What are a packaging cutting and printing plan?
What are a packaging cutting and printing plan?
What are a packaging cutting and printing plan? packaging cutting and printing plan: When you engage with a manufacturer (if not a reseller), know how to anticipate the technical aspect of the items requested for Custom Packaging. Anticipating saves time, money, and worry. There are two elements to consider: the cutting plan of your packaging and its printing sheet. The two go together and are inseparable. The mistake made by young entrepreneurs is to consider them separately and believe me, this causes huge problems later on! Let’s see how you avoid this…
What is a cutting plan?
Definition of a cutting plane
A cutting plan (or technical sheet) is a working document for the packaging manufacturer. The cutting plan (Technical Sheet) acts as instructions (specifications) for your manufacturer.
The usefulness of an e-commerce packaging cutting plan
Cutting plan as specifications
The dimensions and geometries chosen will allow him to quickly see if he is equipped with the machines that can produce them. In addition, the cutting plan will allow the manufacturer to visualize how to minimize waste and maximize productivity.
The cutting plan to work on the print file
Remember to keep a copy of your cutting plans in a format that can be used by a graphic designer. Indeed, they will be able to superimpose your print files on the cutout. The objective is to be able to play on the volumes. The proposal for graphic decorations must be relevant to the geometry and the printable surface of the box (mounted).
What does a cutting plan look like?
A cutting plane is a geometry, composed of lines. Each line is materialized to inform the type of cut or pre-fold necessary for the assembly of the box. A cutting plan essentially looks like the image below and indicates at least the following information:
Composition of the paper
Spline type Interior and exterior dimensions Interior and/or exterior printing Print file Cutting lines
Why and how should you check a cutting plan?
You have to check a cutting plan to make sure that it meets your expectations and your dimensions. This is especially true if you choose custom packaging.
Control a 2D plan
Check the dimensions, paper compositions, and cutting lines used. The 2D plan is ESSENTIAL. This is your specification: it must include the dimensions of all the dimensions and types of “lines” of the packaging so that you can consult or change the manufacturer if necessary.
Checking a print file (called a print ticket)
Do not trust, and check that your graphic designer has followed the cutting plan. The decorations must be thought out so that the impression is clearly visible once the packaging is put in volume.
Control a 3D plan or a physical sample (BAT)
Sometimes manufacturers will provide you with a 3D view of your packaging. The best is to get a physical sample to see how the 2D design fits into volume. This step is absolutely critical to avoid bad surprises… For three main reasons: The scale of the impression: on screen, it is difficult to judge. If a printed prototype is not feasible, do it manually. Print your graphics on your scale 1 printer, and stick them on a blank box. The positioning of the print: graphic designers are not manufacturers of packaging… Make sure that they have had the compass in the eye so that the printed elements fall well where they should. You certainly don’t want part of the decor to be covered by a flap or upside down after mounting the box (It’s from experience… :)) Assembly productivity: if your manufacturer is nice, he will provide you with an assembly video so that you can see how the box is assembled. You will receive the packaging “flat” and it will be up to you to assemble them. It is useful to check that the assembly is simple and meets your productivity objectives. Don’t skip this step! It’s easy when we show you, it’s much less so when it’s up to you to demonstrate to your teams.
Conclusion
When you get to this stage of your packaging project, it means you are only one step away from manufacturing. This is the last effort to provide. As is often the case when we have worked for a while on the same subject, the 20% before closing a project are the most difficult and yet… This is where the problems lie. Archive, check and take the time to complete this step meticulously, it saves time and serenity for the rest of your entrepreneurial adventures. Article Mug
