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ECMA F80.03.00.00

Platform Inlay with Radial Grip

This single-piece folding carton inlay acts as a raised floor inside a master carton, elevating and centering your product for a premium presentation. The central opening features flexible radial flaps that yield to grip cylindrical items like jars, bottles, or candles, preventing them from shifting during transit.

Because the four side panels fold downward to act as supporting legs, this inlay relies entirely on the walls of your outer carton to hold its shape. It requires no glue and sets up quickly by hand, making it an efficient, plastic-free alternative to foam or thermoformed inserts.

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  • Order custom samples, short runs, or production runs.
  • US-based. Nationwide service.
  • Nationally competitive pricing & delivery costs.
  • Available in a wide variety of configurations.

At a glance

  • Elevates and centers cylindrical products
  • Glue-free manual assembly
  • Requires a precisely sized outer carton

Common uses

  • Cosmetic jars
  • Glass bottles
  • Candles
  • Electronic components

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Or email us at info@herculeindustrial.com

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Products That Fit Platform Inlays

Cosmetics and skincare jars

Elevates low-profile jars to improve the unboxing experience, keeping the product centered and preventing it from rattling against the outer walls.

Glass bottles and spirits

Provides lateral stability for heavy bottles. The radial flaps flex to accommodate slight variations in glass manufacturing tolerances.

Candles and home goods

Suspends the candle away from the outer carton edges, offering a clean, plastic-free presentation that aligns with sustainable brand goals.

Cylindrical electronics and smart devices

Elevates items like smart speakers or lenses, providing a clean presentation while keeping the device away from the outer carton edges.

Retail and Fulfillment Contexts

Premium retail unboxing

The raised platform creates a false floor, presenting the product immediately upon opening rather than leaving it sitting at the bottom of a deep box.

Kitting and fulfillment

Ships completely flat and requires no adhesive. Packers simply fold the four legs downward and push the inlay into the master carton before loading the product.

Subscription box programs

Provides a memorable, plastic-free presentation that keeps the hero item centered during transit.

When to Compare Other Inserts or Trays

Need for a freestanding tray

If the insert needs to hold its shape outside of a master carton, a locked-corner tray is a better choice. This inlay will unfold if not constrained by outer walls.

Multi-product kitting

If you are packing several different items in one box, a custom die-cut partition or a multi-cavity platform may be more efficient than a single central hole.

Fit and Clearance Decisions

Master carton dimensions

The length and width of the inlay must be toleranced to fit snugly inside your specific outer carton. If the inlay is too small, it will unfold; if it is too large, the platform will bow upward.

Product weight and board grade

Heavy items like large glass jars require a stiffer board grade to prevent the central platform from sagging over time.

Radial flap sizing

The inner hole must be slightly smaller than your product, while the outer crease line of the flaps must be large enough to let the flaps yield without tearing the board.

Packing line assembly

Since the four legs must be folded downward by hand before the inlay is pushed into the master carton, manual packing time should be factored into the fulfillment plan.

Adjusting the Platform and Grip

Standoff height

The height of the four folded legs can be adjusted to raise the product higher in the box or leave more clearance underneath for accessories or instructions.

Aperture shape

While standard for cylinders, the central cutout and yielding flaps can be modified to grip square, oval, or custom-shaped containers.

Flap count and length

The number of radial cuts and the length of the gripping flaps can be adjusted to change how tightly the inlay holds the product.

Board and packing details

Grain direction and platform strength

For heavier products, the board's grain direction should run parallel to the shorter dimension of the platform to maximize resistance against sagging.

Modifications and Options

Corner locking tabs

A common modification adds small locking tabs to the corners of the folded legs. This allows the inlay to hold its 3D shape independently before being placed into the master carton, which can speed up certain packing lines.

Additional notes

Die-cutting the radial flaps

The 20 small cuts required for the sunburst hole demand precise die-cutting. We ensure the tooling is properly configured so the central waste piece strips cleanly without tearing the delicate gripping flaps.

Related Packaging and Inserts

FAQs

Assembly and Closure

Does this inlay require glue to assemble?

No. The four side panels are simply folded downward by hand. Once pushed into the master carton, the outer walls keep the legs locked in the 90-degree position.

Product Fit

Can this be used as a standalone product tray?

No. Without the rigid walls of an outer box to trap the folded legs, the inlay will naturally try to unfold back into a flat sheet.

How do the radial flaps hold the product?

The central hole is cut slightly smaller than your product. When the item is pushed through, the surrounding flaps bend downward, creating a friction grip that centers the product and absorbs minor lateral shocks.

Materials and Board

Will the platform sag if my product is heavy?

It can, which is why board selection matters. For heavy glass or ceramics, we typically specify a stiffer corrugated board or reduce the span of the platform to ensure it remains flat.

Modifications

Can the height of the platform be changed?

Yes. The length of the folded side panels determines how high the platform sits off the bottom of the master carton. This can be adjusted to fit your specific presentation needs.

Shipping and Storage

How is this delivered to the packing facility?

The inlays are delivered completely flat, maximizing pallet density and minimizing shipping space before they are assembled on the packing line.

Inserts and Product Fit

What happens if the product diameter varies slightly?

The flexible radial flaps yield to accommodate minor variations in container size, such as the natural tolerances found in glass manufacturing.

Samples and Prototypes

Should we test the inlay with the outer carton before full production?

Yes. Because the inlay relies entirely on the outer carton walls to hold its shape, physical testing ensures the fit is snug enough to keep the legs folded without causing the main platform to bow.

A well-fitted platform inlay elevates your product's presentation while keeping it secure. Review your master carton dimensions and product weight to find the right structural balance.

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