Packaging graphics manager praises benefits of iC3D design software
By Canadian Packaging staff
GeneralANAHEIM, CA – The graphics department of Osiopack – which manufactures flexible packaging for the food-processing, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries – has found iC3D packaging design software even more helpful than it had expected, the former company’s graphics manager recently said.
Osiopack recently installed iC3D’s all-in-one application, which was developed by Creative Edge Software, according to a press release from the latter company, dated last Tuesday. Chosen for its quick, accurate visualization of shrink distortion, the software solution has proved to be indispensable for shrink mock-ups, with such essential features as Shape Modeller and iC3D Opsis.
“When you’re working in shrink film almost exclusively, the ability to accurately visualize pre-distorted artwork is essential for identifying any issues,” said Tony McCash, Osiopack’s graphics manager, in a press statement.
“I was immediately impressed by the ease and speed of the iC3D undistort technology in simulating the effects of distortion and enabling ‘correction’ of artwork,” he added.
Shape Modeller, which has advanced three-dimensional shape-modelling, was an advantage that McCash said he had not even anticipated from iC3D’s solution. “The ability to create custom shapes and, in particular, non-cylindrical bottles has rapidly become an indispensable tool,” he said. “iC3D also allows for importing of many 3D formats, which has enabled me to simulate all different sorts of bottles and packs I couldn’t even get close to before.
“With every Osiopack client introducing unique bottles and continually designing products to be ahead of the trend, we’re future-proofed for whatever shape innovations are to come.”
Osiopack decided to invest in the software solution based solely on its capabilities in mapping to a shrink surface, according to McCash. During this process, the iC3D software pre-distorts artwork, so that it appears normal when the manufacturing department constructs the package or prototype. Then, the software enables the user to export the pre-distorted artwork back into Illustrator for final output and production.
iC3D developed Shape Modeller to enable graphics professionals to create any packaging shape quickly and easily, regardless of complexity, the release noted. Users can import STL, OBJ, or DAE/Collada files and edit 3D models selectively. In addition, the displacement mapping makes adding distortions to the model surface a more straightforward process, which benefits embossing and debossing applications, among others.
The Opsis cloud-based viewing platform has also been of great assistance to Osiopack, in enhancing the user experience of the mock-ups produced, according to the release. Users can access this feature through any Internet browser to enable simultaneous viewing and collaboration by multiple project stakeholders. Graphics managers can share artwork preparation with clients directly, in real time, so the latter can see the distortion process in 360 degrees.
McCash explained that visual communication has become a critical element in maintaining high quality and service in the packaging-design business, since deadlines have gotten shorter and products have diversified in recent years. Complicating the process for Osiopack is that its clients often request unusual, non-standard product shapes.
“Since switching to iC3D, clients have been very pleased with the quick turnaround times for proofing artwork, but probably the most enthusiastic feedback has been in relation to Opsis,” said McCash.
“The usual response to seeing the distortion in action for the first time is, ‘Wow, that is so cool!’”
Established in 1996 and based in Anaheim, Osiopack provides rotogravure-printed flexible packaging materials, especially shrink sleeves, bar wraps, and stand-up pouches.
Based in Minneapolis, iC3D produces all-in-one packaging-design software for retailers, designers, packaging engineers, and converters, according to information from its website.
Image courtesy of iC3D
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