Auto lock bottom carton
20pt SBS200 minimum · 10 to 14 business daysAn auto lock bottom carton is a folding carton with a snap lock base made from four interlocking flaps, folded by hand in one motion and held without glue. It carries far more weight than a tuck flap. We produce them on 20pt SBS from 200 units in 10 to 14 business days after proof. Common sizes run 3 by 3 by 5 to 6 by 4 by 8 inches.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose an auto lock bottom when the product is heavy enough to push a tuck flap open, which in practice means glass jars, 16 ounce bottles, candles over 10 ounces, and anything above about 12 ounces total. The four base flaps fold over each other and lock, so the weight sits on board rather than on a single tucked tongue. It is the carton for candles, sauces, spirits miniatures and heavy cosmetics that stand on a shelf.
Choose a crash lock bottom carton if the cartons are erected on a line and every second counts, since a crash lock pops open in one move and an auto lock takes a hand to seat four flaps. Choose a straight tuck end for light products under 12 ounces where the extra board and base are wasted.
Specifications
| Board | 18, 20 or 24pt SBS, or kraft |
|---|---|
| Offset CMYK or digital, one color, Pantone match | |
| Finish | Matte or gloss aqueous, soft-touch or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil |
| Closure | Snap lock 1-2-3 bottom, tuck flap top |
| Inserts | Optional die-cut paperboard platform or divider |
| Load | Up to about 3 pounds on 20pt with the base fully seated |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 14 business days after proof |
| Ships | Flat, side seam glued, in bundles of 50 |
| Sizes we run | 3 x 3 x 5 in 4 x 4 x 6 in 4 x 3 x 8 in 6 x 4 x 8 in any size from 2 x 2 x 3 to 14 x 10 x 14 in |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
What is an auto lock bottom and how does it close?
The base is four flaps cut so that they fold over each other and lock in a set order, which is why the trade calls it a 1-2-3 bottom. You fold flap one, then two, then push the third and fourth down and they snap under the first. It takes about three seconds by hand and needs no glue or tape. Once seated it will not open under load.
How much weight will the base hold?
On 20pt SBS, up to about 3 pounds with the flaps fully seated. On 24pt, around 4 pounds. That covers a 16 ounce glass candle, a 750 ml bottle of sauce or a heavy jar of cream. If your product is heavier than that, ask us about a corrugated insert or a two-piece rigid box instead.
Is the auto lock bottom the same as a crash lock bottom?
No, though the terms get mixed up. An auto lock bottom is folded by hand from four flaps and uses no glue at the base. A crash lock bottom has the base flaps pre-glued at the factory so the carton pops into shape when you squeeze the sides. Crash lock is faster on a line. Auto lock is cheaper to make and just as strong.
Why 20pt rather than 18pt?
The base flaps take the load and the fold lines take the strain, so a slightly heavier board resists tearing at the lock points. 20pt is about 0.02 in thick and adds stiffness without the cost of 24pt. For products under about 12 ounces we will happily run 18pt. For glass over 24 ounces we move up to 24pt.
Can the top be something other than a tuck flap?
Yes. The standard is a tuck flap with a friction lock. We can also do a slit lock, a hanging tab, a PET window in the front panel or a die-cut thumb hole. For a candle we usually suggest a paperboard collar inside so the jar cannot shift and the lid cannot rattle against the carton wall.
What is the minimum order for a auto lock bottom carton?
200 units, and reorders carry the same minimum. Lead time is 10 to 14 business days after you approve the free digital proof.
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Ready to price your auto lock bottom carton?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.