When considering a shipment of heavy industrial spare parts to an expert team in the design of industrial packaging, there are many variables and options that are taken into account. Each shipment has specific needs on which the final packaging decisions depend. These shipping conditions are the ones that will mark the design of the customized packaging to guarantee safety and avoid economic losses in the shipment.
When is an industrial spare part a heavy part?
Although there is no stipulated general rule, we can consider those shipments as heavy when they exceed 25 kilograms in weight. They can be large pieces such as parts of heavy vehicles, sets of pieces in the same package or an electrical appliance.
Why is planning important when packing heavy spare parts?
Although there are many factors that must be taken into account to plan the design in the packaging of industrial spare parts . As these are sensitive pieces, it is important to calculate and design the appropriate packaging to the millimeter in order to avoid damages when arriving at the indicated destination.
In the case of industrial spare parts for heavy parts, packaging plays a crucial role in the process of distributing and selling the products. These types of products are large and heavy, making their transport a complex process that requires packaging designed specifically for the piece capable of withstanding the weight, shock, vibration and climatic adversities that the merchandise may face in the process. shipment.
In addition, in industrial parts in which the precision is millimeter, we cannot afford damages during transport, delaying the production process, losing money and the trust of our suppliers.
Steps followed by a specialist company when packaging industrial spare parts
The first step for a team specialized in industrial packaging design is to receive a briefing from the client in which they receive information about the parts and contents that are going to be packaged. Depending on the physical characteristics of the piece such as: material, weight, size and other factors such as regulations, legislation and climatic conditions, decisions are made regarding materials, protection and fastening of the shipment.
Based on these conditions, a study of the materials and protection elements necessary for the pieces that are going to be sent is carried out.
Suitable materials for the design of industrial spare parts packaging.
When we carry out the packaging design of heavy parts such as parts of machinery, airplanes, buildings or parts of the production process such as automobiles, it is essential to think about the ideal material for the part and its transport conditions.
There are two basic elements that we must distinguish in the packaging: the outer packaging and the interior protections. For the outer packaging, there are two commonly used materials: wood and cardboard. Although as we have previously commented it will depend on both physical and external characteristics of the shipment.
If we opt for wood for packaging we have a series of benefits:
- Resistance: it is capable of withstanding the weight and impact of large-tonnage pieces during the entire transport journey. It is less prone to breaking than other materials.
- Protection against environmental factors: excellent protection against factors such as humidity or heat. It can be treated to withstand insect pests.
- Flexibility: it is a versatile, highly malleable material, which allows us to perfectly adapt it to the forms necessary to guarantee the protection of the merchandise.
- Sustainability: wood is a renewable and biodegradable material, which makes it a more ecological and sustainable option than other packaging materials that are difficult to recycle.
- Cost: Compared to other materials, it is a cheaper option, especially in large quantities.
Regarding the use of cardboard for industrial packaging, although it may seem a flimsy option, it has different advantages compared to other materials:
- Lightness: compared to wood or metal, it is a much lighter and easier to transport material. It allows to reduce costs and facilitate the handling of the material.
- Resistance: despite looking flimsy, it can be resistant when used correctly as packaging. Some materials such as corrugated cardboard are capable of withstanding the weight and impact of heavy industrial parts.
- Protection against environmental factors: cardboard together with a coating with waterproof materials can act as protection against humidity and environmental factors that can be harmful to industrial parts.
- Flexibility: Just like wood, it is a material that we can cut and design in different shapes and thicknesses. This gives the industrial packaging design team flexibility and freedom to tailor the packaging to the specific needs of the client.
- Sustainability: Cardboard is a 100% recyclable and biodegradable material, which makes it a more ecological and sustainable option than other packaging materials.
- Cost: Cardboard is a much cheaper material than wood or metal. In addition, the carton can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of each client, making it a cost-effective and flexible option.Principle of form
Also, as additional protection against vibrations and shocks, an industrial packaging designer is contemplating adding protections to the interior of the packaging . Depending on the fragility, size and weight we must choose the right material. In this way we add extra protection elements ensuring the integrity of the package on the way. The best protection elements are:
- Expanded polystyrene foam: Also known as polystyrene foam or EPS, it is a very light and resistant material that can be cut in different shapes and sizes to adapt to industrial parts. It is excellent for protecting parts against impact and vibration.
- Padded packing paper: Padded packing paper is a flexible, lightweight material that can be easily molded to fit the shape of industrial parts. It is an economical option to protect parts against shock and vibration.
- Airbags: Airbags are bags filled with air that are placed inside the packaging to protect the parts against impacts and vibrations. They are light, flexible and easily adapt to the shape of the pieces.
- Bubble film: Bubble film is a cushioning and resistant material that is commonly used to protect industrial parts against shock and vibration. It is an economical and light option that adapts to the shape of the pieces.
- Polyurethane foam: Polyurethane foam is a resistant and moldable material used to protect industrial parts against impacts and vibrations. It is more expensive than other protective materials, but offers a high level of protection and conforms well to parts.
It is important to remember that the choice of interior protection items will depend on the unique characteristics of the parts being transported, as well as environmental conditions and transport requirements. It is important to work with a professional packaging supplier to select the most suitable interior protection elements for each situation.
Aspects to take into account when packing heavy parts
One of the most important aspects to take into account is the resistance of the packaging. Heavy parts can be especially delicate and susceptible to damage during transport. Therefore, it is essential to choose resistant and durable materials that adequately protect the pieces.
Another important aspect of packaging design is the shape and size. In general, simple and compact shapes should be chosen that fit the pieces perfectly, preventing them from moving during transport. In addition, the dimensions and total weight of the packaging must be taken into account, as this can influence the cost of transport and logistics.
Lastly, it is important to consider the environmental aspects of packaging. Currently, there is a great concern for sustainability and waste reduction, so recyclable and biodegradable materials should be selected whenever possible. In addition, reusable materials can be used that reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with packaging.
In summary, the design of the packaging of industrial spare parts and heavy parts is a crucial process that must be carried out with professionalism and care. Strength, shape, size and environmental aspects are factors that must be taken into account throughout the design process. By choosing the right materials and optimal design, you can ensure that parts arrive in perfect condition.
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