In industry packages are manufactured by machines. They are first designed on a computer system using COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN software (CAD). A net / development can be drawn more accurately by CAD software and also checked, with faults can be corrected before any material is cut, Small companies use software such as Techsoft 2D design, Coral Draw or other specialist software.
The software is used to control the cutting equipment.

A company called ‘Roland’ manufacture a range of machines that are computer controlled. They are capable of cutting out accurate nets and even scoring the fold lines, making it easy to fold the net together. A simplified version of one of these machines is seen below.

Roland produce a series of machines called STIKA machines. These are basically used for cutting out adhesive backed lettering for signs and logos (Material called 'sticky backed vinyl'). However, larger versions can be used to cut out nets / developments from a range of card. The small hardened steel cutter is held firmly in a tool holder. The tool holder moves up and down a slide, following the design. The paper/adhesive laminate is fed into the machine automatically. As the tool holder moves the cutting tool is pressed into the material, cutting the desired shape. (Click here for questions on vinyl cutters)
These machines are suitable for cutting small numbers of developments/ nets.

QUESTIONS:
1. Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to design a small packaging net / development to hold a piece of jewellery.
2. Print out the net and cut out the shape using scissors or craft knife. OR use a computer control cutter such as a STIKA Machine.
3. Add suitable colour, shade, printing styles etc......

CLICK HERE FOR LARGE SCALE MANUFACTURE OF PACKAGING

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