Corrugated vs. Corrugate — What's the Difference?

Corrugated describes materials, typically metal or cardboard, that have been shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves. This design increases the material's strength and rigidity, making it suitable for uses such as roofing and packaging. On the other hand, corrugate is the action of forming these ridges and grooves. For example, factories corrugate metal sheets to create corrugated iron.

Corrugated materials are commonly found in construction and packaging due to their durability and lightweight nature. Corrugated cardboard is widely used for shipping boxes because its structure provides cushioning and protection for contents. Whereas corrugate involves the process by which these materials are manufactured, such as pressing or rolling them to achieve the desired pattern.

The corrugated structure enhances load-bearing capacity and flexibility, making it ideal for various industrial applications. For example, corrugated metal is used for roofing because it can withstand harsh weather conditions. In contrast, to corrugate means to apply this pattern to a material, which can be done using specialized machinery that shapes flat materials into corrugated forms.

Corrugated designs are often preferred in applications requiring added strength without significant weight increase. Corrugated pipes, for example, are used in drainage systems because they are strong yet easy to handle. Conversely, the term corrugate emphasizes the process of creating such a structure, essential in manufacturing these materials.