The Role of Packaging Products in Corrugated Box Applications

When you see packaging, you don’t see the process it went through, you just see the result. It is important to understand how each package is created, especially if you are looking for packaging for your business. The two most common manufacturing processes include flexo folder gluer and die cutting. Flexo folder gluer is best used for certain style boxes, mainly used for shipping. While die cut is best used for custom boxes, such as mailers and inserts. One of the main differences between these methods is the requirement for tooling. Flexo folder gluer can operate without a tool, whereas die cut products will require specific tooling depending on the style of the box. To make the best choice for your business needs, you must understand the differences between the machines. Machine Run: What is flexo folder gluer? The flexo folder gluer is a machine that produces boxes with a wide range of configurations available to suit any production level. It can produce boxes without requiring a tool. This system prints, scores and slots the boxes before folding and gluing them together. Although this machine is full-service, it can only make certain styles of boxes. Styles that can be made with this machine: RSC- Regular slotted container HSC- Half slotted container FOL- Full overlap POL- Partial overlap The main elements of flexo folder gluer: Feeder: stacks and squares the boards before moving into the machine at the required speed Flexographic print units: one for each color Creasing and slotting units: cut and score the boards, to create flaps and panels Folder gluer: apply adhesive to the glue tab and fold Counter ejector: stacks the boxes in the required quantities according to the thickness of the material. Die Cut: What is die cutting? Die cutting is a process that transforms material by cutting, forming, and shearing it into custom shapes and designs. This machine requires tools and uses rollers and cutting plates to put pressure on a die to push through and create a precise die cut. If you are ordering specific style boxes, then you will need to use a die cut machine. There is two important kinds of die cutting; flatbed and rotary. Flatbed die cutting- Flatbed die cutting cuts the desired shape out of material using a hydraulic flatbed press. This works well for low volume projects of consistent cut or larger sized products. Advantages: Lower tooling cost Max tonnage pressures Process thicker materials in larger and wider sizes Disadvantages: Slower Price per piece is more expensive Rotary die cutting- Rotary die cutting uses a cylindrical die to cut shapes out of material. These cylinders are fully covered in blades to cut out the desired shape as it moves around in a circular motion. This machine cuts a wide range of designs with the highest degree of precision and accuracy. Advantages: Consistent cutting speeds and precision Faster production High volume productions Disadvantages: Tooling is more expensive Stricter size constraints Summary Machine Run vs Die Cut: Selecting between machine run and die cut just comes down to what kind of packaging your business needs. The main determining factor between choosing machine run or die cut depends on the style and if a tool is required to cut the boxes. If it is a specific style or shaped box and a tool is needed to cut the boxes, then die cut would be the best option. If no tools are required, then machine run would be the best option. Machine run only makes certain style of boxes which are mainly used for shipping purposes, if any other style is needed then you must use a die cut machine. Each process has its advantages and disadvantages, it is just important to decide which will work best for your business packaging needs. If unsure of which process is needed for your business, contact Brown Packaging today to speak with one of our packaging specialists. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Folding Carton Display Packaging Rigid Box Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Corrugated boxes are an essential part of the shipping and storage process for businesses worldwide. They are made of corrugated paperboard, which comprises three layers: an inside liner, an outside liner, and a corrugated medium. The fluted medium provides cushioning and strength to the box, while the liners provide a surface for printing and labels. There are several types of corrugated boxes, with full overlap (FOL) being one of the most popular due to its superior strength and durability. What is Full Overlap (FOL) Corrugated Boxes? Full overlap (FOL) corrugated boxes are designed with flaps that completely overlap, providing extra protection to the contents inside. The flaps on both the top and bottom of the box extend all the way to the opposite side of the box, ensuring maximum protection and support. The FOL design provides a stronger and more secure seal than other types of corrugated boxes, making it ideal for shipping and storage of heavy or fragile items. Benefits of Full Overlap (FOL) Corrugated Boxes: Durability and Strength FOL corrugated boxes are known for their superior strength and durability, making them ideal for shipping and storing heavy and fragile items. The complete overlap of the flaps ensures that the box can withstand rough handling during transit without compromising the contents. Protection The complete overlap of the flaps provides an extra layer of protection to the contents inside the box, reducing the risk of damage during transit. The FOL design also prevents dust and dirt from entering the box, keeping the contents clean and protected. Customizable Full overlap corrugated boxes can be customized to fit the specific needs of the contents being shipped. The size and shape of the box can be tailored to fit the contents, and additional cushioning or inserts can be added to provide extra protection. Cost-Effective Despite their strength and durability, FOL corrugated boxes are cost-effective and affordable. They are also recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly choice for packaging. Security These corrugated boxes can be sealed tightly and securely with tape, ensuring that the contents remain inside the box during transit. The secure seal also helps prevent tampering and theft. Branding FOL boxes can be customized with a company logo or branding, providing an opportunity for businesses to promote their brand while also protecting their products. Sustainability Full overlap boxes are made from renewable materials and are recyclable, making them a sustainable packaging choice for businesses. Compliance Corrugated boxes can be designed to comply with various shipping regulations, ensuring that the contents arrive at their destination safely and securely. Full Overlap Box Customization FOL corrugated boxes can be customized to meet specific business needs. Customization options include: Size and shape The size and shape of the box can be tailored to fit the contents being shipped. Custom sizes and shapes can be created to ensure a perfect fit for the products. Printing FOL boxes can be printed with company logos, branding, and product information. This can enhance the customer experience and promote brand awareness. Inserts and Cushioning  Additional inserts and cushioning can be added to FOL boxes to provide extra protection for fragile or delicate items. Closure Options FOL boxes can be customized with different closure options, including plastic or paper tape, Velcro, or staples. When to Use Full Overlap (FOL) Corrugated Boxes: FOL corrugated boxes are ideal for shipping and storing heavy or fragile items that require extra protection. They are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, where heavy and delicate components are shipped. FOL boxes are also commonly used for packaging equipment, machinery, and electronic devices. In addition, FOL boxes are ideal for shipping and storing items that require long-term storage, as they provide excellent protection against dust, dirt, and moisture. FOL boxes can be used for a variety of products, including: Industrial Full overlap boxes are often used to ship and store large and heavy industrial equipment, such as generators, compressors, and pumps. The boxes can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of the equipment and can be reinforced with additional cushioning or inserts for added protection. Automotive Auto parts such as engines, transmissions, and axles are commonly shipped with full overlap boxes. The boxes can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of the parts and can be reinforced with additional cushioning or inserts for added protection. Electronics These boxes are ideal for shipping and storing electronic devices, such as computers, printers, and televisions. The boxes provide excellent protection against dust, dirt, and moisture, which can damage electronic components. FOL boxes can be customized with additional cushioning or inserts to provide extra protection for delicate electronic components. Medical FOL boxes are commonly used to transport medical supplies, such as surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic kits. The boxes can be customized to fit the specific needs of the contents and can be reinforced with additional cushioning or inserts for added protection. Food and Beverage Food and beverage products, such as canned goods and bottles are often packaged inside this type of box as it provides excellent protection against damage during transit and can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of the products. Retail These boxes can be used to package retail products, such as clothing, shoes, and accessories. The boxes can be customized with branding and logos to promote the brand and enhance the customer experience. E-commerce FOL boxes are commonly used for e-commerce shipments, as they provide a secure and durable packaging solution for products being shipped directly to consumers. Summary: Full Overlap Boxes Explained In summary, Full Overlap (FOL) corrugated boxes are an excellent choice for businesses that require a strong, durable, and protective packaging solution for their products. FOL boxes provide superior protection to heavy or fragile items during transit, and they can be customized to fit the specific needs of the contents being shipped. Customization options include size and shape, printing, inserts and cushioning, and closure options. Whether shipping industrial equipment, automotive parts, electronics, medical supplies, food and beverage