cutlab.PACKAGING
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Custom flat-pack plywood crates for export

We cut export crates from plywood on a large-format CNC router. Each crate is sized to your product, with joints cut into the panels. Crates ship flat-packed and assemble without tools on CNC-cut joints. Screws, staples or glue are added where the load and handling need them. OSB on request, quoted per project.

Configure your crate

Crates ship flat-packed and assemble without tools on CNC-cut joints. Screws, staples or glue are added where the load and handling need them. OSB on request, quoted per project.

Reference flat-pack plywood crate 688 x 402 x 540 mm on three runners, three-quarter view, finger joints visible on the corner
ADVANTAGES

What you get

01

Interlocking joints

Tenon joints run through the full sheet thickness, with no thinning on either side.

02

Minimal hardware

Screws, staples or glue only where the load and handling need them.

03

Custom internal dimensions

Length, width and height come from your product, not from a catalogue size.

04

CNC accuracy

Base accuracy is plus or minus 0.5 mm. Humidity movement on long parts is of the same order as cutting accuracy; we ask about storage conditions.

05

Flat-pack delivery

Crates ship flat-packed and assemble without tools on CNC-cut joints. Screws, staples or glue are added where the load and handling need them.

06

Recut parts

Any part can be recut from the stored file.

07

Lifting and strapping designed in

In the closed reference crate, fork tunnels under the base leave a 90 mm clear opening for a pallet jack, and strap guides keep the strap in place across the lid and under the base. Corner stops cut to the unit hold it in position. Reference design in CAD, not load-tested; the engineer reviews each order.

APPLICATIONS

Where it is used

  • 01Export shipments of industrial machinery parts
  • 02Electronics and precision equipment
  • 03Components for energy equipment
  • 04Heavy single units that need a handling base
  • 05Batches of identical crates, from 10 to 500 per batch
SPECS

Specifications

Materials
Birch plywood and softwood plywood; OSB on request
Maximum panel size
2440 × 1220 mm
Sheet thickness
Chosen by the customer; price and theoretical weight update with it
Joints
Tenon joints through the full sheet thickness
Fixing
Screws, staples or glue only where the load and handling need them
Work area
2070 × 4000 mm, 3 axes
Base accuracy
±0.5 mm
Minimum order
100 EUR per order, excluding VAT and delivery
Outside Estonia
Separate logistics threshold of 150 EUR, excluding VAT and delivery

Materials

  • Softwood plywood
  • Birch plywood
  • OSB
  • Film-faced plywood
REFERENCE DESIGN

A worked example

Crate 688 x 402 x 540 mm, softwood plywood 9 mm, three runners 45 x 95. Designed around a 130 kg unit (reference design in CAD, not load-tested), lifted by forklift or pallet jack. Flat-pack kit, assembled on site or delivered assembled.

What you provide

Internal dimensions, cargo weight, how the crate is lifted (forklift, pallet jack, crane), transport method and destination. Drawings in STEP, DXF or PDF help. Photos are enough to start.

DRAWING

Reference design

Technical drawing of the reference crate 688 x 402 x 540 mm: front, side and top views with dimensions, notes and title block
Reference design 688 × 402 × 540
FLAT-PACK

From flat parts to a crate

Exploded view of the reference crate: lid, four walls and bottom separated to show the finger-joint layout
Flat-pack set of the reference crate: all plywood parts and three runners laid flat
WORKSHOP

Made in our workshop

Two plywood and OSB crates strapped on a pallet, outdoors
Strapped crates on a pallet
Plywood crate lid with a stencil, OSB edge visible, photographed outdoors
Stencilled crate lid
Corner of a plywood and OSB crate with a stencilled lid and green strapping
Crate corner with OSB edge
OPTIONS

Options

Options do not change the online estimate. They travel with your request and are priced in the written quote.

Engraved marking (logo, handling symbols)

Handling symbols and logos can be engraved on the CNC router. Tell us in the request and send the artwork with your drawing.

Sea freight and long-term storage

Sea freight: moisture protection options are specified per shipment. Tell us the route and storage time.

Soft lining

Soft lining on request. Tell us the requirement in the request.

FAQ

Questions

How do I get a crate sized for my product?+

Enter the internal length, width and height, cargo weight and quantity in the configurator, or send a drawing. We design the crate around those dimensions.

What load can a crate carry?+

We do not publish generic load ratings or a weight-to-thickness table. Cargo weight is an input to the design. You choose the sheet thickness; the price and the theoretical weight (from CAD) update with it. Our engineer reviews the choice against your load before production. The online estimate does not confirm that a design is safe for your cargo.

Does plywood packaging fall under ISPM 15?+

Plywood and OSB components may fall outside ISPM 15 scope. Applicability depends on the full bill of materials and destination, and we confirm it per order. Solid timber runners fall under ISPM 15; we confirm marking per order or use plywood runners instead.

Which materials do you use?+

Birch plywood and softwood plywood. OSB on request. Most of our plywood and timber suppliers hold FSC certificates. FSC material is available on request, and we confirm it against the supplier document for your batch. We put no FSC mark on parts.

Do crates ship flat?+

Yes. Crates ship flat-packed and assemble without tools on CNC-cut joints. Screws, staples or glue are added where the load and handling need them.

What quantities and minimum order?+

From 10 to 500 crates per batch. Repeat orders from the saved drawing. Samples are quoted per project. The minimum order is 100 EUR per order, excluding VAT and delivery. Shipments outside Estonia have a separate logistics threshold of 150 EUR, also excluding VAT and delivery.

What does it cost and when is it ready?+

Price depends on size, material, sheet use, machine time and quantity. The online estimate is based on our rates, material use and quantity. It is indicative and is not an offer. A written quote usually follows within one working day. Engineering is included in the quote for standard crates; custom design is quoted per project. Made to order. Standard sizes are quicker because the drawing and cut file already exist. Lead time is confirmed with your quote.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Size your crate in minutes.

Enter your product dimensions and get an indicative estimate. Or send the drawing and we will review it.

No drawing? Send photos and dimensions. Our engineer designs the crate and sends a drawing for approval.