AUTODESK FUSION FOR PACKAGING DESIGN

Packaging design software

Integrate 3D modeling, simulation, and CAM in one packaging design software that allows for seamless design iteration, efficient material usage, and effective communication between design teams, ultimately leading to creative and sustainable packaging solutions.

Packaging engineering and science

Packaging engineering and science

Packaging design involves designing containers, wraps, and packing for the protection, distribution, and identification of products. During the packaging design process, it's important to consider both the physical protection of the product, but also about the aesthetic appeal to customers.

Good product packaging design considers aspects like shape, size, materials, colors, typography, and relevant brand imagery. It's a factor all consumer product companies must consider as it plays a critical role in product marketing as it directly influences consumers' purchasing decisions.

Packaging design software, Autodesk Fusion

What is packaging design software?

Packaging design is something every engineer must consider at some point in their process. It's used to create viable package iterations that maintain the level of protection necessary while not becoming cumbersome.

Designers can mock-up the look and feel of a package, including its shape, size, color, material, and branding elements to visualize how it will be received by the customer.

Packaging design software, like Autodesk Fusion also allows for testing the physical properties of the package, including durability, and how external forces will interact with the product inside. 

Benefits of package engineering

Enhanced visualization

Packaging design software allows you to create 2D and 3D models to visualize how the final product will look. Simulate lighting conditions, materials, and environments to identify issues prior to production.

 

 

Improved efficiency

Gain the ability to create symmetrical, parametric designs with configured, repeatable patterns to automate the design variations, speed up the manufacturing process, and reduce the potential for human error.

 

Improved part performance

Test the physical properties of your packaging to assess durability and how well it protects the product to avoid costly mistakes. Implement more sustainable design practices by applying different materials and shapes to minimize waste.

 

Factors to consider when choosing packaging design software

Functionality

Select a package design software that includes 3d modeling tools, material simulation, and physical property testing.

 

Ease of use

3D packaging design software should be intuitive and easy to use in order to not hinder the design process.

 

Compatibility

Choose a solution that allows you to easily import and export files in formats that can be used with your other hardware and software tools.

Sustainability

Consider a packaging design solution that helps you put eco-friendliness in mind, including material efficiency and waste reduction.

What parts can you design with package design software?

Packaging design software can be used to design a wide range of components related to product packaging, including but not limited to:

Primary packaging


Design and manufacture the packaging that directly houses the product, including containers such as bottles, cans, boxes, and bags.

Secondary packaging


Create the outer packaging used for grouping primary packaged products together, including cartons, crates, and shrink wraps.

Labels and graphics


Design and create labels, logos, and other graphical elements applied to the packaging that play a critical role in branding.

Prototypes


Visualize how the final product will look and functions in a real-world context, before moving to the manufacturing stage.

Autodesk Fusion for packaging design

Why choose Autodesk Fusion as your packaging design software solution?

Autodesk Fusion seamlessly integrates 3D modeling, simulation, and CAM capabilities into a single packaging design software solution, enabling you to seamlessly take your designs from concept to production. Save time, identify potential issues early-on, and reduce the risk of costly mistakes with features that allow you to create intricate and custom designs. Further, run simulations to test the performance under real-world conditions, and make necessary changes prior to production. 

Fusion's cloud technology fosters collaboration, allowing geographically dispersed teams to work together, anytime, anywhere. Changes are updated in real-time, making sure everyone is working on the most recent version of the design. Fusion also supports sustainable design practices, enabling efficient material usage and waste reduction in the design process. With flexible subscription models, it offers a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for your packaging design needs.

Featured packaging design software

Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design


Optimize part design and performance with unlimited cloud solves for generative design, FEA, electronic cooling, injection molding, and more.


Automate complex geometry to enhance the performance and aesthetics of your products.


Autodesk Fusion tools for packaging design

Sheet metal

Sheet metal tools are excellent for packaging design, transforming flat sheets into 3D parts and vice versa.

The process usually involves determining package dimensions based on your product then creating a folding carton using built in sheet metal  tools. These features and functionalities allow for efficient creation or modification of 3D packaging models. It's then easy to create flat patterns of the packaging for manufacture.

 


Configurations

Create custom, parametric configured designs for the packaging variations of each product. Save time recreating design details and streamline the process of adding new packaging models for new products. 

Configurations allow you to make work with a single design file, grouping commonly themed aspects like material, color, and branding to maintain consistent style.

 


Free-form Modeling

Free-form modeling is a game-changer in packaging design, especially when designing the packaging around a product in a container. Create complex, custom shapes without the limitations of traditional modeling.

 

Start with simple shapes and manipulate them into the desired form, fitting perfectly around the product. Ensure the product is securely packaged, reducing the risk of damage during handling or transportation.

 


Array/Nesting

Array and Nesting tools are integral to efficient and effective packaging design. The Array tool allows for the creation of multiple instances of a component in a pattern, optimizing the spatial arrangement within a package. 

 

The Nesting tool, on the other hand, is used for arranging 2D shapes in the most efficient way possible on a material sheet. This reduces waste with minimal leftover material after cutting, leading to cost savings and promoting sustainability.

 


Flat Pattern

The Flat Pattern tool is essential for transforming 3D designs into 2D layouts, a process known as 'flattening.

 

It's incredibly useful in packaging design, where the 2D layout can be printed, cut, and folded into the final 3D form. The tool allows designers to visualize how a 3D model will translate into a flat pattern, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments.

 


Simulation

Stress analysis allow designers to evaluate the strength and durability of their designs under various loads. The Buckling analysis feature predicts the critical load that can cause a structure to collapse, ensuring the packaging can withstand external pressures.

 

The Event simulation feature models the physical behaviors of the package during use, such as dropping or shaking, ensuring the contents remain undamaged. These capabilities lead to efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging designs.


Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about packaging design software

Is Autodesk Fusion a good software for packaging design?

Yes, Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE packaging design software solution that integrate design, modeling, and simulation functionalities. It offers a comprehensive set of modeling tools that ensure a product's form, fit, and function with diverse analysis methods. This makes it a versatile choice for a variety of design projects, including packaging design.

What is product packaging design?

Product packaging design involves creating the exterior of a product. This includes choices in material and form as well as graphics, colors, and fonts that are used on wrapping, a box, a can, a bottle, or any kind of container. It's a critical component of product development as it not only provides physical protection to the product but also communicates information about the product and the brand to consumers.

What is packaging software design?

Packaging design software is used by designers to create the physical packaging for a product as well as the graphics, labels, and other elements that go on it. Packaging design software provides both 2D and 3D design capabilities, allowing designers to visualize how different designs will look in real life.

 

With packaging design software, designers can experiment with different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials for the packaging. They can also create and edit the graphics and text that will appear on the packaging. Some software, like Autodesk Fusion, also includes features for testing the physical properties of the packaging, such as how well it protects the product or how it will hold up under different conditions.

What factors to consider when choosing packaging design software?

When choosing packaging design software, consider the following factors:

  • Features and functionality
  • Ease of Use
  • Compatibility
  • Cost 
  • Customer support
  • Sustainability features

What is 3D packaging design?

3D packaging design is a process that involves creating realistic packaging models using digital tools. It allows designers to experiment with various materials, sizes, shapes, and graphics to create the most effective and appealing packaging. The 3D models can be rendered to give a realistic view of how the packaging will look in real life. This approach to design helps in visualizing the final product, making necessary changes, and improving the overall design before the actual production.

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