt) thickness, compares corrugated flutes (F, E, B, C, EB, BC), and provides verified laser kerf (K) and press-brake K-factor parameters.
Governing Mathematical Equations (FEFCO Board Grades, TAPPI T411 Caliper, ISO 186 Paper GSM & DIN Sheet Metal Gauges)
Converts grams per square meter (g/m²) into physical caliper thickness in millimeters and thousandths of an inch (points).
Calculates exact single-blank weight in grams for shipping and material handling.
Defines how parametric CAD generators expand fold zones as board thickness T increases.
Cross-Discipline CAD Material Caliper, Density & Tolerance Reference Matrix
| Material Grade | Nominal Caliper (T) | US Points / Gauge | Recommended Kerf / K-Factor | Typical CAD Archetype |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 gsm SBS / C1S Folding Carton | 0.45 – 0.48 mm | 18 pt Cardstock | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Knife) | Reverse Tuck End (ECMA A20.20), Pillow Box |
| E-Flute Micro Corrugated Board | 1.50 – 1.60 mm | 60 pt Corrugated | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Die-Cut) | FEFCO 0427 Mailer, Tray & Sleeve, PDQ Tray |
| B-Flute / C-Flute Shipping Board | 3.00 – 4.00 mm | 118 – 157 pt | Kerf = 0.00 mm (Rotary Die) | FEFCO 0201 RSC, 6-Pack Bottle Carrier |
| Baltic Birch Laser Plywood / Cast Acrylic | 3.00 – 6.00 mm | 1/8" to 1/4" Stock | Laser Kerf K = 0.12 – 0.18 mm | Finger-Joint Box, Sliding Lid, Laptop Stand |
| 16ga Cold Rolled Mild Steel / 5052 Al | 1.52 – 2.00 mm | 16 Gauge / 0.060" | Bend K-Factor = 0.40 – 0.42 | 4-Flange Chassis Pan, U-Bracket, Gusset Plate |
Apply These Calculations in 1:1 Parametric CAD Studios
Two-Piece Sliding Drawer Tray & Outer Sleeve Box Dieline Generator
Gusseted Retail Paper Shopping Bag Dieline Generator (With Rope Handle Eyelets)
FEFCO 0320 Two-Piece Telescopic Lid & Base Gift Box Dieline Generator
Frequently Asked Questions — Material & Flute Caliper Selector
How do I convert paperboard GSM (g/m²) to millimeter thickness (T)?
Thickness depends on board bulk density. Standard virgin SBS / C1S folding carton board has a density of ~750–800 kg/m³, so 350 GSM equals roughly 0.45mm (18pt), and 400 GSM equals ~0.52mm (20pt). Uncoated Kraft board is bulkier (~680 kg/m³), making 350 GSM Kraft ~0.51mm thick.
What is a 'Point (pt)' in US packaging board specifications?
In North American packaging, 1 Point (1 pt) equals 1/1000th of an inch (0.001" or 0.0254 mm). Thus, an 18 pt folding carton board has a caliper of 0.018" × 25.4 = 0.457 mm.
Can I apply any selected material directly into the 1:1 CAD Generator?
Yes! Click 'Launch CAD Studio with Material' on any row in the selector to open the parametric generator pre-configured with that exact Caliper Thickness (T) and Laser Kerf (K).