High-Volume Tray Applications
Automated primary packaging
A practical choice for fast-paced lines where flat blanks are fed, glued, and erected immediately before product loading. The straight fold lines and simple 90-degree and 180-degree actions align with standard tray former capabilities.
Premium retail presentation
The 180-degree fold on the inner end walls conceals the corner dust flaps, while the top flanges provide a finished rim. This makes it a practical choice for products that will be wrapped in film or placed inside a secondary display sleeve.
Base for shrink-wrapped products
The rigid double walls and flanged sides resist bowing when shrink film is applied, keeping the tray footprint square and the presentation clean.
Multi-component kitting trays
When paired with custom inserts, the rigid walls provide a stable foundation for holding multiple heavy or delicate items securely in place.
Industry and Packing Fit
Confectionery and baked goods
Provides a clean, sturdy base for delicate items. The top flanges help prevent the long side walls from bowing outward when the tray is handled or wrapped.
Cosmetics and personal care
Offers the crisp edges and rigid feel expected in premium categories, especially when produced in high-quality folding boxboard.
Electronics and premium consumer goods
Serves as a reliable inner tray that slides smoothly into a rigid outer sleeve, protecting components while offering a premium unboxing experience.
When to Consider Friction-Lock or Pre-Glued Trays
Manual packing operations
If your facility relies on hand assembly, this glued tray will be slow to erect. Compare it to unglued self-locking trays (like the B10 or B20 series) that use friction tabs to hold their shape without active gluing equipment.
Standalone shipping
This is an open primary tray. It provides no top containment or crush resistance on its own and usually requires a secondary outer shipper or rigid sleeve for distribution.
Board, Flange, and Packing Line Considerations
Tray former compatibility
Verify your machine's envelope limits, plunging mechanisms, and adhesive application zones. The equipment should be able to handle the 180-degree downward fold of the inner end walls.
Board caliper and grain direction
Because the inner end walls fold completely over the dust flaps, board thickness and grain direction are critical. The grain often runs parallel to these 180-degree folds to help prevent the board from cracking.
Flange width and product clearance
The inward-facing top flanges reduce the clear opening of the tray. Check that the flange width leaves enough room for automated or manual product loading.
Secondary packaging strategy
Decide how the tray will be covered. Whether using shrink film, a clear lid, or a printed sleeve, the outer packaging will dictate the final dimensions and required rigidity of the tray.
Adjusting the Tray Profile
Top flange width
The inward-facing rim on the side walls can be widened for extra rigidity or narrowed if it interferes with product loading.
Dust flap bevel angles
The angles on the corner dust flaps can be adjusted to help ensure they do not collide during the automated folding sequence.
Overall tray depth
The height of the side and end walls can be scaled to match the product profile, balancing containment needs with material efficiency.
Board and packing details
Print surface continuity
The inner end walls and top flanges fold inward from the main sheet, meaning they display the same side of the board as the exterior. This allows for continuous graphics without requiring two-sided printing.
Tray Modifications
Inward Downfold Corners (B44.22.82.00)
Modifies the corner webbing and downfold logic, which may be preferred by specific tray-forming equipment.
Additional notes
Machine envelope verification
Before committing to this format, confirm that your tray former can accommodate the flat blank size and execute the specific 180-degree fold required for the inner end walls.
FAQs
Production and Assembly
Can this tray be assembled by hand?
It lacks the mechanical friction locks needed to hold itself together. It relies on adhesive applied during erection, making it a practical choice primarily for automated tray formers.
Does the converter pre-glue this tray?
No. The tray is die-cut and shipped flat to your facility. The gluing happens on your packing line just before the product is loaded.
Materials and Fit
What board types fit this structure?
Standard folding boxboard or solid bleached board are common choices. Thicker corrugated boards are generally a poor fit because the 180-degree folds on the end walls may bind and resist automated gluing.
Do the top flanges interfere with loading?
They can, depending on your product and loading mechanism. The width of the flanges can be adjusted during the design phase to help ensure clearance for your specific payload.
Shipping and Route
Is this tray suitable for parcel shipping?
Not on its own. It is an open-top primary package. For parcel or courier networks, it should be placed inside a secure outer shipping box.
Print and Finish
Do I need two-sided printing for the inside of the tray?
Usually not. The inner end walls and the top flanges fold over from the outside of the blank, so your primary exterior graphics will naturally show on those interior surfaces.
Production and Assembly
How does the tray stay together?
The side walls fold up, bringing dust flaps inward. The outer end walls fold up against these flaps, and the inner end walls fold 180 degrees downward to sandwich the dust flaps, locking the structure with adhesive.
Adjustments and Options
Can the top flanges be removed?
Yes, the template can be modified to remove the flanges, but this reduces the rigidity of the long side walls, which may bow outward depending on the tray length and board choice.
