Quick answer
Yes. Butterfly box, collapsible box, transport box and flat box are different names for the same product: a collapsible magnetic box that ships flat and is assembled where it is used.
The collapsible magnetic box goes by many names: butterfly box, collapsible box, transport box, flat box. They all describe the same product. Calling it just a "collapsible box" leaves something out; the accurate name is collapsible magnetic box. We recommend it especially to customers who care about shipping and storage costs. In this article we explain why it stands out, why it's a difficult model to produce, and what to watch for at assembly.
In short
- Butterfly box, collapsible box, transport box and flat box are different names for the same product.
- It ships flat, so it takes almost no space in transport or storage and cuts stock costs significantly; once assembled it looks almost identical to a classic magnetic box.
- It tolerates no error in the die line or workmanship; at assembly, problems most often come from tapes and ribbons.
Why do we recommend the collapsible magnetic box?
Its biggest advantage is volume. A classic magnetic box ships assembled and takes up a lot of space in transport and in the warehouse. The collapsible magnetic box arrives flat. It barely takes up space in shipping or storage, which lowers stock costs significantly.
Assembly is quick. It needs a small amount of set-up work, but once assembled it looks almost no different from a classic magnetic box. You keep the premium look and lighten the load on storage and freight.
Why is it a difficult model to produce?
The collapsible magnetic box is a model manufacturers generally avoid. It's difficult and labour-intensive. We make it because, done right, it causes no problems. Doing it right comes down to these conditions:
- The die line has to be perfect. On regular rigid boxes, small nuances in the die line aren't that noticeable. On a collapsible box the die line is critical, and a small deviation stops the box from setting up properly.
- The workmanship tolerates no error. Every production step directly affects how the box assembles.
- Material choice has to be precise. With the wrong material, the box won't perform fully.
- Tapes have to be applied well. How well the tapes at the folds are applied decides the box's lifespan.
That's why this model needs more preparation than a classic magnetic box. It's still chosen for the stock-cost advantage of the finished product.
Which problems show up most at assembly?
Tapes. The most common assembly problem is tape that doesn't hold well. Tape systems of 3M or similar quality prevent it. But these tapes are imported and raise the price noticeably compared with standard tapes. Domestic tape makers also offer specially made tapes, but they're expensive too. So in standard production the aim is to get a better result through die line methods, without tape. Even so, manufacturers should use quality tapes wherever they can; that's how the best result is achieved.
Ribbons. On ribbon models, ribbons can come unstuck or tear. The key is that the ribbon shouldn't be glued only above or below a single sheet of paper. There should be an extra layer or mechanism supporting it. If only a thin sheet holds the ribbon, over time the ribbon comes loose or tears the paper, and the box's long-term durability drops.
If you want a ribbon, say how it should be fixed; if you have expectations about tape quality, mention them at the quote stage. Both directly affect price and the life of the box.
For the cost difference against a classic magnetic box and the space saved by flat shipping, with figures, see PackPrice's collapsible magnetic box guide. For the general cost factors of the rigid box family, read our rigid box article.
Get in touch with your size and quantity, or see our magnetic box models on the products page.