Packaging technology
3. Packing Methods
There are a few practical suggestions that may be usefully offered to people. These methods governing packing are traditional ones and have been recognized by people through years of experimentation.
(1)Protection from corrosion
Before goods are packed, materials which easy to go to the bad during transit should be properly treated with protective.
Highly polished metal surfaces are particularly subject to the dangerous of rust and corrosion. It is usually to coat the surfaces thickly with a slashing oil.
Anti-corrosive compounds, films, wax or grease should be applied. This is done with a brush, by means of a spray gun, or by a dip tank process.
Airtight containers and dehumidifying compounds, such as silica get should be used.
Liquids in bulk will normally be shipped in drums or tins.
Some materials should be wrapped in waterproof paper or wax paper.
In the case of highly dangerous materials, the shipping companies to lay down specifications for packages.
Cases should be lined with waterproof paper or cloth.
(2) Protection from damage
Poor packing may result in damage to goods in transit and cause annoyance and inconvenience to customers. Some of the methods used to prevent damage are listed below.
Wooden cases should be made of sound, undamaged timber, and closed with well-driven nails of the right length. For added safety use steel banding or wire.
When dispatching loose articles in bundles make sure they are securely tied.
Hamper lids should be fastened with wire and sealed.
Canvas bales should be stitched tightly. Colored string may facilitate opening.
Card board containers and cartons must be rigid and undamaged and should be closed with gum and secured by steel banding.
Lids，stoppers and caps on bottles etc. Should be firmly secured.
Use sufficient cushioning materials such as straw paper corrugated cardboard etc.
Pack parts of machinery in the same manner as they are fitted on the machine. Pack delicate parts in individual cardboard boxes or metal containers.
Bolt heavy machinery motors to the base of the box. Fragile items should be suspended in boxes to absorb shocks.
Glass and chinaware should be packed between corrugated cardboard.
Threaded portions should be protected with tapes or film of a hot wax to protect if from damage.
Instruments packed in cardboard boxes with soft cushion packing all round.
When packing small packages in a large case any vacant space should be filled with paper or other soft filling materials.
Thin or narrow parts, like gaskets of special shape, may be fixed to a plywood or a blank packing.
(3) Other points to note
These are equally important before the goods are packed.
Cartons should not be overfilled; they should be just hold the weight they are designed to carry. Avoid sharp edges on packages--they may cut and fray rope or cord and may even damage other packages. Measures of security against hazards and pilferage, fire, containerization corrosion etc, should be attended to pack shipment in unit loads wherever possible for rapid handing stacking and counting. Tea must be carefully packed not only against the usual climatic perils, but must be also tightly scaled so as to prevent it from absorbing odors and smells from the surrounding cargo. Food articles have to be packed very carefully and in sanitary cans. Cargo shipped in bulk requires little or no packing. Bags are considered ideal for packing commodities like sugar. Loose boards on cases invite pilferage and damage. Consumer goods must be packed suitably and attractively to reinforce company's image in the market.