Crash lock bottom carton
20pt SBS200 minimum · 10 to 14 business daysA crash lock bottom carton is a folding carton with a base that is glued at the factory, so it springs into shape the moment you squeeze the sides. No folding, no seating of flaps. 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 a crash lock bottom when someone has to erect a lot of cartons quickly. A packer can open one in under a second, drop the product and tuck the top, so a run of 2,000 goes through a bench in an afternoon. The glued base also carries weight well, close to an auto lock, which makes it the carton for jars, bottles, candles and heavier cosmetics that are filled by hand or on a semi-automatic line.
Choose an auto lock bottom carton if the run is small and you would rather fold four flaps than pay for base gluing on every unit. Choose a straight tuck end carton for anything light enough that a tuck flap holds it, since the crash lock adds board and a glue pass you do not need.
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 | Pre-glued crash lock base, tuck flap top |
| Inserts | Optional die-cut paperboard platform or divider |
| Erect time | Under one second, squeeze the side seams and the base locks |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 14 business days after proof |
| Ships | Flat, side seam and base 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
How does a crash lock bottom work?
Two of the four base flaps are glued to their neighbors at the factory and the carton ships flat. When you press the two side seams toward each other the base folds inward on its creases and locks flat. The action takes under a second and needs no training. The flaps stay glued for the life of the carton, so the base cannot fall out.
Is it stronger than a tuck bottom?
Much stronger. A tuck bottom holds by friction on a single tongue and will push open at around 12 ounces. A crash lock base is glued at two points and supported on all four sides, so on 20pt SBS it carries about 3 pounds. That covers most glass jars, 750 ml bottles and candles up to 16 ounces.
Crash lock or auto lock, which should I order?
Order a crash lock if speed on the bench matters or if the people packing are not trained. Order an auto lock if you want the lowest cost per unit and do not mind folding four flaps per carton. Both hold about the same load on the same board. On runs under 500 the difference in packing time is small.
Does the glued base survive shipping flat?
Yes. The base folds flat inside the carton blank and the glue line sits on the inside, so nothing rubs in the bundle. We ship in bundles of 50 with a kraft wrap. If you store them in a humid warehouse for months, keep them flat and off concrete; the glue does not care but the board will pick up moisture and go soft.
Can I print on the inside?
Yes, on the inside of the top flap and the inside walls, in one color or full color. We cannot print on the glued base flaps because the glue needs bare board. Inside print runs on the same sheet as the outside and adds no lead time, so it is worth doing on any carton that is opened at home.
What is the minimum order for a crash 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 crash 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.