Five discrete challenges are contributing heavily to packaging machine design success or failure, says Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks). DS SolidWorks explores these challenges and solutions in a whitepaper called “ Streamlining the Design of Packaging Machinery,” and in a podcast and Web site ( www.solidworks.com/packaging). The company is using this same framework to optimize SolidWorks® 3D CAD software for packaging machinery design.
Packaging Machine Design Challenge # 1: Cost
A design team’s
ability to drive down cost from the earliest stages of a proposal
dictates its success in winning contracts and securing profit margins.
Challenge # 2: Flexibility
Customers are demanding packaging
machines that do more than just one thing and can quickly adapt to a
range of changing tasks. The same machine, for example, might need to
package candy one day and cookies the next.
Challenge # 3: Reliability
Buyers of packaging machines will
no longer tolerate equipment that fails to work as advertised. This
means machines must handle specified capacity without interruption or
failure. Packaging line slowdowns and shutdowns can devastate profits.
Challenge # 4: Modularity
Customers expect packaging
equipment that is configurable based on the job at hand, and is
upgradeable as improved equipment becomes available. Packaging machine
operators should be able to swap out components as easily as PC users
swap out graphic cards.
Challenge # 5: Energy Consumption
Energy is expensive, and
choosing the right motors, actuators, and controllers can dramatically
affect power consumption – a critical concern for both the environment
and the bottom line.
“When you make machines with thousands of parts doing more jobs than ever with less room for error on thinner margins, poor design decisions can devastate projects,” said Craig Therrien, DS SolidWorks product manager and whitepaper author. “Conversely, innovation can launch you to new levels of success.”
In the whitepaper, DS SolidWorks proposes a combination of software capabilities, methodologies, and best practices to address the packaging design challenges. Solutions involve 3D simulation, integrated control software, configurations, and proper specification.
“Packaging machine design can be particularly challenging with many dynamics involved in finessing tough-to-handle products through our packaging lines,” said Marc Monaghan, engineering systems manager for Hartness International, a South Carolina packaging solutions provider. “Project timelines are also more aggressive than ever, giving us much less time to develop designs with iterations of physical prototypes. This is where the integration of 3D modeling, analysis, and control development in SolidWorks products allows us to identify potential issues and opportunities for innovation long before the first part is produced.”
“Packaging machine designers want to design the machine, select the right controls, preview everything moving on the screen, and detect any weaknesses, failure points, or interferences as they make their decisions,” said Kathleen Maher, senior analyst, Jon Peddie Research. “The approach defined by DS SolidWorks enables them to do this and helps ensure little problems don’t grow into big ones.”
Click here to download the free whitepaper and here to listen to a podcast with Craig Therrien. For more information, visit the Packaging Design Web site at www.solidworks.com/packaging.
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, a world leader in 3D solutions. It develops and markets software for design, analysis, product data management, and documentation. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site ( www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2009 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
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