AMCOR has installed a new additive manufacturing system, also known as 3D printing, at its Innovation Center in Barcelona.
Part of the firm’s rigid packaging division, the aim is to leverage the technology to accelerate design and development.
The investment means that all five of Amcor’s facilities for rigid packaging solutions – which in addition to Barcelona are located in Muttenz, Switzerland, Evansville and Manchester in the USA, and Shanghai, China – now have 3D printing facilities. This will enable the centres to cooperate globally in the design and delivery of rigid packaging across a range of markets.
3D printing allows concepts and CAD drawings to be quickly turned into physical models and prototypes from which assessments can be made in areas such as aesthetics, functionality, and ease of manufacture. Sample packs can also be produced for initial consumer research and feedback. This can speed up the development process.
“In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive markets, speed of new product development and the ability to react quickly to changing market and consumer demands are fundamental to achieving success,” said Alejandra Beltran, VP R&D, Amcor Global Rigids Packaging Solutions. “At Amcor, we are committed to working with customers to deliver the best innovations at the fastest speed, with pack designs which create tailored solutions that deliver a positive user experience while at the same time supporting companies’ sustainability goals.”
