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Mounting
Mounting
/ˈmaʊntɪŋ/
General Definition
Mounting in the packaging industry is the process of permanently bonding a high-quality printed sheet (typically offset print on paper or thin board) to a thicker, rigid backing substrate such as corrugated board, stiff board, or foam board. The primary goal of this process is to add structural strength and rigidity to the packaging or large-format promotional displays, rather than just protecting the surface print. The Mounting process effectively combines the visual quality of offset printing with the durability and physical resistance of thick board materials.

Mounting provides essential structural rigidity to heavy-duty packaging.

Mounting provides essential structural rigidity to heavy-duty packaging.
Real-World Usage
The main application of Mounting is in the production of master cartons or shipping boxes that require both high strength to protect the product and an attractive, branded print surface. This process is crucial in manufacturing Retail-Ready Packaging and Point-of-Sale (POS/POP) displays, which must bear product weight and maintain a strong visual presence. In these scenarios, the printed sheet is first printed flat and then carefully adhered to the base substrate using strong adhesives (such as starch-based or PUR glues) without creating air bubbles. Following the drying process, the composite material is then cut into the final pieces.
A key distinction for specialized use is the separation of Mounting from Lamination (film coating). Lamination refers to bonding a thin polymeric film to the print surface for protection and aesthetics, whereas Mounting refers to bonding a full printed sheet to a thick substrate for structure and rigidity. In practice, and within workshop vernacular, the Mounting process for producing thick cartons is also sometimes referred to as "carton lamination," but technically, the two processes are completely distinct in terms of material composition and functional objectives. Proficiency in this process involves proper management of adhesive, pressure, and drying time to prevent warping or delamination of the layers over time and in environments with fluctuating humidity.
Consultant's Note
As a technical consultant, I emphasize that success in the Mounting process is heavily dependent on moisture control and bond strength. The printed sheet (liner) and the primary substrate must have similar moisture properties; if one material is excessively moist, the entire structure is likely to warp after drying, leading to misalignment during die-cutting and folding. Therefore, controlling the storage conditions of raw materials before Mounting is a critical factor in preventing costly structural failures.
Furthermore, always clarify whether the mounted packaging will be in direct contact with food materials. If it is, the adhesive used must strictly comply with Food Safety Standards and be free of migrating chemical compounds (migration-safe). View the Mounting process as an engineering operation; lack of precision in adhesive selection or improper machine pressure settings can lead to layer separation in storage or during transit. Routine inspection of the bond strength of production samples (especially at the edges) is essential to maintain your brand's structural quality.
Packdemy Council Insight
Help us refine this definition. The Packdemy Expert Council welcomes new Advisors from the industry to contribute their specialized knowledge. Learn more about becoming an Advisor.
Aligned with: FOGRA / TAPPI / ISO 15311
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