The Many Uses of Clamshell Packaging

Have you bought a amalgamation of batteries lately? How about a new cyberbanking device? Accept you taken a airing bottomward the cosmetics aisle? If you accept done any of these things, affairs are you accept apparent clamshell packaging in action.
Clamshell packaging has become a adopted adjustment of displaying, affairs and affairs a abundant abounding products. This is due to its formability to any shape. For example, accede that amalgamation of batteries; it is a array of oblong, angled objects, tucked altogether into a bin that fits the battery's ambit exactly. This is done through the technologies abaft clamshell packaging - which is about referred to as thermoforming.
To actualize these admirable containers, designers booty an item, appraise its needs - such as blind needs - and accede aircraft issues and the best methods of able-bodied accepting a array of shapes and sizes. They can again actualize the absolute appearance to board those abounding needs, and use the actual abstracts and accouterment to accomplish inexpensive, reliable and athletic packaging.
Additionally, some manufacturers of clamshell packaging action complete architecture services, such as graphics, engineering (especially area brittle and brittle items are concerned), printing, accomplishment and alike assembly. This can annihilate a amazing bulk of assembly amount for the makers of abounding articles and items.
With Impact Mfg clamshell and thermoformed packaging and articles are accessible beyond the globe. The aggregation currently offers assembly accessories in the United States and Asia, which places the aggregation in the ideal locations to abetment barter about the world, bound and efficiently. It offers absolute architecture and assembly casework to companies of all sizes, needs and locations. Additionally, the aggregation makes a advanced array of another packaging articles available, including cardboard containers and cartons.

The Dangers of Clamshell Packaging - Clamshell Packaging

Clamshell Packaging

Clamshell packaging-Clamshell packages are a relatively new invention that caught on almost instantly it seems, and now they are everywhere. Almost all small electronics, many small toys, and a whole variety of other products are packaged and hung on the racks at our local retailers using clamshells.

Yes, they make the product easier to see than boxes and I'm sure it costs a lot less than the old packaging using boxes or blister packs. They are apparently even designed to deter theft which they do so well that the items are nearly impossible to remove even once I get them home. The plastic is too hard for all but industrial strength scissors. I actually broke a pair of scissors on one particularly nasty package. I've even had to break out my box cutter on occasion to get into a few of these. Even more dangerous than trying to open these things are the amazingly sharp edges of the plastic once they've been cut. Yesterday, I was trying to open one and nearly sliced my finger open. I'm surprised there hasn't been a lawsuit on this yet.

A few months ago I was opening one and was struggling even more than usual. I made it through the thick outer edge, but couldn't make any more progress. As with most of these packages, sandwiched between the exterior layers of plastic were two layers of thin, glossy cardboard sheets containing basic branding on the front and product details on the back. I couldn't see why I couldn't cut through these. Turns out, they placed a CD containing instructions and other related materials between the layers of cardboard. Nowhere on the packaging did it mention a CD or software, and it couldn't be seen through the packaging. I had cut so hard, I actually took a chunk out of the edge of the CD. No wonder I couldn't cut through it. Thankfully, the CD still worked.

I don't have any numbers, but I would suspect that injuries and environmental impact are both up. I do know that my own frustration level is certainly up. I doubt it's a good to have the customer frustrated as the first impression of the product they just bought.

Clamshell Packaging
Article Source : thcrawford.blogspot

MWV's alternative to clamshell packaging

No doubt many readers are still nursing injuries sustained on Christmas morning as they tried to free a new toy or gadget from the impenetrable fortress that is clamshell packaging. Such packaging has even spawned a device specifically designed to combat the finger slicing clear plastic and a number of big name manufacturers including Sony and Microsoft have jumped on the bandwagon to rid the Earth of this unnecessary burden. One of the best alternatives we've seen made an appearance at CES 2009, with MWV packaging showcasing the latest version of its environmentally friendly, paperboard-based Natralock security packaging solution.

Already used by such companies as SanDisk the Natralock is made from sustainably sourced laminated recyclable paperboard which is combined with a clear APET or RPET thermoform to create a visible package that uses 50 to 60 percent less plastic on average than traditional PVC clamshell and is nearly impossible to tear apart by hand. However, unlike clamshell, consumers can easily open the Natralock package with a pair of household scissors. It also features conductive ink technology that emits an audible sound or “alarm” when the package is tampered with or if the ink circuit is broken to provide security without compromising visibility.

Advantages for manufacturers include reduced warehousing, transportation and shipping costs when compared to petroleum-based packaging thanks to Natralock packaging being lighter and requiring fewer components. It also achieves superior price stability by relying less on PET and PVC plastic resins and increases production rates and efficiencies as well, sealing up to 40 to 60 percent faster on average. MWV also points out that it reduces the need for manual labor by eliminating time-consuming insert sheets altogether and can use existing sealing machinery. With the obvious disadvantages of clamshell packaging we can only hope manufacturers get on board to bring us a clamshell free Christmas next year.

Article Source : gizmag