To the average user a box is brown, square and made out of cardboard, use for shipping, storage or moving. What if I were to tell you there is so much more that goes into the creation of a box? Yes, a box is not just a box, there are many different styles and designs of boxes. The purpose of this blog is to break down the most common styles of corrugated box, with that said, let us dive right into:
Regular Slotted Containers (RSCs) are the most common type of box and are the most versatile. These boxes are made from one piece for easy folding. A joint is created at the point where a side and an end panel come together. RSC boxes have flaps that are the same length. The outer flaps are half of the box width. This is to ensure the meeting of the flaps at the center when the corrugated box is folded. This style of box is very efficient and produces very little waste.
Full Overlap Slotted Containers (FOLs) have flaps that are all the same length, so that when crossed, the outer flap comes within an inch of complete overlap. These boxes are more resistant than others to rough handling and the overlapping flaps provide additional cushioning. If an FOL box is used and stacked on its side, the extra thickness gives added stacking strength.
Five Panel Wraps (5PWs) consist of one piece of cardboard that is slotted and scored. Similar to the one-piece folder, the 5PW wraps around the product and is sealed with packing tape. This style of packaging is generally used for shipping long and narrow products.
Half Slotted Containers (HSCs) are similar to an RSC, but with only one set of flaps. They are useful when an open-top container is desired. The Half-Slotted Box with Cover (HSC) is frequently used for both shipping and shelf storage, and in applications where the cover must be removed and replaced frequently. The top of the HSC box is a tray style which usually extends less than 2/3 the depth of the bottom, but can be made to extend the full depth of the bottom if extra strength is needed.
Whatever your needs are when it comes to this style of boxes you can be assured Colt Paper is here and only a telephone call away.