packaging and mechanisms notes

packaging and mechanisms

developments

• surface development- two dimensional shape which when socred, folded and glued together forms a three dimensional package, carton or container
• important that all the adjacent edges are equal, so that when they are folded together they are the same length
• important that the print is the right way up when assembled
• tessellation- developments are arranged on a sheet with minimal gaps between them in order to minimise waste
• die cutters are used to press out the shape of the development while creasing bars are used to create the folds in the development
• you can produce and manipulate surface developments using a CAD software system

tuck in

• the tab on the end of the lid, which holds the lid closed
• made commercially often has rounded corners to smooth out the closing
• has short slits to help lock the lid in place

automatic bases

• net of a box that has an automatic base
• a box assembled flat packed, so when it needs to be used, you open up th box by pushing out the base

functions of packaging

• preserve- food products are packed to keep them fresh for longer, to ensure that products are sold hygienically and conveniently
• protect- to make sure that the contents of the goods arrive at the shops and at home without damage or contamination, to reduce theft of parts
• promote/inform- labels provide information about a product, labels are also used as a sales and marketing tool
• transport- goods are packaged into crates or cartons so that they can be handled, stacked and transported quickly and efficiently, without fear of breakage

packaging materials

paper and board packaging

• made from wood pulp and waste paper
• board is made to a much thicker and heavier specification than paper
• paper is used mainly for paper bags and labels
• corrguated cardboard is used in packaging and formed from layers of paper which can be made into boxes
• the wavy layer is corrugated cardboard is called fluting which is designed to absorb any impact during transportation
• folding boxboard can be single or multiply, coated or uncoated
• has good folding properties, stiffness and scoring ability
• spiral bound tubes are made from long lengths of cardboard, laminated into a tube
• used for toilet/kitchen rolls and for the transportation and packaging of goods
• paper and board can be used together with layers of thin aluminium foil or plastic to form a lamination
• foil lined board is commonly used for ready made meals or take away meals
• the foil retains heat, keeping food warm
• foil lamination is also used in drink cartons, yoghurt and lids, crisp packets and confectionary
• tetra pak is a brand name for a carton that preserves and packages drinks

advantages of paper and board

• light weight
• easy to handle and store
• easy to fold and crease
• when laminated a seal can be created to prevent evaporation and to preserve the product
• colour printing can be produced to a high quality
• envionmentally friendly

plastic packaging

• polyvinyl chloride (PVC)- bottles containing…