These specifications are arranged in two major sections: bale ties and bagging. Each of these sections is further divided into General Requirements and Approved Materials. Specifications for each approved material may be found by using the table of contents.
In addition, test methods applicable to each material are included within each material section. Also included are references to the various test procedures listed below:
ASTM A510, ASTM A 938, ASTM D1709 Method A, aluminum, ASTM D374, ASTM D737, ASTM D751, ASTM D882, ASTM D1776, ASTM D1894, ASTM D2594E, ASTM D3218, ASTM D1922, ASTM D 3950, ASTM D3887, ASTM D6247, ASTM D6953, ASTM D3776, ASTM D5035, ASTM G153, ASTM G155 Cycle 1
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials International) procedures may be obtained by contacting: ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; Phone: (610) 832-2959; web site: www.astm.org
For further information concerning these specifications contact: JCIBPC, PO Box 2995, Memphis, TN 38088; Phone: (901) 274-9030; fax: (901) 725-0510; email: jcibpc@cotton.org
These definitions apply only for use with these specifications.
Bale Density: A unit of measurement of weight per unit volume normally expressed as pounds per cubic foot. Density is calculated by dividing the net bale weight by the bale volume in cubic feet. Volume is deter-mined by multiplying bale length, width and thickness dimensions expressed in feet. Thickness is determined by measuring from tie to tie across the crown of the bale.
Density (UD): Cotton bale density of at least 28 pounds per cubic foot.
Gin UD: Bale compressed at the gin to a density of at least 28 pounds per cubic foot. (Bale must be tied with strapping or wire as defined under Section 1.1 and 1.2).
Compress UD: Flat/modified flat bale recompressed at warehouse to a density of at least 28 pounds per cubic foot.
Standard Density (SD): Cotton bale density of at least 23 pounds per cubic foot but less than 28 pounds per cubic foot. (Bales must be tied with strapping or wire as defined under Section 1.1 and 1.2).
Gin SD: Bale compressed at the gin to a density of at least 23 pounds per cubic foot but less than 28 pounds per cubic foot.
Compress SD: Flat/modified flat bale re-compressed at warehouse to a density of at least 23 pounds per cubic foot but less than 28 pounds per cubic foot.
Flat/Modified Flat: Cotton bale density of less than 23 pounds per cubic foot with flat bale density normally at 12 pounds per cubic foot and modified flat bale density at 14 pounds per cubic foot. Unless otherwise noted, reference to flat bales in specifications also includes modified flat bales.
Panel: Rectangular sheet of fabric; refers to top sheet in bag and panel combination of new jute, cotton, or woven polypropylene for use on gin universal or gin standard density bales.
Spiral-Sewn Bag: Sewn bag from burlap, cotton or polypropylene. Fabric is sewn on a bias resulting in a tube with the seam spiraling around the bale circumference. After application, bale ties are under bagging.
Gussetted Bag: Sewn bag from polypropylene. Fabric is seamed resulting in a tube with the seam running parallel to the edges of the tube. Opposite edges of the tube are folded inwardly to form two V-shaped sections between the front and back faces of the tube. The bottom seam of the bag is sewn through 4 layers of fabric in the gusset areas. The gussets create a rectangular-shaped mouth for filling and a rectangular bottom in the filled bag. After application, bale ties are under bagging.
Bag and Panel Combination: Bale cover fabrication applied on the gin press and used in combination with a top panel. After application, bagging is under bale ties.
Wire: Slender metal rods of round, ovalized or waisted cross section applied to restrain cotton bales after compression.
Wire Gauge: Unless stated otherwise, wire gauge nomenclature is consistent with ASTM A510 or US Steel Wire Gage System (USSWG) as referenced by American Institute of Steel Construction.
Round Wire: Steel material having a circular cross-sectional area applied to restrain cotton bales after compression.
Ovalized Wire: Steel material having a cross section slightly modified from a circular cross section applied to restrain cotton bales after compression. There is no significant difference (minus 5% tolerance) in cross-sectional areas between round wire and ovalized wire. The linear densities (weight per foot of wire) of ovalized and round wires are equal.
Waisted Wire: Steel material having a reduced cross-sectional area between the joint portions and a non-reduced, round cross section in the portion that the joints are formed. The linear density of waisted wire is lower than that of round wire.
Recessed Wire: Bale tie recesses describe grooves, indentions or notches created in the flat or "hard" sides of the cotton bale, located such that when bale tie materials are applied, ties (wires or bands) lie within the depth of the recess; recesses are sufficiently deep so that ties are protected from normal handling impacts with floors, lift truck handling devices and other bales; in addition to minimizing handling stresses on bale ties, recesses are intended to reduce tearing and cutting of bagging normally associated with shearing action of ties on bagging; exact width and depth dimensions are not specified, except that grooves should be sufficiently wide to accommodate the width of band or wire tie and sufficiently deep so that the tie does not extend beyond the outside plane of the bale surface.
Strapping: High tensile steel or PET plastic material having a flattened, rectangular cross section applied to restrain cotton bales after compression.
Slip-Seal: One type of strapping connection to secure strap ends together. Seal has heavy indentions across width of strap. Connection allows for limited movement or slippage of bottom strap. For use with 3/4-inch x 0.025-inch strap in either a 6-band or 8-band configuration.
Fixed-Seal: Strapping connection in which relative movement of strap ends cannot occur. Refers to triple notch seals.
Triple-Notch: One type of fixed-seal strapping connection in which strap ends are secured by indenting and locking a metal seal around strap ends. For use with 3/4-inch x 0.031-inch strapping in an 8-band configuration only.
Importer: Person or persons in United States who clear product through U.S. Customs Service.
NAFTA Country: Country included in North American Free Trade Agreement which currently includes the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): Reporting requirement adopted by the JCIBPC to insure packaging materials offered for sale conform to the applicable published specifications.