Business owners who use in-house box making machinery realize savings in several ways. Packaging and shipping costs decline because box size is tailored to product size. When boxes are made only as needed, associated storage and retrieval costs disappear. Price increases and minimum order requirements from box suppliers are eliminated.

Box making equipment transforms corrugated sheets into boxes. A machine operator selects a desired box size and the appropriate corrugated sheet. The custom carton making machine cuts, creases, slots, trims, folds and seals a box within a few seconds. Automatic corrugated sheet feed options eliminate the need for a dedicated operator. Printer options imprint the company name and freight designation.

When you buy box making machinery, consider the following:

1. Estimate the short-run quantity of boxes you need to produce with the corrugated box making machine.

2. Consider special options like printing and automatic sheet feeding for your carton box making equipment.

3. Identify the strength and thickness of corrugated sheets and other consumables you will use in the box making machine.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase the right machine for making boxes

Different models vary in run time from 250 to 1,200 boxes per hour. They also differ in ability to produce a variety of box sizes and styles, and optional features such as automatic sheet feeding and printing. Ask box making equipment manufacturers to provide specification sheets for the models they carry.

I recommend: Southwest Machine Company, EZ Box Machinery and Entwistle each carry several models of box making machines. These companies have large client lists and emphasize customer satisfaction.

Locate corrugated sheets for your corrugated box making machinery

Corrugated material varies in flute and wall structure. Flute refers to the height of the ridges in the corrugation. Higher ridges produce stronger boxes. Flute sizes range from A, indicating the highest and strongest, to F. Wall structure refers to the number of layers of corrugation glued between outer paper liners. Corrugated material comes in single, double and triple wall construction.

I recommend: JRD Packaging & Industrial Supply is a corrugated manufacturer that can provide customized corrugated sheets in addition to its full existing line of corrugated materials. Paper Mart carries quality corrugated products from a range of manufacturers and provides a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.

Find staples and glue used in carton box making machines

Box flaps are sealed with hot glue or staples, depending on the machine model purchased.

I recommend: Gluestore.com has a line of hot glue for industrial applications. DS Manco carries standard carton staples for industrial use. Both companies offer competitive pricing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask how much space your box making machinery will occupy and whether it can be placed on wheels. Portability of equipment may be necessary as your business grows and changes.