TO 1-1-700 - Robins Air Force Base

TO 1-1-700
• Absorb Shocks - Perhaps the most frequent and
important function of cushioning is to absorb the
energy resulting when a container is subjected to
impact.
5.24 CUSHIONING MATERIALS.
Cushioning is made from many different materials and is used
for different purposes. The following is a description of several
types of cushioning materials, what they consist of and
their intended use is as defined in AFPAM(I) 24-237:
5.24.1 Bound Fiber (PPP-C-1120). These materials consist
of any suitable natural hair, vegetable fiber, or synthetic
fiber bound with an elastic material. There are four types and
two classes. The four types are variations of firmness, from
soft to firm. Bound fiber materials are intended to protect
items against vibration and impact shocks where resilient and
water-resistant cushions are required. The classes are as follows:
• Class A - Water resistant, natural hair.
• Class B - Common class, not necessarily water-resistant.
5.24.2 Cellulosic (A-A-1898). This material may be made
of any kind of cellulosic matter which will result in a product
meeting the Commercial Item Description (CID). The matter
used may be cotton, bonded fibers, natural fibers, or creped
wadding. Its intended use is for packing lightweight, fragile
items as a protection against abrasion. Grade I is specifically
for absorbing liquids from containers broken in transit. The
material is readily moldable, fairly resilient and furnished in
three grades and three classes which are:
• Grade I - Water absorbent.
• Grade II - Water resistant.
• Grade III - Fire retardant, water resistant
• Class A - Low tensile strength
• Class B - Medium tensile strength
• Class C - High tensile strength
5.24.3 Low Density Polypropylene Foam. This material
is supplied in rolls, tear-perforated rolls, or flat cuts, and is
made from a low density, resilient, unicellular (closed cell)
polypropylene foam. The typical application of this material
would be for surface protection of optical lenses, equipment
with critical surfaces, electrical and electronic equipment,
glassware, ceramics, and magnetic tape rolls.
5.24.4 Solid and Corrugated Fiberboard. Both solid and
corrugated fiberboard are used in cushioning, but corrugated is
more frequently used because it has greater cushioning value.
The most common forms of fiberboard application are diecuts,
open end cells, trays, pleated pads, and flat pads (see
Figure 5-9 and Figure 5-10).
5.24.5 Solid Fiberboard (MIL-F-26862). This fiberboard
is made from cane, wood or other vegetable fiber. It is
intended for use in packaging where a non-corrosive, fungus
resistant material is needed to afford protection against vibration
and impact damage during shipment and handling.
5.24.6 Wrapping Paperboard (A-A-1051). This is a
paperboard composed of a corrugated sheet or a solid pulp
sheet firmly cemented to a flat sheet of unbleached sulfate
fiber paper backing. It has high compression low resilience,
excellent damping, and some dusting. Its moisture content and
absorption are high. The material is acidic and hence, has a
high corrosion effect. Its performance in cold weather is poor,
and it is neither fungus nor flame resistant.
5.24.7 Flexible Open Cell Plastic Film (A-A-3129). This
material is intended for use within packages and available in
sheets and rolls. It can be ordered in two types, two styles, two
classes, and three grades with Grade B being static dissipative.
5.24.8 Polystyrene Expanded, Resilient. This is a resilient
material of expanded polymers or copolymers of styrene
for use in cushioning and packaging application. It is nonabrasive
and fungus and mold resistant. It is used within packs to
protect items from damage due to shock, vibrations, abrasion,
and concentrated forces during handling and shipment. It is
especially suited to packing problems where a high degree of
energy absorption is required in a minimum space and with a
minimum weight of cushioning.
5.24.9 Closed Cell Foam Plank (A-A-59136), Polyethylene
and Other Polyolefin. These materials are intended for
use within packages to protect items from damage due to
shock, vibration, concentrated forces, contamination and abrasions
during transit. Refer to MIL-HDBK-304 for specific
application guidance.
5-10