PackAssistant now supports different types of packing material. This includes trays and inserts as well as calculated models of compartments and intermediate layers.

PackAssistant takes packing materials into account for the packing types “Fixed Intermediate Layers” and “Compartment.”

In addition to manually entering an intermediate layer thickness, users can select specific materials for fixed intermediate layers. For the packing type “Compartment,” users can also define the compartment material.

For “Fixed Intermediate Layers,” PackAssistant can also calculate trays and inserts, to stabilize the parts.

A new layout on the results page enables users to compare different results quickly and easily.

PackAssistant generates 3D images for each packaging solution that serve as packaging instructions. These images visualize the packaging solution, simplify the preparation of commercial quotes, and give customers a realistic view of the proposed packaging.

Detailed drawings or graphics are no longer required.

PackAssistant can now stack containers on pallets or load them into trucks. It can also place loaded pallets inside trucks.

PackAssistant can calculate both the arrangement of containers on pallets and the arrangement of pallets in the truck. Alternatively, the containers can also be packed directly into the truck.

In addition, PackAssistant can estimate the cost of a packaging solution – for the container itself as well as for pallet and truck loads.

Functions / Packing types

PackAssistant calculates an arrangement of the components in the individual layers. There are two variants of this type of packing: with and without interlocking of the components in the removal direction within one layer. The calculated arrangements have as regular a structure as possible so that they can be loaded and unloaded in a simple manner. Precisely adjustable spacing ensures individual and realistic packing planning.

In addition to fixed separations between individual layers, PackAssistant can also take flexible intermediate layers into account. Such flexible interlayers are typically foam packaging or they are made of films or nonwovens, and the thickness of these separators can be adjusted in millimeters. If a material thickness of zero millimeters is set, PackAssistant places the components directly on top of each other.

PackAssistant calculates the layer-by-layer packing of a component into compartments. The software takes into account standard rectangular multiples as well as trapezoidal and hexagonal multiples. In particular, the trapezoidal compartment allows a much higher packing density than a rectangular compartment for many components, while the additional effort for construction and handling of the compartment is low.

Small parts are often not placed in an orderly fashion in a bin, but instead fall directly into the bin from an assembly line, for example. PackAssistant estimates how many parts will fit into the container by simulating how the parts fall into the container. Among other things, gravity, speed and collisions between parts are simulated.

In addition to filling in layers, PackAssistant offers the option of packing components in stacks. This function is particularly suitable for thin-walled components, where stacking can be vertical or at an angle.