3D Proofing of Packaging Design for Printing and Packaging Converters

Whether it’s about economical practicality or a flashy design to appeal to followers of the unboxing video craze, packaging design is key towards enhancing your product in the eyes of consumers. Of course, the challenge is  that due to all the time and money it takes to produce all these packages, it’s hard to always ensure quality and brand cohesion across the entire line.

So what can you do to turn things around?

Well, that’s where we enter the picture. With this brief guide to packaging solutions through 3D proofing, your company will hit new bounds in no time!

But enough talk, right? Let’s get to the good stuff!

3D proofing refers to the process of creating a digital 3D model of something to get a visualization or digital prototype of what it will look like without having to make a physical prototype in real life. There are a range of software applications that enable this process to a greater or lesser degree of finesse but using a dedicated 3D packaging design software can allow you to replicate literally any viewing conditions, control situations or even purchasing environments. The market-leading iC3D Suite, for example, enables you not only to create any packaging type for viewing in 360-degree digital 3D in a matter of minutes, but also to adjust lighting conditions, perspectives, and visualize environments that would prove difficult to replicate in a factory setting. This delivers a flexible prototype model so close to the real thing as to eliminate the need for anything other than a final press-ready proof.

Automated packaging solutions take things a step further. The term describes a process where package designs are created automatically using intelligent software without any human intervention. In the case of iC3D Automate, the operator uploads the original artwork with instructions of what is required, and the program takes care of the rest including angles, materials effects, and lighting, delivering an entire brand range in multiple languages, color ways, and sizes, again in just minutes.

Assortment of Templates possible within IC3D Suite

Common Applications include:

• Bottles
• Cans
• Cartons
• Flexible Bags
• Labels
• POS/POP
• Shelf Displays
• Shrink Film

Real store display example with IC3D Shape Modeller Render for Daisy Marc Jacobs

Most Common users:

• Consumer Packaged Goods Brands and Retailers
• Packaging Designers
• Packaging Engineers and Converters

Companies use 3D proofing because they save a lot of time and money. Whatever the type of product you’re designing for, from top-range luxury and personalized items to relatively low-cost goods that fly off the shelves, the truth is that every company out there looks to get more products out faster than the competition. If you take your sweet time, you’ll get left in the dust.

Cloud-based 3D proofing solves that by giving you a ready-to-go model that multiple people can use and review remotely, making on-the-fly changes along the way without compromising quality. It also lets you catch errors in the design before you go through the chore of making a physical copy, saving you great expense, and preventing unneeded waste.

Finally, 3D proofing allows you a wide range of creative options. You can start off using only your imagination to design structures from scratch, or work to a custom dieline, a standard library model, or anywhere in between. The key difference is that you are unfettered by what has gone before. This allows you to experiment a little and find a way to stand out from your competitors.

The additional benefit of having an automated packaging solution is that it takes care of the drudge work of rolling out the design across all the SKUs and product iterations This way, you can funnel your creative talent away from the stuff that leaves them cold and towards other new projects. Meanwhile it helps turn around more packages faster and error-free. improving efficiency, and lowering costs within the company.

And that’s all there is to it! Now that you know all about automated packaging solutions and the raw power of 3D proofing, you’re ready to take your company to the next level and put all your rivals to shame!

To take the first steps on that incredible journey, reach out to us and let us know how our team of engineers and designers can bring your vision to life!

Creative Edge Software is the developer of an award-winning suite of applications for packaging and labeling, including iC3D Suite, iC3D Designer, iC3D Modeller, and iC3D Automate. Registered in the U.S. with UK-based research and development, its innovative patented 3D technology helps the creative ideation/design process and reduces time-to-market for labels, bottles, cartons, pouches, and POS.  Visit www.creativeedgesoftware.com