Packaging in the game industry, especially for puzzles, isn’t merely for practical necessity. Packaging is essential as it appeals to the users of a product while displaying the inventiveness and artistry that goes into the production of your favorite games.
If you’ve stopped to appreciate the packaging of your favorite games or puzzles, you might wonder about the craftsmanship behind the production of the packaging, particularly tin box packaging.
For centuries, tin boxes have been central to the packaging of products, and they continue to be popular today.
Tin boxes help elevate the appeal of tea puzzles or games housed within them. Moreover, tin has non-reactive properties, making it a perfect material for making durable and visually appealing packaging.
Hence, the history of tin boxes is worth looking into. Further, we’ll examine the meticulous production processes, the materials used, and the importance of tin boxes in finessing the packaging of games and puzzles.
The History And Evolution Of Tin Boxes
Tin boxes can be traced to the roots of the 18th-century tinplate, which people produced mass during that era. The rust-resistant properties and durability of tinplate made it an ideal material for packaging products. Early versions of tin boxes were practical and straightforward as they were typically used for storing biscuits, tea, tobacco, and medicines.
However, in the 19th century, tin box design and purpose began to evolve. The tin’s potential as packaging for puzzles and games was recognized and utilized. Further, lithography allowed for detailed and colorful designs on tin boxes. It made them great promotional items and collectibles for many.
Beyond luxury goods, during times of war, tin boxes were repurposed as tin containers for food rations for soldiers. These soldiers went on to store sentimental items in them. Food is still canned in tin boxes to date.
After these wars, with the advancement of manufacturing technologies, tin boxes were mass-produced, and their designs were readily made. They then became accessible and affordable. Consequently, this led to a surge in their usage for packaging puzzle pieces and games, including other products.
Demands for games and puzzles grew, and manufacturers rose to the challenge, pushing forward the creativity and artistry of tin box production and packaging. Intricate designs, colors, and embossed patterns on the surface of tin boxes became the norm. Importantly, these designs reflected the themes of the puzzles and games they contained, giving players an extra layer of anticipation.
Currently, the use of tin boxes for packaging continues to thrive. Although materials like cardboard and plastic have gained popularity, the charm of tin boxes and their timeless allure still endures. Aside from packaging, tin boxes are an eco-friendly choice for manufacturers. They are recyclable and have low environmental impact, which makes them a sustainable option due to climate concerns.
The Creative Process Of Designing The Tin Box
The making and designing of tin boxes for any packaging is a meticulous process involving crucial steps. Below is a step-by-step process from the concept to the consumption:
#Step 1: Design
Designing is an essential part of the production process that enhances the overall packaging experience for customers. The design is the artwork for the tin box. It typically includes the brand name and an overarching theme of the content in the box.
However, the critical elements in the design are geared towards the target audience. The design is digitally created using software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Photoshop. Once a design has been finalized and approved, the designer can use the artwork to transfer to the printing plates.
#Step 2: Plates Creation
The design is transferred onto the printing plates. It goes through several steps, including:
Color Separation
If the design uses multiple colors (such as red, blue, or green), the plates are separated into distinct color channels, each representing one of the ink colors. The colors used in the printing plates are Magenta, Cyan, Yellow, and Key (Black).
When these colors are precisely applied to the printing plates, and in several combinations, various colors and details in the printed artwork shine through.
- Output To Digital Plates
A computer-to-plate system directly exposes the printing plates using lasers for its development. It’s precise and faster for intricate designs.
- Plate Mounting And Application
After the plates are developed, they are mounted onto the plate cylinders of the printing press. The printing press can now apply color to the material passing through them. As it passes through the press, each ink color is applied sequentially, matching the separated colors created in the digital design.
#Step 3: Cutting Printed Materials
With the design fully pressed, the plan is cut into the specific dimensions of the tin box. Cutting them up ensures every tin box has its artwork.
#Step 4: Transferring The Design To Tin Plates
The printed design is transferred into the tinplate sheets and then passes through the drying process to set the ink.
#Step 5: Cutting The Tinplate
The printed tinplates are cut into the desired shapes and dimensions for the tin box. After cut, the tin plates get bent and pressed into the appropriate form.
#Step 6: Lid Making Machine
The lid-making machine is crucial in creating the top part of the tin box. The tin material goes through some steps as well.
- The material for the lid of the tin box (a thin sheet of metal – steel or aluminum) is cut into appropriately sized blanks that will become kids.
- The blanks are fed into the lid-making machine. The machine has a feeder mechanism that precisely positions each blank for processing, ensuring lid size and shape uniformity.
- The machine uses mechanical and hydraulic mechanisms to emboss and apply pressure to shape the metal into the lid’s contour. This ensures the top is tight when placed on the tin box. Depending on the design requirements, the machine may add decorative elements to the lid.
- The excess metal around the lid’s perimeter is then trimmed away, leaving the final product.
- The machine curls and beads the edge to create a flange that securely lets the lid seal the tin box.
#Step 7: Bottom Making Machine
However, the machine follows similar processes to the lid-making device, focusing on the bottom part of the machine.
- When the material for the tin box is prepared, the blanks are fed into the bottom-making machine equipped with a feeder mechanism.
- Then, the machine uses the hydraulic press to form the blanks into the desired shape for the base of the tin box. Any excess is trimmed away.
- The machine creates the flanged edge, ensuring a tight and durable connection between the base and the rest of the tin box.
#Step 8: Assembly
After the shape of the tin box has been formed, they are assembled, and additional components, such as lids and bottoms, are attached.
#Step 9: Final Product and Packaging
With the tin box made, they are now ready for commercial use. The boxes are carefully arranged and placed in a leather bag to move to the next packaging stage. The final packaged product gets to the customers who love and enjoy the games and puzzles stored in the box.
Materials Used For Making Tin Box
To many, tin boxes might be made from rare, expensive materials. It isn’t the case as these materials are easily accessible, which makes tin boxes affordable and common. The materials used in the making of tin boxes include:
- Steel and Tin Coating (Tinplate)
- Printing Ink
- Lacquer
- Plastic Component
- Embossing or Debossing Materials
- Adhesives
Steel And Tin Coating (Tinplate)
This is the core material used in the production of tin boxes. Iron might be used as well. This material gives the tin box its structural strength and durability. Depending on the desired sturdiness of the box, the thickness of the steel will vary. Further, the tin coating is a thin layer of tin coated in the steel, which helps preserve the integrity of the box and its content. Tin doesn’t import its taste or odor to the items stored inside. Together, both materials make the tinplate. A tinplate is a thin sheet of steel or iron coated on both sides with tin. It’s the primary material used in the making of any tin box.
Printing Ink
Tin boxes usually have colorful designs and decorated branding on them. This is achieved with printing ink to create the design on the tin’s exterior. The ink is safe, non-toxic, and adheres firmly to the surface of the container.
Lacquer
This is applied to the surface of the tin box to serve as a protective layer to the printed design on the tin box. However, it promotes the shine and glossiness of the box.
Plastic Component
Plastic components are mainly used to improve the tin box’s functionality, eventually making it easier to open and close. Some plastic parts that produce tin boxes include handles, hinges, or seals.
Embossing And Debossing Materials
A tin box design has raised and recessed texts and patterns. This adds an extra dimension to the box. If the text on the tin box is raised (embossed) or indented in specific areas (debossed), it creates a tactile and visual sensory appeal to the packaging.
Adhesives
Adhesives are used to bond different parts of the tin box together. The adhesive is durable and safe for the content within the tin box.
The tin box’s size and purpose are essential for producing tin boxes. In that vein, below is a table illustrating the various dimensions of tin boxes, the number of puzzle pieces they can accommodate, and their common uses.
| TIN BOX SIZE | DIMENSIONS (INCHES) | NO. OF PUZZLE PIECES | COMMON USES |
| Extra Small Tin Box | 2 x 3 or smaller | Up to 50 pieces | Mints and small trinkets |
| Small Tin Boxes | 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 | 100 to 300 pieces | Travel puzzles and compact items |
| Medium Tin Boxes | 6 x 8 or 7 x 9 | 300 to 750 pieces | Moderately sized puzzles |
| Large Tin Boxes | 8 x 10 or Larger | 750 to 1,500 or more | Extensive puzzles, storage |
| Rectangular Tin Boxes | Various rectangular dimensions | Varies | Versatile packaging, storage |
| Square Tin Boxes | Various Square Dimensions | Varies | Collectibles, special items |
| Custom Tin Boxes | Tailored to specific requirements | Varies | Unique packaging solutions |
You should note that the number of puzzle pieces a tin box can hold can still vary based on the thickness and shape of the details.
Advantages Of Using Tin Boxes For Games And Puzzle
For many, tin boxes are no different from other materials used for packaging, such as cardboard and plastic, since they serve the same purpose. Despite this misconception, tin boxes offer numerous advantages concerning packaging and storing puzzles and games. They are:
- Durability
Tin boxes are durable containers that last long and resist wear and tear with prolonged use. Moreover, your puzzles and games are protected from dents, scratches, and moisture, ensuring they stay in excellent condition over time. With such robust protection, it’s no wonder puzzle and game companies and gamers use them for storage and packaging.
Ⅰ.Aesthetics
Most tin boxes used for packaging are visually appealing as they often have intricate designs, embossing, logos, and artwork. For many puzzle and game users they add elegance and nostalgia to the games while creating an enjoyable unboxing experience.
Ⅱ.Preservation
Of many things, tin boxes are suitable for preserving their contents. Their airtight lid shielded the contents from light, air, and humidity. Moreover, the sturdy construction of the boxes protects the puzzle pieces from damage during transportation and storage, thereby reducing the risk of lost or damaged parts.
Ⅲ. Sustainability
Tin boxes are an environmentally friendly choice as tin is a recyclable material. When you’re OK with the puzzle or game, the tin box can be recycled to reduce environmental waste. The great thing about tin boxes is that you can reuse them once you finish the game or puzzle.
Ⅳ.Customization
If you’re a customer who likes limited editions of your favorite games or puzzles, this advantage will be to your liking. Tin boxes are highly customizable, which allows for unique branding, designs, and themes. Game and puzzle manufacturers can create custom packaging to reflect their brand, product, and exclusive items.
Ⅴ.Portability And Collectability
Most tin boxes are lightweight and portable, which makes them ideal for traveling and taking your puzzles and games on the go. Hence, you don’t have to leave your games behind. This makes them collectible items as well. Gaming and puzzle collectors who appreciate their unique designs and significance actively seek them out.
Ⅵ.Gift-Worthy Packaging
Packaging is presentation, and tin boxes are elegant, making them perfect for gift-giving. Therefore, a game or puzzle in a tin box is an attractive gift option for special occasions.
With these advantages, it’s clear why game and puzzle companies like Jabay use tin boxes for their fascinating puzzles. Next time, when seeking out a new puzzle or game, consider searching for one packaged in a tin box.
Consideration And Challenges Of Using Tin Boxes
Although tin boxes offer numerous benefits for packaging, some challenges and costs must be considered when choosing them as an option.
Challenges:
- Cost:
Most puzzle companies switched to cardboard and plastic as cheaper options. Meanwhile, the cost of tinplate, production, and custom designs add to the packaging expenses. This makes tin boxes a rather expensive packaging option.
- Weight
Tin boxes are heavier than lightweight materials such as cardboard boxes or plastic bags. Moreover, weight factors into shipping costs, which means the product, in the end, will be more expensive than its lightweight counterparts.
- Environmental Concerns:
The production of tinplate is resource intensive, putting a strain on the little resources left. Additionally, recycling rates for tin plates vary depending on the location. In effect, not all tin boxes end up recycled.
- Limited Shape Options:
Tin boxes are usually rectangular or square and might only be suitable for some products. More flexible or custom-shaped packaging might be needed.
Considerations
- Budget:
Manufacturers must determine whether the higher cost of tin box packaging aligns with their packaging needs and product pricing.
- Product Weight, Shape, and Size:
The weight of tin boxes may be impractical for heavy products and incur additional shipping costs. Preferably, tin boxes are used for lightweight items. In addition, they ensure the shape and dimensions of the box align with the products’ size and form.
- Design and Target Audience:
Investing in custom artwork and printing adds to the overall cost of the tin box. Game and puzzle companies consider whether the premium and nostalgic appeal of the tin packaging aligns with their target audience. The greater the request, the more sales are made.
- Storage Space:
Gamers and puzzle enthusiasts must consider if they have adequate space to store the tin boxes, as tin boxes take more space than flat packaging options like cardboard.
In essence, meticulous thought goes into the decision by manufacturers to use tin boxes for their customers. Jabay uses tin boxes frequently in our inventory, satisfying customers and enhancing the packaging of games and puzzles.
Conclusion
Tin boxes hold a special place in packaging and product appeal history. Its appearance in games and puzzles is essential in elevating the customer’s experience, preserving the product, and creating a more environmentally conscious packaging option. Jabay and other companies take note of this, and it benefits you when you procure tin-boxed games and puzzles.
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