MANUFACTURING NETS /DEVELOPMENTS

BY HAND

Designing and making a package for a product is a popular project in schools. A range of skills can be used including designing the shape and form of the net, the style of font/printing, the colour scheme and much more. Once designed the package can be manufactured quite easily in a classroom or workshop.

STAGES OF MANUFACTURE

1. Carefully draw the outline of the net / development using a pencil. A 4H pencil is most suitable because the pencil lead is quite hard and so lines drawn with it are faint. This means the lines do not stand out on the finished package but are dark enough to be seen.
Use a straight edge or good quality ruler to draw the lines and measure accurately.

2. Colour and shade can be added by the use of a range of techniques and equipment. This could include the use of an air brush, felt pens, coloured pencils, aerosol paint sprays and even paint brushes. Many more techniques are available including using a computer to print out a design.

3. A craft knife is then used to run down each of the pencil lines (do not cut through the card). It is important that a steel ruler is used as the sharp blade of the craft knife is less likely to slip. Also, if a plastic ruler is used the knife can easily cut into its straight edge, damaging it. Great care must be taken when using a craft knife as they are very sharp, if they slip they can cut hands and fingers very badly.

4. The net / development (package) is folded. A good tip is to place a ruler on each line and fold the card. The use of a ruler ensures that the fold is along the line. The net can be glued together so that it takes on the form of the package.

QUESTION:
1. Design a simple package for a product of your choice. Draw the net / development, add colour, shade, printing etc... Cut out the net and glue it together.

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