Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, is taking rapid prototyping of product packaging to a new level with Stratasys PolyJet printing technology. Designers can now model complex, full-color packaging for cosmetics, beverages, consumer electronics, personal care, food, and more. These high-fidelity prototypes accurately simulate final packaging including realistic color combinations, textures, transparency, and flexibility.
 
Traditional prototyping for consumer product packaging is costly, time-consuming and leaves designers at the mercy of third-party production facilities, says Stratasys. With PolyJet printing on the J8 Prime, J7 Series and J55 Prime series 3D printers, designers can easily produce complex, high-transparency, full-color 3D packaging with integrated 2D graphics and labels all in one print. Using simple GrabCAD Print click-and-print workflows, prototypes go from on-screen simulated product to full 3D-printed samples in just one day. 
 
“Ultra-realistic models make the idea real for our clients, enabling an accelerated decision-making process. We are a long way from the bland all-white models we produced prior to 3D printing – today the possibilities are endless,” said Jeremy Garrard, director of market development, design and R&D for Quadpack, a global packaging provider headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. “Along with the work we do for our QLine range and our customers, the models we produce helps towards influencing and inspiring the industry. As an example, we printed over 500 pieces for #QPPackfuture, our annual trend report, in which the team presents its vision for the future of cosmetics packaging, complete with samples.”
 
The multi-material printing capabilities of the J-Series printers combined with VeroUltra materials gives designers the ability to print in over 640,000 unique colors, and simulate realistic textures like fabric and wood, as well create glass or plastic-like transparency with smooth color gradients. For example, VeroUltra material allows designers to print simulated glass bottles and add “labels” with sharp text and images that meet 2D graphics labeling standards. Furthermore, designers can incorporate simulated products or fillings, like cosmetics, makeup or liquids, for the ultimate in realistic rapid prototyping.
 
“Novelty is key in packaging, so designers want to create something that will allow their product to catch the consumer’s eye,” said Shamir Shoham, vice president of design for Stratasys. “With the ability to print glass and plastic-like transparency with high-contrast, sharp, bright graphics plus the ability to simulate liquid filling, designers are delivering realistic packaging prototypes that lead to earlier marketing assets as well as better and faster decision making by stakeholders.”
 
The Packaging software solution will soon be available through GrabCAD Print and is compatible with Stratasys J8 Prime, Stratasys J7 and Stratasys J55 Prime 3D printers.