The Protective Packaging line consists of a single-piece moulded pack that completely encloses the product. The pack absorbs impact by using interlocking bellows and buffers where the edges of the pack meet.
Independent tests by TUV Product Services have shown that a laptop packaged in Protective Packaging from 3M will survive when it is dropped from three feet.
According to the results, the G-force experienced by the pack over 10 consecutive drops was half that at which the product is expected to survive.
Thermoplastic sheet material has been used to create the pack. So far, 3M has created five material variants and is investigating how to develop these, for instance by adding anti-static properties and looking at how the product can be printed on.
The pack can be used on its own or with a card sleeve to minimise packaging. When not in use it can be laid out and nested with other packs to save space.
3M claims Protective Packaging uses up to 50% less volume than traditional electronic packaging.
The biggest challenge, according to 3M general sales and marketing manager for the electronics and communications business Adrian Hyner, was ensuring “the locking mechanism was robust enough”.
“Also, because it’s a wrap-around box we needed to make sure that where the pack edges met they didn’t spill out components,” he added.
3M launched the product at the end of March and, so far, companies that have expressed interest in the range have included manufacturers of TVs, microwaves, point-of-sale equipment, circuit boards and laptops.
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