Slipcase Drawers and Retail Display Trays
Inner Drawers for Slipcases
The open front makes this tray a natural sliding drawer for two-piece slipcase packaging. The rigid back wall provides a pushing surface, while the open end allows the consumer to see or access the product immediately upon opening.
Shelf-Ready Display Trays
For retail environments, the three-sided setup holds products securely on the sides and back while leaving the front completely unobstructed for easy consumer access and clear brand visibility.
Kitting and Assembly Inserts
When packing multiple components into a larger master carton, this tray acts as a quick-loading base. The open end allows packers to slide items in rapidly before placing the entire tray into the outer box.
Sliding Trays for Rigid Boxes
Used as the inner sliding component for premium rigid setup boxes. The pre-glued corners ensure the tray stays square, while the open front allows for easy removal of the contents.
High-Volume Hand Packing
Rapid Fulfillment Lines
Because the back corners are pre-glued by the manufacturer, the tray requires no manual folding or locking tabs at the packing station. Operators simply lift the side walls, and the tray snaps into its rigid 3D shape, reducing assembly time.
Retail Presentation
Brands that need immediate product visibility on the shelf benefit from the missing front wall. It removes visual barriers while keeping the product contained on three sides.
Multi-Component Kitting
Operations that group several items together before final boxing use this tray to stage the kit. The open front allows workers to slide items in without lifting them over a front wall.
Four-Sided Containment for Loose Items
Four-Sided Containment for Loose Items
If the tray needs to hold loose items securely on all four sides or act as a standalone protective base, a four-corner glued tray is a better choice. The open end on this style offers no forward containment without an outer sleeve.
Standalone Shipping Needs
If the package must travel through a courier network without an outer sleeve or master carton, a fully enclosed mailer or shipping box is required. This tray provides no top or front protection.
Board Thickness and Outer Sleeve Pairing
Board Thickness and Corner Folds
This tray relies on 45-degree diagonal folds at the back corners to collapse flat. It is primarily designed for standard folding carton board. If heavier micro-flute corrugated is needed, the corner clearances must be carefully checked to ensure the material does not bind or crush when opening into its 3D shape.
Outer Sleeve Tolerances
Because the front end lacks a connecting wall, the side panels can bow slightly outward depending on the board's grain direction and the product's weight. The dimensions of the mating slipcase or outer sleeve should account for this slight outward pressure to ensure a smooth sliding fit.
Grain Direction for Side Wall Straightness
Aligning the paperboard grain parallel to the long side walls helps keep them straight and reduces outward bowing at the open end. This detail should be discussed with the manufacturer to ensure the tray slides cleanly into its outer housing.
Print Surface Planning
The base and interior side walls offer uninterrupted panels for printing. However, the internal glued webs will cover the back corners on the inside, which should be factored into the artwork layout.
Flap Tapers and Corner Adjustments
Flap Tapers for Smooth Assembly
The internal glue flaps can be tapered to prevent them from catching on the product or binding during the instant assembly motion. Adjusting these tapers helps tune the tray for faster fulfillment.
Wall Height Clearances
The height of the side and back walls can be adjusted to fit smoothly inside the outer sleeve, ensuring a snug fit that prevents the drawer from rattling.
Base Length and Width Proportions
The footprint can be scaled to fit the product, but the relationship between the width and the 45-degree corner webs must be maintained so the tray can still fold completely flat for delivery.
Packing details
Grain Direction and Side Wall Bowing
Aligning the paperboard grain parallel to the long side walls helps keep them straight and reduces outward bowing at the open end, ensuring the tray slides cleanly into its outer housing.
Additional notes
Assembly tension and glue seams
The instant assembly relies on the glued back corners. If the tray is erected too aggressively or overloaded, these seams bear the tension. Testing with the actual product weight ensures the corners hold up during packing.
FAQs
Can this tray be shipped on its own?
No. The open front provides no containment or crush resistance. It must be paired with an outer sleeve, rigid box, or packed securely inside a master shipper for transit.
Does this tray require manual folding or locking tabs?
No. The back corners are pre-glued during manufacturing. The tray arrives flat and snaps into its final shape instantly when the side walls are lifted.
Can this tray be made from corrugated board?
It is primarily designed for folding carton paperboard. While thin micro-flutes can sometimes be used, thicker corrugated board will bind at the diagonal corner folds and prevent the tray from collapsing flat.
How do I ensure the tray fits my slipcase?
The open front means the side walls may flex slightly outward. The outer sleeve should be sized with enough tolerance to accommodate this flex without making the drawer too loose.
Where is the best place for branding on this tray?
The base and the interior side walls offer uninterrupted panels for printing. The back wall is also fully printable, though the internal glued webs will cover the back corners on the inside.
Should I test a prototype before ordering the outer sleeve?
Yes. Testing a physical sample with your exact product helps verify that the side walls remain straight and that the tray slides smoothly into the planned outer sleeve.
Can the open end be closed after loading?
No. This specific tray style lacks a front wall or folding flaps at the open end. It is designed to remain open for sliding access or display.
How are the back corners sealed?
The manufacturer glues the internal web flaps to the side walls. This creates a secure corner that allows the tray to fold flat for delivery and assemble instantly during packing.
