The manufacturing process of shipping cartons involves meticulous steps and various materials to meet protection and sustainability requirements. In this article, we will review the production process of shipping cartons and the materials used in their manufacturing.

Specifications of Shipping Cartons

Shipping cartons are essential in the supply chain and logistics, protecting products during transport and storage. Their specifications vary based on different uses but focus on durability and the ability to protect contents. Key specifications include:

• Sizes: Sizes vary according to needs. Generally, cartons can be custom-made to match the specific size of the products.
• Weight and Capacity: The weight of the products being shipped determines the capacity, which is measured in liters or cubic meters.
• Shock Absorption: Cartons must absorb shocks to protect contents from damage. The carton’s ability to withstand pressures and impacts without tearing measures this resistance.
• Moisture Resistance: Manufacturers treat cartons with moisture-resistant materials to prevent water damage or high humidity. Some cartons also include ventilation holes to keep products like fruits and vegetables fresh.
• Printing: Manufacturers usually print necessary information such as logos, shipping instructions, warnings, and barcodes on cartons. Flexographic printing is commonly used for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Quality Standards: To ensure quality, durability, and compliance with international shipping requirements, cartons must adhere to global quality standards such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• Closure and Fastening: Designers should create cartons for easy closure and fastening using tape, adhesives, or staples. They should also use recyclable materials to support environmental sustainability. The design must be precise to ensure it matches the dimensions and specifications of the products to be packed in the carton.

With these specifications, manufacturing shipping cartons can provide effective and reliable protection for goods during transportation and storage.

The Production Process of Shipping Cartons

Manufacturing shipping cartons involves several steps and stages, from selecting raw materials to the final product. Here is an overview of the production process and the materials used:

Design and Model Development

The process begins with designing the model or template for the cartons. The design must be precise to ensure it matches the dimensions and specifications of the products to be packed in the carton.

Selection of Raw Materials

The quality and performance of shipping cartons greatly depend on the raw materials used in their manufacture. Common materials include:

Corrugated Paper: Used for the main part of the shipping cartons, it comes in various thicknesses and strengths to meet the needs for product protection against pressure and shocks. It is divided into:

• Corrugated Cardboard: The most commonly used, consisting of three layers: two flat papers and one corrugated layer in between. Types of corrugated cardboard vary based on the thickness and strength of the flutes (A, B, C, E, F flutes), each used for a specific purpose.
• Regular Cardboard: Used for less demanding purposes such as making small boxes or internal dividers.
• Insulating Foam: Plastic foam or polystyrene protects fragile products from breakage or damage during transportation.
• Resistant Plastic Materials: Used in some cases to provide additional protection and enhance the outer structure of cartons for large or heavy products needing a strong exterior.
• Glue: Bonds the various layers of corrugated paper together, often made from corn starch or other non-toxic adhesives.
• Ink: Used for printing information and logos on the cartons.

Actual Production Process

After selecting materials, the production process begins with cutting and shaping the materials according to the specified design using precise cutting machines. CNC (computer numerical control) cutting and folding machines ensure accurate dimensions and production quality.

Carton Customization

Logos and information are printed on the corrugated paper before it is formed into cartons. Customizing shipping cartons helps enhance brand recognition and product identification.

Forming and Assembling

Machines fold and bend the corrugated paper according to the required design. They then assemble and fix the cartons using glue or staples to prepare them for use.

Finally, inspectors check the cartons to ensure their quality and ability to withstand shipping and transportation. These steps culminate in the manufacturing of shipping cartons that efficiently and effectively protect goods during transit and storage.

Conclusion

The process of manufacturing shipping cartons requires attention to detail and high precision to ensure effective and reliable protection of products during shipping and distribution. By choosing the right materials and using advanced production processes, companies can meet their needs for safely storing and shipping their products.