Suggestions When Ordering Converted Paperboard
August 28, 2025
When it comes to custom paperboard converting, attention to detail can make the difference between a smooth production process and costly delays. Mistakes in your order can result in wasted materials, misfit products, and frustration for your team. Whether you’re using slitting and rewinding, sheeting and trimming, or die cutting, knowing the most common pitfalls can help you make the most of your paperboard converting services.
1. Specify Exact Dimensions
One of the most frequent mistakes in custom paper converting is failing to provide precise dimensions. Chipboard and paperboard come in various thicknesses, widths, and lengths. Without exact specifications:
- Sheets or rolls may not fit your equipment.
- You could end up trimming excess material, creating waste.
- Production may be delayed as adjustments are made.
How Cauthorne Helps:
Cauthorne Paper works closely with each client to confirm exact measurements before production. Our team reviews machinery requirements, verifies tolerances, and ensures that every roll or sheet matches your specifications, minimizing waste and eliminating the risk of misfit products.
Tip: Always verify your machinery requirements and communicate detailed measurements to your converting provider.
2. Pay Attention to Tolerances and Material Variability
Even premium chipboard can have slight variations in thickness or density. Overlooking tolerances can lead to inconsistent finished products, particularly when precise fits are essential.
How Cauthorne Helps:
Our in-house quality control process checks each roll and sheet for consistency before converting. We communicate acceptable tolerances upfront and work with clients to plan around material variability, ensuring every batch meets project requirements.
Tip: Ask your paperboard converting services provider about tolerances and plan your order to accommodate minor variations.
3. Don’t Overlook the Type of Cut or Finish
Custom paperboard converting isn’t just about size, the type of cut or finish matters too.
Common mistakes include:
- Ordering sheets without specifying trimmed or square edges.
- Not clarifying the type of slit or die cut needed for your application.
- Assuming all cutting methods are the same, which can affect edge quality and usability.
How Cauthorne Helps:
Cauthorne Paper guides clients through cutting options and confirms whether your project requires slitting & rewinding, sheeting & trimming, or die cutting. Our precision equipment ensures smooth, clean cuts and finishes that meet your exact requirements.
Tip: Review your project carefully and confirm cutting and finishing needs with your provider.
4. Plan for Production Volume
Underestimating the amount of material required is another common error. Ordering too little can disrupt production, while ordering too much can lead to unnecessary waste and storage challenges.
How Cauthorne Helps:
Our experienced team advises clients on appropriate quantities for both small runs and full-scale production. We help optimize material usage, reduce waste, and keep your project on schedule.
Tip:
Proper planning with your custom paper converting provider ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
5. Choose a Provider with Custom Capabilities
Many suppliers can provide standard-sized paperboard, but fewer specialize in custom paperboard converting. Choosing a provider without custom capabilities can limit your options and prevent precise results.
How Cauthorne Helps:
Cauthorne Paper offers in-house converting for slitting & rewinding, sheeting & trimming, and die cutting. Every order is tailored to your project’s specifications, ensuring consistent quality, minimal waste, and no compromises on your custom requirements.
Tip: Choose a provider with full custom capabilities to guarantee accuracy and flexibility.
6. Communicate and Support
Mistakes often happen due to unclear communication. Misunderstandings about specifications, lead times, or material options can cause unnecessary problems.
How Cauthorne Helps:
We prioritize clear communication at every stage. From initial consultation to final delivery, our team provides guidance, feedback, and support, helping you avoid errors and ensuring your project stays on track.
Tip: Partner with a provider who values transparency and expertise.
Get It Right the First Time
Working with a trusted custom paperboard converting provider ensures your orders are accurate, efficient, and suited to your project’s needs. At Cauthorne Paper Company, we specialize in custom paper converting solutions that deliver precise cuts, clean finishes, and consistent results. Whether you need slitting & rewinding, sheeting & trimming, or die cutting, we have the expertise, equipment, and communication process to get the job done right the first time.
Contact us today to discuss your project or request a quote for custom paperboard converting.
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