Stages in the industrial production of packaging

Stage 3:

The client has to approve the packaging designs, which were created. A structural designer or representative will do this.

Stage 4:

Studio worksheets of the client's specifications are sent to graphic studio. There, artwork for the packaging is produced. Once the artwork (also known as thermal proof) is presented to the client for approval, a negative is produced from the approved artwork.

Stage 5:

The negative goes on to the plate room. The plate room produces plates for the artwork using the negative. There will be a separate plate for each of the printing colours. The form maker will then produce formers made from the packaging.

Stage 6:

Planning department (for production)

The order is sent to planning and a schedule is made, of work for production. The schedule has to be updated every 24 hours, and the schedule will be sent to every department. The planning department will work out board size and thickness, as part of their job is to try and minimize waste. There is also a schedule to make the board. All resources must be available (e.g. paper, ink), and a schedule for the machines must be made.

Paper: This must be bought 3 months in advance, and a mixture of recycled and virgin (new) paper is used.

Flutes Print side

Insides Outsides

Stage 7:

Production of package on factory/shop floors

3 machines are used:

) Flexographic printer, which is a plate and former placed in a machine. 4 colours are produced, any shape.

2) A Case maker printer produces a standard case shape scores, slots and glues.

3) A flat bed dye shorts runs (5000) maximum of these of colours

Stage 7a:

A few designs require workers (stitchers) to fold and to stitch parts of the packaging.

Stage 8:

The package continues to stay flat-packed and is piled up and shrink-wrapped.

Stage 9:

The order stays in transport for delivery to the client of to the warehouse where the product is being made.