How Do You Protect Class A Surfaces During Shipping?

To protect Class A surfaces, hold each part so it cannot move or touch another part, and make sure only soft, non-abrasive materials contact the finished face. In practice that means custom partitions with Nomar or poly chip facings, XLPE foam inserts, sewn fabric dunnage, or thermoformed trays designed around the part. The best choice depends on part size, volume and whether the program is expendable or returnable.

What causes damage to Class A parts in transit?

Most damage comes from three things: parts rubbing against each other, parts shifting inside the container, and abrasive packaging materials such as raw corrugated or rough wood touching the finish. Vibration over long routes makes all three worse.

What packaging materials are safe against Class A finishes?

• Nomar and poly chip facings laminated to corrugated or chipboard partitions.

• Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foam with a smooth, non-abrasive surface.

• Precision-sewn fabric dunnage that cradles each part in its own pocket.

• Thermoformed plastic trays contoured to the part so it cannot shift.

Should Class A packaging be expendable or returnable?

High-volume parts on a closed loop are usually best in returnable fabric dunnage or thermoformed trays inside a rigid container. Lower volume or one-way parts are usually best in faced corrugated partitions or foam inserts.

How do you test a Class A packaging design?

Build a sample, pack real parts, and run it through the actual shipping route or a simulated test. Inspect every contact point for marking before approving the design for production.

Who designs Class A packaging for automotive suppliers?

Allpacks designs Class A protective packaging for automotive and industrial manufacturers, combining faced partitions, foam, fabric dunnage and thermoformed trays. See custom solutions or request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Class A surface?

A Class A surface is a visible, finished surface on a part, such as a painted or polished automotive exterior or interior panel, that must arrive free of scratches, scuffs and marks.

What packaging materials protect Class A surfaces?

Non-abrasive materials such as Nomar or poly chip facings, XLPE foam, sewn fabric dunnage and contoured thermoformed trays are commonly used to protect Class A surfaces.