Posters are meticulously packaged to ensure they arrive in pristine condition, primarily by being rolled (not folded) and shipped in a sturdy tube box. This method prevents creasing and damage during transit, preserving the quality of the artwork.
The Rolling Method: Protecting Poster Integrity
The fundamental principle behind poster packaging is to avoid any permanent creases or folds that could mar the artwork. Therefore, posters are always:
- Rolled: Instead of folding, posters are carefully rolled into a cylindrical shape. This technique helps maintain the smooth surface and integrity of the paper or material.
- Not Folded: Folding posters would create sharp, permanent creases that detract significantly from their visual appeal and value. This is why the rolling method is universally preferred for shipping artwork.
Shipping Containers: Sturdy Tube Boxes
Once rolled, posters are placed inside robust shipping containers designed to protect them from external forces, crushing, or bending. These containers are consistently referred to as sturdy tube boxes. The design of these tubes can vary depending on the fulfillment process and the shipping location:
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Material: Typically made from durable cardboard or other rigid materials to withstand the rigors of shipping.
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Shape Variety: To accommodate different logistical needs and preferences of fulfillers, these tubes can come in various shapes:
Tube Shape Characteristics & Benefits Square Offers good stackability for efficient storage and transport, and prevents rolling during transit. Triangle Provides enhanced rigidity and stability, often having a flat side for easy labeling and handling. Circular The traditional and most common shape for rolled items, providing uniform pressure distribution around the poster.
The choice of tube shape (square, triangle, or circular) is often determined by the specific fulfiller printing the artwork and the geographic location of the shipment. Regardless of the shape, the primary goal remains to provide maximum protection for the rolled poster within.
By using this careful packaging approach, posters are safeguarded against damage, ensuring they reach customers ready to be displayed.
