Print and Packaging | Since 1964

The caliper of paperboard is the thickness of a single sheet measured in thousandths of an inch. The caliper affects the strength, durability and appearance of the boxes. The choice of caliper depends on the type, size and weight of the products to be packed. Generally, thicker paperboard provides more protection and rigidity, but also increases the cost and weight of the boxes. A common range of calipers for paperboard boxes is from 12 to 24 points (0.012 to 0.024 inches). If you are not sure which caliper is best for your boxes, you can consult with your vendor who can provide expert advice and samples. Some vendors, like Orbytel, also offer prototyping services, where they can create a mock-up of your box design using different calipers and materials, so you can test and compare them before placing a large order.

The dimensions affect not only the appearance and functionality of your cartons, but also the cost of production and shipping. Here are some tips to help you choose the right dimensions for your folding cartons: Start with the product. Measure the length, width and height of your product and add some extra space for cushioning and protection. This will give you the minimum dimensions for your cartons. Think about how your cartons will be displayed, stored, or stacked. You may want to choose dimensions that are easy to handle, fit well in standard sizes, and optimize the use of space. The dimensions of your cartons will affect the number of cartons that can be printed and cut from a single sheet of paperboard. You may want to choose dimensions that minimize the waste and maximize the yield of your paperboard. Before finalizing your dimensions, it is a good idea to have the vendor create some prototypes and test them with your product. You may find some issues or opportunities to improve your dimensions and make them more suitable for your needs.

There are different types of finishes available for boxes, depending on the look and feel desired. All finishes protect the box from scratches and moisture. Some common types of finishes are: Varnish: This is a clear ink that creates a thin layer on the wrap of the box giving it a satin look. It can protect the box from scratches and moisture . Ultraviolet gloss coating: This is a coating that uses UV light to quickly dry. It gives the box a very shiny and smooth appearance, and enhances the colors and details of the print. Soft-Touch: This finish maintains the color quality of artwork designs while offering a soft-to-the-touch finish on the surface. Soft-touch is particularly popular for luxury packaging. Matte Lamination: This is a thin film of plastic that is applied to the box. It provides a classic soft, non-reflective surface and has the added bonus of helping protect against scratches, fingerprints, water, stains, and tears.

If you are looking for a box style that is easy to assemble and secure, you might want to consider the bottom closures of your box. There are three main types of bottom closures: tuck-bottom, snap-bottom, and auto-bottom. Tuck-bottom boxes have a flap that tucks into the box, creating a simple and elegant closure. They are suitable for lightweight products that do not require a lot of support. They are also easy to open and close, making them ideal for retail packaging. Snap-bottom boxes have four flaps that snap together, forming a sturdy and more durable closure. They are suitable for heavier products that need more protection. Auto-bottom boxes have a pre-glued bottom that automatically pops into place when the box is unfolded. They are the easiest and fastest to assemble, saving you time and labor. They are also slightly more expensive so you must weigh the benefits.

The cost of label printing depends on how long it takes to make them and what they are made of. When the order is small, most of the cost comes from preparing the labels and dies for production, so the material and size don't matter as much. For larger orders, the material and size affect the cost more. A good way to save money is to order less often, but in larger quantities. This will reduce the price per label as the volume goes up.

The cost of producing boxes depends on the machine time and how much material is required. When the order is small, most of the cost comes from preparing the machines and dies for production, so the material and size don't matter as much. For larger orders, the material and size affect the cost more. The vendor can help design a box that maximizes the number of boxes that can fit on one sheet of paperboard. Some shapes can be nested with each other to fit even more boxes on a sheet. A good way to save money is to order less often, but in larger quantities. This will reduce the price per unit as the volume goes up.

Measure your container carefully and compare it with the dimensions of the label sizes available. You want to make sure that your label fits well on your container without overlapping or leaving too much empty space. Choose a shape that matches the style and theme of your product. For example, if you are selling a natural or organic product, you might want to use a round or oval label to create a soft and friendly look. If you are selling a modern or sleek product, you might want to use a square or rectangle label to create a sharp and clean look. You also need to check if your printer can handle the size and shape of your label before you buy it. Some printers have standard sizes, others like Orbytel can print custom labels of any size and shape.

There are many options for choosing the right material and finish for your labels, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common ones: Paper: This is the most economical and versatile option, suitable for most indoor applications. Paper labels can have different finishes, such as matte, gloss, or semi-gloss, to give them a different look and feel. BOPP: stands for biaxially oriented polypropylene, which is a type of synthetic material that is used for making labels. BOPP labels are durable, waterproof, and resistant to oils and chemicals, making them ideal for outdoor use or for products that may come into contact with moisture or liquids. There are three main types of BOPP labels: White BOPP: This is the most common type of BOPP label, which has a white background and can be printed with any color or design. White BOPP labels are versatile and can be used for any product or industry. Clear BOPP: This is a type of BOPP label that has a transparent background and can create a "no label" look on your products. Clear BOPP labels are great for showing off the color or texture of your product, or for creating a minimalist or modern aesthetic. Metallic BOPP: This is a type of BOPP label that has a shiny silver surface that reflects light. Metallic BOPP labels are eye-catching and elegant, perfect for adding a touch of luxury or sophistication to your products. They can be printed with any color or design, but they look especially good with black or dark colors.