In recent years, 3d printing technology is doing wonders across multiple industries. From manufacturing to automotive, consumer products, and health care — companies transform the way they operate using this advancement. One most high-demand industry that shares a connection with almost every domain is the packaging industry, and 3d printing is acting as a catalyst for its growth.
Manufacturers are using 3d printing to streamline several aspects and allowing companies to scale their business much faster & in a cost-effective manner. From pushing the design innovation boundaries to printing machinery parts, this technology offers a 360° to the packaging industry. On this note, let's dive into robust ways additive manufacturing is creating a difference in this domain.
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is a boon for companies to design, print quickly, and test their product design without investing substantial capital. 3D printing technology can speed up the early manufacturing stage and help engineers craft the initial product faster. Additive manufacturing can help packaging business owners reduce the time and cost of bringing a product to the market.
With this digital manufacturing technology, it becomes accessible for designers to fabricate a single part and conduct the needful tests in a shorter turnaround. Instead of using standard & expensive techniques like injection molding and thermoforming, rapid prototyping can create a blueprint within hours. So, whether a packaging company wants to improve the existing product or launch a new lineup, rapid prototyping can help in fine-tuning the final product.
Personalization
As we move towards digital advancements and Industry 4.0 developments, customer's demand for higher personalization has gone to its peak. From the overall design to packaging texture or personalizing the standard dimensions, 3d printing can turn all customization ideas into a reality. As there are multiple 3d printing technologies available in the market that possess different characteristics, implementing custom changes becomes more accessible.
3d printing companies let packaging manufacturers design and create their bespoke packages in the shortest turnaround time. Based on customers' requirements, companies can print any design with higher accuracy. The best part about additive manufacturing is that companies can print the products in minimum quantity, saving substantial costs. In addition, with rapid prototyping, the packaging company can speed up the overall process of packaging testing and ensure superior quality.
Improving Packaging Machinery
Additive manufacturing can help packaging companies keep running their machinery with the minimum delay caused due to system breakdown. Furthermore, engineers can design and print similar components in case of damaged machinery parts and reduce production's overall lag.
Metal 3d printing can play a crucial role in improving the up-time of packaging machinery at a significantly lower cost than traditional maintenance and repair.
Also, packaging companies can use online 3d printing services and print high-performance robotic arms that will speed up the entire manufacturing. Furthermore, as the printed parts are lighter and more durable than conventional robotic arms, overall operation and maintenance become more manageable.
Less Material Wastage
Companies can leverage 3d prototyping services to move towards more environmentally friendly packaging by reducing plastic wastage during production. As 3d printing's plastic waste is easy to clean, dry, shred, and convert into a printable filament, the reusability factor improves drastically. On the other hand, the plastic waste caused by traditional machinery is not fully recyclable. In that case, it not only causes pollution but also increases the overall production cost.
As there are several sustainable bioplastic options available in the market, packaging companies can go green and produce eco-friendly products. When the packaging industry generates less wastage, it saves the environment and makes companies more profitable through effective recycling.
Wide Range of Materials
Packaging companies can grow their revenue and sales by opting for 3d printing services. As there are several material and surface finishing options available in additive manufacturing, companies can offer much better product quality. Apart from essential personalization, packaging companies can deliver top-notch quality at a fraction of the cost compared to the traditional methods.
Several 3d printing companies in Melbourne, Sydney, and other places offer affordable 3d printing services with 50+ materials. As a result, companies can drive better innovation in packaging, leveraging the customizations available in additive manufacturing.
