Usage of PLA Extrafill
in company Vetropack
The Vetropack Group is one of the leading manufacturers of glass packaging in Europe. A subsidiary of VETROPACK MORAVIA GLASS manufactures, sells, and distributes glass containers. As one of the biggest manufacturers in Czech Republic belongs to the main suppliers of glass packaging to the domestic food and beverages industry. Fillamentum developed and customized colors for designing prototypes of glass packaging.
WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON YOU HAVE STARTED WITH 3D PRINITING?
Together with our customers, we have been developing customized models of glass packaging. To have a clear idea of what exactly the product will look like, it is necessary to prepare a model for it, previously we used resin models that were time and money consuming. Thanks to 3D printing we are able to quickly prepare customized model and respond to the customer needs.
HAS 3D PRINTING SOLVED ANY PROBLEM?
In our industry, it is more a matter of facilitating the customer’s decision for a certain variant of glass packaging. It takes about three to four weeks from the first idea to the finished technical drawing. At this point, we can quickly convert a technical drawing into a 3D model at a scale of 1:1. 3D printing is an excellent tool in our work, because good design gives us the product with a clear identity and ensures its position in the market.
CAN YOU DEMONSTRATE ANY PARTICULAR PROJECT?
The 1:1 3D model that we print provide an additional verification of the new design to our customers. By sticking the label and putting the cap on, the appearance changes immediately. In the case of multiple variants of a given model, you have the option of an immediate comparison of the overall impression, which for most people is not realistic on the basis of technical drawings. The success of the above process was proven in cooperation with Czech brand of yogurts manufacturer, which planned to streamline the production process not only in connection with the installation of a new line, but also in combination with another product in another type of glass packaging.
HAVE ANY OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS BROUGHT TIME SAVINGS OR COST SAVINGS IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Each of the developed bottles or glasses is thanks to its shape, color of the glass and choice of mouth type unique and unmistakable. When making a design we must consider the safeness of glass packaging during production on a line, followed by using of end customer. To offer several variants during product development is first of all a real time saving.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE PRINTING WITH OUR FILAMENTS?
The fact that Fillamentum has developed customized colours of filament for our purposes, which are so typical for Vetropack Group, bears witness to our satisfaction. Currently, we offer to our customers 3D printed objects in a color of intended glass, alternatively 3D models in Metallic Grey which is suitable for presentation of embossed bottles.
HAVE YOU USED ANY OTHER MATERIAL THAN PLA?
As a standard, we use PLA Extrafill for 3D models of developed products, but we also have experience with other materials, such as ASA. We use them within the company for the needs of other departments – for 3D printing of various jigs or spare parts.
Follow Fillamentum Industrial:
