Custom cardboard boxes, also known as bespoke packaging, are increasingly used by companies due to their adaptability to a variety of products and needs. They are tailored to the shape, size, and sometimes even the function of a specific product, making them not only practical but also marketing-wise attractive. However, the production process is much more complex compared to standard boxes. A key element of this process is the die, a tool used for cutting and creasing the cardboard. This article will take a closer look at what a die is, its types, the custom cardboard production process, and its benefits.
What is a Die?
A die is a specialized tool used in packaging production that serves to cut and crease material, usually cardboard or corrugated fiberboard. It is designed to precisely cut the material according to a specific pattern, allowing for the creation of packaging in a non-standard shape and size. Creasing, or scoring the fold lines, enables easy and precise folding of the cardboard into the desired packaging form.
What Are the Types of Dies?
There are two main types of dies used in custom cardboard production:
- Flatbed Dies – are most commonly used for producing smaller series of packaging. They consist of a flat plate on which steel blades are placed in a specified pattern. The material is pressed onto the die, cutting and creasing it.
- Rotary Dies – are used primarily in the production of large series of packaging. The die, in the form of a cylinder, rotates, cutting and creasing the material as it is fed under it. Thanks to the continuous motion, this process is faster than using flatbed dies.
How is the Custom Cardboard Production Process Conducted?
The custom cardboard production process consists of several key stages:
- Die Design – based on the specifications of the product to be packaged, a packaging design is created, including the shape and size of the die.
- Die Manufacturing – based on the design, the die is cut and prepared for use.
- Cutting and Creasing – cardboard or fiberboard is placed on the die, which then cuts and creases the material according to the design.
- Folding and Gluing – the cut and creased cardboards are folded into the desired forms, and then glued or stitched to create the final packaging.
What Are the Advantages of Custom Cardboard Boxes?
Custom cardboard boxes offer a range of benefits for both manufacturers and consumers:
- Product Fit – the ability to customize the size and shape of the packaging to a specific product increases its safety during transport and presentation.
- Marketing Value – bespoke packaging can attract consumer attention, leading to better brand recognition and product differentiation on the shelf.
- Cost Optimization – precise product fit can help reduce transportation and storage costs, as the packaging takes up less space and better protects the contents.
- Sustainability – the possibility to use eco-friendly materials and the ease of recycling custom cardboard make them environmentally friendly. Production on demand also allows for minimizing manufacturing waste.
- User Convenience – custom cardboard can be designed with ease of opening, resealing, and even the convenience of using the product without removing it from the packaging in mind, increasing consumer satisfaction.
Functionality, Aesthetics, and Ecology
Custom cardboard boxes play a significant role in the marketing and logistical strategies of many companies. Although their production is more complicated than that of standard boxes, it offers wide possibilities for personalization and adaptation to the specific needs of products and consumers. However, this process requires the use of specialized tools, such as dies, and technical knowledge, underscoring the role of experienced packaging manufacturers in delivering high-quality bespoke solutions. In light of increasing market competition and the need for environmental protection, custom cardboard boxes seem to be an answer to contemporary challenges, combining functionality, aesthetics, and ecology.
Source: https://bulwarowka.eu/jak-powstaja-kartony-fasonowe/.
