FAQ’s

Samples are available for most trays. Samples are no charge FOB ship point. We can ship against a UPS or FedEx number. Some of the heavy gauge trays are available on a 30 day trial and no charge if returned during the trial period. Contact customer service to arrange tray samples.

We offer custom shipping trays, custom ESD trays, custom reusable trays, custom molded pulp trays, and custom foam trays. Tooling starts as low as $ 600, and $ 1,000 is common for a basic tray. Contact a customer service representative to review your application.

See our Downloadable Custom Thermoformed Tray Design Guide.

Our trays are not run in a cleanroom environment. Depending on the application we can double bag; but this is only on run to order items and should be specified in the PO. Normal packaging process does not require bags, and parts will be in direct contact with the corrugated shipping box.

Many of our custom and stock trays are used by the medical industry. For thin gauge shipping trays, anti-static PETG and Silicone Free PETG, and white styrene are common. The standard PVC is used also but it is not appropriate where parts are sensitive to silicone. With most PVC materials, a denesting agent is used to prevent parts from sticking together and this denesting agent is typically silicone. In all cases it is the responsibility of the customer to determine what is suitable for their process. We will provide any data pages, samples, and information necessary to help with the determination.

For heavy gauge reusable trays, ABS, PETG, Polycarbonate, or Anti-Static HDPE trays are options.

Our focus is on engineered packaging products not typically carried by traditional shipping supply companies. We do not carry boxes or related packaging supplies. We can recommend sources for stock boxes which work with our trays and molded pulp packaging. ECP also has corrugated partners if a complete solution is needed. Uline carries many box sizes which match up well to the trays we carry.

The trays are thin gauge and usually used for one time use. However, the material is strong and can be used for multiple cycles in some applications. The same trays can also be made from thicker materials such as .050″ PETG, .060″ PVC and .080″ PETG.

Thermoforming is a general term that includes vacuum forming, pressure forming, and twin sheet forming.  All types of thermoforming involve heating up plastic sheet to a point where it stretches, and forcing material into a mold.  Vacuum forming uses vacuum to pull the material against the mold.  Pressure forming uses vacuum and pressure to pull the plastic sheet to the mold.  Additional information can be found at Thermoformed Plastic Trays.

The Institute of Packaging Professionals offers classes and information in several different areas of packaging.  There information can be found at //www.iopp.org.  The Thermoforming Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers also offers information, training, and a newsletter.

Some items, including most of the shipping trays, are returnable within 14 days of receipt with a 25% restocking fee. Run to order trays which include many of the bins, standard trays in alternate materials, & ESD boxes, are built for a specific order and are not stocked. As a result these items are not returnable. All returns are subject to review and require a RA #. For return policy on a specific tray please contact customer service.

To avoid return issues we offer sample trays for evaluation and testing prior to ordering. Let us know if you are interested in viewing a sample.