The Best Packaging Practices for Sheet Metal Fabricated Parts
The process of fabricating sheet metal parts requires a lot of work and effort. At Creatingway, we understand this requirement thus desire to deliver your part safely. The fabricated parts should arrive in perfect condition based on several packaging and shipping practices. We have thus devised cost-effective ways to protect your parts. These ways reduce the chance of logistic damage on the property. Additionally, it supports the end user’s needs. Here is a highlight of what to consider while delivering sheet metal fabricated parts.
How To Determine The Best Packaging Method
This factor is dependent on the planned use, destination, and end-user industry. The main categories are knockdown and bulk packaging methods.
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Bulk Shipping
Bulk shipping involves packaging products that are too bulky to be shipped, knockdown, or assembled. The method ensures you can package the same parts together. However, the parts should have the potential to tangle or suffer surface damage from contact.
We also take extra caution when packaging the sheet metal fabricated parts during bulk shipping. The use of padding or spacers is one way. We employ materials such as paper, wood, foam, or rubber to prevent damage or scratching of the surface finish.
Parts nested together only need paper in between them. However, for stacked parts, they need plastic or cardboard to separate them. Hardware parts need additional padding to protect the adjacent parts subsequently. Parts with sharp edges need extra protection to protect their form. The method reduces inventory, thus saving on logistic cost.
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Knock Down Kits
This is a type of shipping that involves packaging the parts together unassembled. Then, later the user can put the parts back together in a different location. The choice is common for electronics, furniture, automotive, and rail parts. Sometimes people use the method to reduce import taxes imposed on their goods.
Another option is semi knock-down kits. The method allows partial assembly of parts. We can, therefore, efficiently ship parts in flat sheets to be assembled elsewhere.
The method is best for shipping complete kits. Also, there is an aspect of logistic cost saving. However, it requires some level of skill to assemble the parts later. Additionally, the method is not great for all product categories.
Factors That Impact On Freight Cost
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Weight
The part weight has a direct impact on the shipping cost. Therefore, heavier parts cost more to ship. Also, the weight determines the number of parts possible to ship together. Thus, whenever possible, consider the use of lighter-weight materials in making your parts. This strategy will eliminate excessive and unnecessary packaging, thus controlling cost. However, do not sacrifice part quality choosing a low-cost material. Ensure the material can maintain part integrity.
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Distance of travel
The larger the distance, the more the cost. This is because the part has to travel a long distance translating to greater cost. Make plans on how to optimize the distance between the main logistic points. This includes the manufacturing center, distribution point, and end-user location.
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Mode of shipment
There exist different ways of shipping your sheet metal fabricated parts. The choice, however, depends on the part’s owner preference. Faster modes of shipment are only available in the premium category.
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Number of shipments
At Creatingway, we advise you to consolidate or combine shipments to reduce cost. This recommendation also applies to end-user shipments and distribution facilities.
What Kind of The Packaging Options For Your Sheet Metal Fabricated Parts?
The packaging option should protect your fabricated parts during shipping. However, the choice depends on the effect on shipping cost and brand. A common packing option is a carton. The available carton choices come in different colors. They range from white, brown, and custom printed boxes.
Brown boxes use about 60-100% of recycled cardboard. Thus, this form of cardboard is more affordable when compared to the white and custom printed option. They come in several standard sizes and strengths.
Most of our clients prefer white boxes due to the branding capabilities the option offers. You can print logos and instructions more clearly on a white background. Also, the boxes can easily show damages and dirt when compared to brown boxes.
Custom printed boxes are the costlier option. However, you get customization inside and out of the box. You could even add instructions on how to use the product. But note, to get this option, you need extra lead time to create.
What’s The Packaging Materials?
There are a variety of options in terms of packaging material. You have to consider the parts exposed by the material. Remember, physical damage on the fabricated metal parts can occur at any stage during loading, transport, and unloading. Thus the appropriate selection of packaging material will prevent any damage.
The EPE foam is one example of packaging material. The material has a low density and is semi-rigid due to closed cells. We normally use it to cushion or absorb impact. Additionally, it is resistant to oil, water, and static.
Customized EPS comes from white rigid foam. We custom form the foam to match the shape of the parts. However, it requires more lead time to make.
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