Automated Prepress Workflow Increases Efficiency

3D design

One facet of automation that has taken extreme strides in the past three or four years is 3D design. With computing power, sophisticated software, and the ability to coordinate structural packaging and CAD product designs with graphic software, there is now an extraordinary means to assure packaging is created correctly. With 2D flats, for example, it was always a challenge to assure that copy would be viewed right side up, or that glue flaps would not be varnished. Now, these software packages can take a packaging structure, allow a designer to work on a 3D view, add graphics, and allow the application to automatically create the 2D flat for plating and/or print. The software can also automatically create 3D models for agencies and brand owners to review in advance of—or replacing—hard copies.