Image credit: Baker Corp. | GLobal Industrial | Quantum Storage Systems

Boxes and crates are rigid, typically square or rectangular containers that may include a cover. They are used for all types of handling and storage applications.

Boxes and Crates Specifications

In addition to shape, boxes and crates differ in terms of materials of construction and dimensions. Depending on whether they are square or rectangular, boxes and crates may be specified according to length and height, width or diameter (for molded products with a rounded interior), and volume capacity.

Materials

Boxes and crates are made from a variety of different materials.

• Plastic boxes and crates are made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
• Metal boxes and crates are made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and intertwined steel wires.
• Paper boxes and crates are made of various types and grades of cardboard and paperboard.
• Other materials of construction for boxes and crates include cloth, fabric, fiberglass, foam, leather, wood, metalized film, and polytetrafluoroethyelene (PTFE). 

Boxes and Crates Features

Features for boxes and crates vary, and may be designed for general-purpose use or specific applications.  

• Airtight products are designed to protect their contents from exposure to air and dust.
• Collapsible boxes and crates can be broken down when not in use.
• Nested or nesting products are also used to save storage space.
• For applications that require protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or radio frequency interference (RFI), shielded boxes and crates are used. Some of these products may also provide protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) pulses.
• Fireproof
• Made of flexible packaging
• Designed for heavy-duty use
• Insulated for storing perishable goods.    
• Boxes and crates that lock are equipped with locking mechanisms such as keys or padlocks. They are often used by financial institutions or other organizations that transport high-value items.
• Moisture-proof containers are designed with a special moisture-resistant barrier that prevents the ingress of moisture or other contaminants.
• Moisture-resistant boxes and crates provide some protection from the surrounding environment, but are not necessarily impervious to that environment.

• Vented boxes and crates may be equipped with an air handling or air circulation systems.

• Boxes and crates with wheels or rollers are also available.

Standards

Boxes and crates must adhere to certain standards to ensure proper design and functionality.

BS 1133-8 - Packaging Code Part 8: Guidance On Wooden Boxes, Cases And Crates

MLC-C-10301 - Containers, Shipping, Reuseable (Boxes, Crates), For Transmission Or Transfer Assemblies Of Tank And Automotive Vehicles, And Driving Axle Assemblies Of Automotive Vehicles