By Olivia Cahoon
Part two of three
Packaging layout and 3D visualization tools provide designers and clients with a visualization representation of the final product. The software is designed to streamline design, proofing, prepress, and manufacturing while allowing designers to give packaging creations a creative twist.
In part one of this series, we discuss the importance of 3D visualization and layout tools. In part two, we spotlight successful use of this software.
Digital Packaging in Mexico
Established in 1972, Etimex is a team of three companies that work together to help customers present, display, and enhance products to appeal to potential consumers using unique designs, prints, and displays in Monterrey, Mexico.
The shop began in a family garage with less than ten employees and two flexographic presses to serve the needs of pressure-sensitive labels in the Northern states of Mexico. The company has grown to three companies—Etimex, Etisign, and Whole Designs. Combined, it has 200 employees, five sites, and more than 80,000 square feet with operations nationwide and international sites in Laredo and Austin, TX, and Costa Rica.
Etimex’s mission is to improve the ability to communicate, present, and market products and services of clients to the end customer. Through direct contact with customers, it identifies solutions and welcomes enthusiasm, budget, and loyalty towards its company.
Adapting 3D Visualization
Etimex serves brands and retailers in designing package presentation, shipping, point of purchase (POP), and shelving. The shop uses Esko workflow suites in all its sites, specifically— ArtiosCAD, Studio Store Visualizer, Studio, and Automation Engine. Jorge Martinez, owner, Etimex, says Esko products allow the shop to go from label design and 3D products to the printer and eventually onto shelves.
ArtiosCAD is a structural design software for packaging design and includes tools for product development, virtual prototyping, and manufacturing. It is intended for corrugated, folding carton, POP, and free standing display unit designers. Studio Store Visualizer allows users to view and interact with packaging in a virtual retail environment—on the shelf next to competition, to test the visual impact of the design.
Esko Studio aids the design process to turn ideas into 3D images. It is available as a software subscription and allows designers to create PDF files with 3D content. Studio has additional plug ins for boxes and labels. Esko’s Automation Engine is a workflow server that automates prepress tasks, speeds production, and reduces the error rate and need for operator intervention.
Etimex combines Esko software with four HP Indigo 600 printers and an EFI Vutek GS325o LX Pro. Martinez explains that Etimex began using Esko software by default because most of the equipment manufacturers it works with partner with Esko. “Once we standardized to Esko, we could see the advantages of having a single platform for all our graphic design and printing jobs,” says Martinez.
“We drive on being a full-mode group with the capability to offer brands a point-to-point solution from a package concept all the way to display at the point of sale,” he adds. Etimex matches every color with Esko to meet customer specifications in package, label, box, and POP display.
In the near future, Martinez believes that more 3D applications allows print providers to interact with the very end user of the product and increases the customization of products at the retail level like never before.
Fine Cuisine Packaging
Etimex customer, Pragna, is a fine cuisine condiment and seasoning provider. The company approached Etimex to impact customers at supermarkets and delicatessen stores.
“They needed a full review of their design, since they were targeting high income customers with a fine taste of cuisine and cooking,” says Martinez. Pragna sought to launch a full line of new condiments and seasonings with high-end appeal, including POP displays for each of its 24 products.
Etimex used pressure-sensitive material, semi-gloss lamination, carton box, and Arquifoam display material to create four different POP presentations and nearly 100 types of boxes and labels. The job was completed within 45 days.
The shop used Esko Prepress and ArtiosCAD for a 3D visual of the final presentation. “We were able to produce even the container boxes for the products and their POP displays for the launch,” explains Martinez.
He says the company was pleased with the outcome. “Once in the market, Pragna realized that package presentation was a big plus for their success. They decided to do full production with digital, saving inventories and keeping custom creations for each of their retail customers.” he adds.
Packaging Software
Packaging layout and 3D visualization tools give print providers an advantage for catering to retail manufacturers with large jobs. The software offers structural design for package construction and graphic design to create unique images. Shops like Etimex take advantage of the latest 3D visualization tools to keep clients satisfied.
Click here to read part three of this exclusive online series, Victorian Packaging
Mar2017, DPS Magazine
