Every packaging has two dimensions, the Internal dimension and the External dimension. The Internal Dimension is the measurement on the Engineering drawing of the complete structure without taking into consideration the wall thickness or the Calliper of the substrate used. The External dimension is the complete measurement taking into account the wall thickness of the substrate, thus it is equal to the Internal dimension plus the substrate thickness.
Both the Internal and the External dimensions have significant roles to play and one has to be really clear as to what dimension to use in which case. An incorrect communication in this regard could create a huge problem for the packaging.
In most of the cases one must specify the Internal dimension of the Packaging, as the substrate thickness may vary from time to time and place to place. Thus to make a cutting tool or a mould or a die , the first step is to get the Internal dimension right. However in case of working out the size for the Overwrap or the top label etc, the External dimensions are required. One must freeze the External dimension only and only if the substrate specification is firmed up. Even a few millimeters of changes could result in incorrect formations, improper closures and sometimes a really un-balanced look of the over all packaging.
The other big issue comes in if the Internal dimension is by error taken as the External dimension, in such a case the required volume of the product or the required size may just not fit in and result in a wasteful exercise.
Very often it is this simple understanding or rather mis-understanding which could actually make your packaging successful or unsuccessful. So , what does one need to do and what processes could be built in. One simple method is to clearly indicate on all the Engineering drawings if the measurement is Internal or External. Secondly check with all concerned in the chain, as to what would be their requirement of the dimension and provide the inputs accordingly.
Lets at least start with being conscious about this aspect and ensure that we are right on this dimension.
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Hi Ashwani,
ReplyDeleteMark Budden directed me to you Blog as he knew I would like it. An honest sounding board for the often miss understood world of Packaging....its great!
Your posting about the right dimension rings true to one of the biggest issues that leads to a painful and frustrating implementation of design - poor communication between supplier/manufacturer, client & designer,
From a design perspective carrying out a technical audit before pencil even touches paper is essential and aims to avoid what you have described...I always use the analogy that you wouldn't bake a cake without knowing the ingredients first
Tech Audits arm designers with not only existing abilities of supply chain & manufacture or identify opportunities to innovate - this also informs us on how the manufacturer wants us to communicate technical details to them (data types, key dimension communication, etc)
As always, Inclusion & Communication as early as possible & continued throughout the design process are the key to successful designs on shelf
Craig