CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
10 January 2013
Implementation Investments
Industrial Packaging Manufacturer Uses SolidWorks® 3D for Packaging Designs
Valley Box Company, a Southern California industrial packaging manufacturer, announces the integration of SolidWorks® 3D design software into their engineering process. The addition of SolidWorks® allows engineers to take sophisticated wood and steel packaging designs to the next level with better 3D representation for their customers.
SolidWorks® gives Valley Box packaging engineers a tool to accurately communicate complicated packaging designs to their customers. "It's also an impressive presentation tool that can be easily understood by all involved decision makers," says Elijah Lettau, a Packaging Engineer at Valley Box. SolidWorks® 3D boxes and material handling fixtures can be animated to show the build process, moving parts, or view each piece in detail. This clearer communication streamlines the design process assuring both Valley Box -- as the packaging provider -- and the customer are satisfied with the final package design.
Complex products require complex packaging designs for acceptable protection during shipment. "I like that I have the ability to strength test the package design, to identify potential weak points, before it goes into production," comments Lettau. "The Interference detection technology is also a great advantage because it ensures the part will work once its built."
Customers who design their products in a 3D environment will find that Valley Box can easily create packaging designs using the customer's project files. "This means we can work with longer distance clients, because we know the customer's measurements are accurate," says Lettau. "We can also send our customer the full 3D drawing so they can put it into their assembly to ensure proper fitment. Doing this helps to cut down on the number of prototypes and ensures fitment before package design goes into production," adds Lettau. By reducing the number of prototypes Valley Box can keep prices lower and reduce the amount of waste.
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