Overview
In WEBcnx, Manufacturing Information refers to how a box design is represented in 2D to show the specific cutting and creasing details required for packaging production. This view is essential for packaging designers and their clients to visualise how the pack will look once produced, including features like cuts, creases, and perforations.
Key Concepts
Drawing Palettes and Steel Rules
- Drawing Palettes: These are colour-coded representations used in 2D designs to indicate the different types of cutting and creasing lines. Examples include:
- Cuts: Lines that define the shape of the packaging.
- Creases: Lines that show where the material will be folded.
- Perforations: A combination of cuts and gaps to create tearable sections.
- Cut/Crease: A single rule combining both cutting and creasing functions.
- Combination Rules: Special types of steel rules used in diemaking, such as:
- Cut/Crease Rules: These combine cutting and creasing into a single rule.
- Perforations: These combine cutting and gaps to allow for easy tearing.
- Zippers: Special perforations with two parallel lines and angled sections at the end of each cut segment, enabling customers to tear away portions of the packaging for product access.
Manufacturing Information vs. Diemaking Information
- Manufacturing Information View: This view includes all cuts, creases, perforations, and zippers to represent the final packaging design. It helps designers and their clients focus on the functionality and visualisation of the pack.
- Diemaking View: When the Manufacturing Information is turned off, the design displays only the individual steel rules (such as a Cut/Crease rule) that the diemaker will use. This simplifies the design to match how the rules are cut to length and assembled into a wooden dieboard.
Practical Use
- Packaging Designers: Use the Manufacturing Information view to ensure the design meets the customer's requirements for functionality and aesthetics.
- Diemakers: Focus on the simplified view to streamline the manufacturing process, ensuring accurate cutting and assembly of steel rules.
User Preferences and Settings
Administrators and users in WEBcnx have control over how Manufacturing Information is displayed:
- Global Preferences: Administrators can set a default preference for all users, determining whether designs are initially viewed with Manufacturing Information turned on or off. This ensures consistency across the organisation. This can be accessed via Settings > Environment > Layer View
- User Preferences: Individual users can customise their own view preferences for designs. Once set, these preferences are saved and applied automatically the next time they log in, providing a personalised and consistent experience.
These options ensure flexibility and allow both administrators and users to tailor the viewing experience to their specific needs.
Visual Example
Below are two images that illustrate the Manufacturing Information:
Manufacturing Information On: Shows cuts, creases, perforations, and zippers as they appear in the final design.
Manufacturing Information Off: Displays only the steel rules, as used in diemaking.
By understanding the distinction between these views, users can better communicate design requirements and production needs.