PACKAGING LINE

When designing a new packaging line, it is important to get samples of all the components as early as possible. Drawings may be OK but I think it is important to be able to touch and feel the package when designing a packaging line. In the past it has sometimes been difficult to get prototypes as early as we would like. 3D printing systems now allow bottles, caps and other components to be produced almost as fast as they can be designed.

But what about cartons, diecut labels and such? I recently ran across an ad for the VersaUV from Roland that can print, score, emboss, varnish and more on the actual board, paper or film that will be used in the final package. It looks like a big printer. Feed it your design and it spits out your package. Now there is no reason not to have a fully functional and complete package prototype almost on the first day of your project.

See more at pd.rolanddga.com

As these technologies get more sophisticated we are getting closer to being able to materialize products over the internet in our plants and homes.

Bring it on, I say.