This is a buying guide for printed cartons around medical devices. It is worth being precise about scope at the top, because in this category vagueness is a liability. When you are ready to order, use the custom medical device boxes product page.
What we do, and what we do not
We manufacture printed cartons, sleeves, trays and inserts to the specification you give us. We do not certify compliance with any standard, we do not validate a sterile barrier, and we do not determine what your device requires. Defining the packaging requirements for your device, including anything relating to sterility, validation, labelling or traceability, sits with you and your regulatory advisor. Send us the resulting specification and it will be manufactured and printed to it, with a digital proof for you to check before the run.
What to define before requesting a quote
| Define | Why it changes the carton |
|---|---|
| Interior dimensions | Sets the die. Measure the device with any pouch, tray or wrap already on it |
| Board caliper and grade | Determines stiffness and how the carton survives distribution and handling |
| Closure style | Tuck, seal end or glued, and whether a tamper evident feature is required |
| Insert or tray | Holds the device in position. Specify whether it must retain the device during transit |
| Label and code areas | Keep unvarnished, flat areas clear for applied labels, barcodes and printed codes |
| Print content | Supplied by you as print ready artwork. We print what is supplied |
| Any documented requirement | State it explicitly on the specification rather than assuming it is standard |
Design points that matter in this category
- Leave label real estate first. Applied labels and printed codes need flat, uninterrupted areas away from creases. Design the panel after those areas are reserved.
- Avoid coatings where codes are applied. Ink and laser marking behave differently on varnished and laminated surfaces, so leave a clean window if codes are applied after printing.
- Fix the artwork revision. Note the artwork version on the file you send, so the proof, the run and your own records agree with each other.
- Specify the insert function. An insert that merely presents the device is a different item from one that has to restrain it in transit.
For related categories, see custom pharma boxes and insert packaging.
Minimums, price and lead time
The minimum order is 100 boxes per size and artwork. Pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes and the figure for your specification is confirmed on a written quote. Included in the order: the die, the printing plates, design support, US shipping, and a digital proof before anything prints. There is no sample kit to buy, so if you need physical cartons to check against a device before a full run, raise it in the quote conversation.
Production runs at two plants, West Chicago in the United States and Guangzhou in China. Turnaround is stated per product across three lanes: Rush is expedited production plus air freight at a premium of about 7 to 25% depending on the job, Standard moves by air, and Cost saver moves by sea. The floor is from about 7 business days plus 2 to 5 days for delivery, and specialty imported items can run up to about 12 weeks.
Send your written specification and artwork to the quote form, or order from the medical device boxes page once the spec is agreed.
