Interactive 3D

1 / 3

EVC11123

Auto-Bottom Corrugated Carton with Tongue Lock

Available in a wide range of custom configurations & material selection.
Order 1 sample. Or order 100K+ units. Or anything in between.
Affordable delivery across North America.
Design support, warehousing, testing, assembly available.
Widest machinery capability in America via 30+ specialist partner plants.

Get pricing

Free white-glove consultations. Blazing-fast response time. Fast quotes.

Product details

Top highlights

Pre-glued crash-lock base for fast manual assembly
Tongue-lock top closure resists accidental opening
Best suited for thinner corrugated profiles like E or B flute

About this product

This corrugated carton combines a fast-erecting crash-lock base with a secure tongue-lock top. Delivered flat with the bottom pre-glued, it opens into a rigid box the moment it is squared, eliminating the need to fold or tape the bottom flaps.

The top closure features a friction tuck flap with an extended tongue that inserts into a front slit. This creates a positive mechanical lock that resists accidental opening, making it a strong choice for retail presentation and fast-paced hand fulfillment.

Common uses

Fast-paced retail fulfillment
Kitting and subscription boxes
Heavier retail items needing a reinforced base
Cosmetics and personal care

Get a quote

Share what you know. We'll take it from there. Or email us at info@herculeindustrial.com

Describe your project *

Approximate quantity *

Size if known

Files or competing quote (optional)Drag files here or choose filesAdd drawings, photos, dielines, quotes, specs, or other useful files.Max 5 files, 25 MB total.

Name *

Email *

Phone

Optional

More details

You can skip this whole part, or open a section and answer only what you know.

Size and quantity

Detailed dimensions

Units US customary (inches)Metric

What do your dimensions describe?

Interior length

Interior width

Interior depth

Size notes

Quantity notes

Materials and print

Material or strength preference

Add details for material or strength preference

Material or strength details

Print and artwork

Add details for print and artwork

Print, finish, or artwork details

Shipping or storage context

Custom changes or unusual needs

How will these boxes be packed?

What type of items will go inside?

How will the packed boxes be shipped?

Do you need a cutout for finger access or to see inside?

Current box or specs

Do you have a current box, spec, or target sample?

Add details for do you have a current box, spec, or target sample?

Current box, known specs, or current problem

Destination ZIP or region

Company

Any deadline or timing constraint?

Hand fulfillment and retail presentation

Fast-paced hand fulfillment

Because the base deploys automatically, this carton reduces the time spent assembling boxes at the packing bench. It is a strong fit for operations where labor speed is a primary concern.

Retail and shelf presentation

The tongue lock provides a clean top closure without adding tape or stickers. This keeps the exterior graphics uninterrupted and presents a professional appearance on the shelf.

Kitting and subscription boxes

For multi-item kits, the reinforced glued base supports heavier assortments, while the secure top ensures the contents remain contained during handling before final shipping.

Cosmetics and personal care

The clean lines and secure closure make this a reliable choice for heavier bottled goods or premium personal care items, where both protection and unboxing experience matter.

Ecommerce kitting and consumer goods

Ecommerce and distribution

While the tongue lock is secure, boxes shipped individually through courier networks may still need an outer seal or tape to prevent tampering. For master-packed or palletized distribution, the native closure is usually sufficient.

Consumer electronics

The combination of a strong base and a neat top closure makes this a reliable choice for heavier consumer items, such as hardware or electronics, where the base must hold the weight.

Contract packing facilities

Facilities packing goods by hand often prefer auto-bottom designs because they eliminate the repetitive motion of folding and taping bottom flaps, speeding up the overall line.

When to compare snap-lock bases or automated trays

Lower volume or manual gluing

The crash-lock base requires a multi-point folder-gluer during manufacturing. If you are running a short trial or lack access to this equipment, a 1-2-3 snap-lock base provides a similar secure bottom without the pre-gluing requirement, though it takes slightly longer to assemble by hand.

Automated packing lines

Auto-bottom cartons are designed specifically for human hands. If your facility uses automated erecting equipment, a standard slotted container or a machine-erected tray is a better fit.

Flute thickness, lock clearance, and production routing

Flute and board thickness

This box style is highly sensitive to material thickness. E-flute or B-flute is recommended to ensure the complex folds of the crash lock deploy smoothly. Heavier materials, such as C-flute or double-wall board, can cause the base to bind or fail to open correctly.

Tongue lock clearance

The slit on the front panel must be precisely matched to the chosen board caliper. If the material changes, the slit dimensions must be adjusted to prevent the tongue from tearing the board or fitting too loosely.

Production path and volume

This carton requires flatbed die-cutting and a multi-point folder-gluer. Because this path involves more preparation than a simple glued side seam, it is typically chosen for repeat programs rather than short trial runs.

Outer shipping requirements

Decide whether this box will ship inside a larger master carton or directly to the consumer. If shipping directly, you may need to plan for a clear wafer seal over the tongue lock to provide tamper evidence.

Locking tongue, dust flap cutouts, and base proportions

Dust flap cutouts

The template includes an optional circular cutout on one of the dust flaps. This can be adjusted or removed depending on whether you need finger access or internal visibility.

Locking tongue dimensions

The width and depth of the locking tongue can be modified to increase closure security or make the box easier for consumers to open.

Base flap proportions

The angles and extensions of the crash-lock flaps can be adjusted by the converter to ensure smooth deployment on their specific folding equipment.

Packing details

Manufacturing routing

This carton requires flatbed die-cutting to create the angled base flaps and the front slit. It also requires a multi-point folder-gluer to apply adhesive to the side seam and the base simultaneously.

Additional notes

Testing the lock fit

Always request a physical prototype with the exact board grade you plan to use. The tongue lock relies on precise clearances, and a material change can make the lock either too tight or too loose.

FAQs

Does this box need tape to assemble?

No. The bottom is pre-glued and locks into place automatically when you square the box. The top uses a mechanical tongue lock that secures the lid.

Can this box be erected by machine?

No. Crash-lock designs are built for fast manual assembly at a packing station. They are not compatible with standard automated erecting equipment.

Can I use a heavy double-wall corrugated board for this box?

It is generally not recommended. The multi-point gluing and folding required for the crash-lock base perform more reliably with thinner profiles like E-flute or B-flute. Thick boards can cause the base to bind and fail to deploy.

Is the tongue lock secure enough for parcel shipping?

While the tongue lock resists accidental opening much better than a standard friction tuck, it is not tamper-evident. If shipping directly through a courier network, you may still need a clear wafer seal or tape over the closure.

Why might this box require a larger production run?

The pre-glued base requires a specialized multi-point folder-gluer. The preparation for this equipment is longer than for a standard glued side seam, which often makes very short runs less practical.

Can the size of the locking tongue be changed?

Yes. The width and depth of the tongue, as well as the receiving slit, can be adjusted in the CAD template to balance security with ease of opening.

What happens if I change the board grade later?

If you change the board thickness, the tongue lock slit and the crash-lock clearances must be recalculated. A thicker board will make the lock too tight, while a thinner board will make it loose.

Does the bottom fold flat for delivery?

Yes. The converter glues the side seam and the base flaps, then folds the entire box flat. It is delivered flat and opens into a rigid box when pushed from the corners.