Sewn fabric dunnage is a type of packaging that protects parts, saves space, supports shipping, and eases assembly. Rack bags also provide flexibility because they can conform to the contours of large or complex parts. For packaging engineers and packaging managers, the benefits of sewn fabric dunnage are clear. Yet there are also seven challenges that require expert packaging solutions.
For packaging engineers, the challenges are four-fold:
- The seams tear and the bags fail.
- The packaging isn’t puncture-resistant.
- The bags get dirty and are hard-to-clean.
- There’s no design help or follow-up support.
Packaging managers face three challenges of their own.
- The bags don’t last long enough.
- Vendors don’t deliver on their promises.
- The total cost of ownership is too high.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven challenges that these packaging professionals face.
Packaging Engineers
Without strong seams, sewn fabric dunnage will fail in the field. In addition to thread type and thread weight, packaging engineers need to consider stitch count and stitch weight. Depending on the application, puncture-resistance may be required. To prevent sharp parts from tearing sewn bags, rack bags can incorporate protective panels and structural members. Proper fabric selection for the application environment is important, too.
Some liner materials (like brushed tricot) that protect Class A surfaces become dirty easily, but are hard-to-clean. Rack bag cleaning and maintenance adds to total costs, but the challenges don’t end there. Packaging engineers often have questions about product design and prototyping. Suppliers of sewn fabric dunnage who don’t offer expert services during design and manufacturing are unlikely to provide the type of follow-up support that packaging engineers need. That’s why vendor selection is so important.
Packaging Managers
Packaging managers face some challenges, too. If sewn fabric dunnage doesn’t last long enough, the solution usually requires better materials and superior manufacturing. Rack bag suppliers who don’t deliver on their promises are problematic, however, so vendor quality and responsiveness are critical. Finally, packaging engineers aren’t the only ones concerned about costs. To reduce the total cost of ownership, packaging managers can work with vendors to reduce rack bag replacements.
Sewn Fabric Dunnage from Hold-True
Packaging engineers and packaging managers face their share of design and manufacturing challenges. These problems aren’t insurmountable, however. For sewn fabric dunnage that solves the seven common challenges faced by packaging professionals, ask Hold-True. To learn more about our Made in the USA manufacturing company and how we can help you, contact us.