| Communicate with your vendors that the cases are for an automatic case erector and must be manufactured to "machine" tolerances.
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| Length, width and height dimensions must be held within 1/8". The cases must also be squared within 1/8". |
| The major flap length is to be made short enough so that when the flaps are folded the flaps do not overlap because of the use of side belts in the machine. (Recommended half of the total case width less 1/8").
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| Cases with a glued manufacturers joint must be free of excess glue, excess glue prevents opening of the case. The joint should be cut short of the flaps (for easier folding) and should be inside on the major panel if possible.
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| Specify heavy score lines, over 200# test corrugated my require "crush relief scoring". |
| Scoring and slots must line up, especially at the manufacturers joint. |
| Specify that all cases must be oriented uniformly in a bundle. |
| Store your cases in a clean, warm and dry location, 40 to 60% relative humidity is ideal (excess humidity weakens the corrugated).
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| 1/4" per foot is the maximum allowable warp when the case is placed on a flat surface. The warp is measured at the center of the case.
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| The slots must be clean cut 1/4" wide minimum to allow for reasonable closing of the minor flaps, slots must be straight (not tapered). A narrower slot (1/8") may be used for narrow cases (case widths from 6-9"), a wider slot (3/8") should be used for wide cases (case widths from 14-20") and/or double wall cases.
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| Edge protectors on the case flats will protect the cases from strap damage. Cases must be free of damage, two straps around the height of the cases are preferable over one strap around the width of the cases (this can cause warp).
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