Corrugated board can be converted into a variety of styles and shapes ranging from
the most simple “slotted” styles through to intricate die cut wrappers, point-of-purchase
displays, and multi-part packages involving interior packaging. Because of this
versitility, selection of the correct package design can be a complex and challenging
task. The package must provide product protection through the rigors of loading
and handling as well as the warehousing and physical distribution cycle. In some
cases, this same packaging is then used to merchandise the product as part of an
in-store display. The following represent some of the the basic styles that corrugated
board may be converted into.
SLOTTED BOX STYLES
Regular Slotted Carton (RSC) This style is made from a one piece blank having top
and bottom flaps of equal length The outer flaps when folded down meet at the centre
of the width of the box. It is by far the most common shipping used today.
Full Overlap Slotted Carton This style is made from a one piece blank having top
and bottom flaps of equal lenght. The outer flaps, when folded down, overlap the
full width of the box.
Semi Overlap Slotted Carton (SOSC) This style is made from a one piece blank having
top and bottom flaps. The outer flaps, when folded down, partially overlap the width
of the box. These overlapping flaps may be on the top or the bottom or both of the
box.
Center Special Slotted Carton (CSSC) This style is made from a one piece blank having
top and bottom flaps. When folded down both the inner and outer flaps meet at the
center of the carton to form a double top and bottom.
Half Slotted Carton (HSC) This style is made from two blanks, one for the body and
one for the cover. The body portion has flaps at the top or bottom only. It can
be manufactured with any of the “slotted style” flaps and will bear the name of
that slotted style (e.g. Regular Half Slotted Carton, Full Overlap Half Slotted
Carton). Half Slotted Cartons are usually made with scored and slotted telescope
lids and are used in applications where it is desirable to have a separate cover
that can readily be removed for unloading the contents. This could range from a
shelf storage box to a large pallet size box containing products in bulk. Where
a box with resistance to bulging and buckling is required, a full depth Half Slotted
Body and Lid can be used. Half Slotted Cartons are also used without covers to package
large appliances or to cover articles mounted on wooden skids. In these cases, the
flaps (or flanges) are at the top and the box is nailed, stapled, or strapped to
the skid.
Telescope Carton (TELE BODY/TELE LID) This style is made of two pieces, one scored
and slotted body blank and one scored and slotted cover blank. The cover is the
same depth as the body. Both pieces are shipped flat and need to be assembled using
stitches, staples, or adhesive to adhere the corners.
WRAPS OR FOLDERS
Cut Out Wrap(COW) This style is made from a one piece scored and corner cut blank
which, when assembled, forms a package with a solid flat bottom and flaps on top
(roughly the shape of a cross). The inner tuck flaps are usually 2 3/4″ long but
may be extended or reduced as required. The outer side flaps usually meet in the
centre of the width dimension but they too may be extended to overlap if required.
Five Panel Wrap(FPW) This style is made from a one piece scored and slotted blank
of five panels with two of these panels fully overlapping, and flaps at both ends.
These flaps are generally full overlap but may be regular or semi-overlap as required.
DIE CUT BOXES AND FOLDERS
Boxes or folders incorporating special structural features which can not be manufactured
on conventional scoring and slotting equipment, must be produced on a die press
using a steel rule die to cut and crease the corrugated blank into a usable shape
that can be formed into a finished package. These items are referred to as “Die
Cut”. The variety of features which can be included in a die cut style depend primarily
on the end use requirements, and are limited only by the package designer’s ingenuity
and the limitations of the die press. Some of the more common die cut features include:
* Completely self-locking packages that
can be assembled and closed without the use of tape, stitches or glue. These styles
include such things as tuck-in lids with locking tabs or flaps, self-locking top
or bottom flaps and corner closures, carrying handles, easy opening features, irregular
shaped cut-outs or contours, and cut away display panels.
Click on the styles below to see the animated demonstrations
FLOOR DISPLAY
INTERIOR PACKAGING
Interior packaging performs one or more of the following protective functions in
a package design: Separation Cushioning Retention Stacking Support Clearance Suspension
Protection Against Abrasion Positioning Filling a Void
The versatility of corrugated board permits its application as interior packaging
in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Although some of the more common types are
illustrated below, the package designer can create totally new innovative concepts
which meet the specific requirements of any product.