When a customer is looking to build a unique package that is not common to the market place starting with a unit cavity on the bottle and closure can be a very wise investment. Often this is not needed when you have a common packer, cylinder or other design that is found throughout the industry. In the case of a unique package going right into a production tool without first proving out the design, fit and function can prove to be a costly and frustrating project. The use of a unit tool is a step above the use of a conceptual model.

The model gives the customer a feel for what the package could look like, size, shape, shelf presence, etc. The unit tool parts works for both the customer and the supplier of the parts. The customer gets to have real parts in hand to review for fit, function, aesthetics, line trial, manufacturing of production line tooling, etc. The part supplier is able to review the molding process for any dimensional issues with the tool and the finished parts. The supplier can then make adjustments to optimize the process, and obtain a part that meets all the requirements of the customer prior to going to production. Essentially you are helping the learning curve on a unique part so that all the kinks are worked out before production tooling is cut.

While going this route may add time to a project up front it could very well save time, money and headaches for all in the end. It is with this type of tooling that the details can be worked out without the pressure of starting production, so hasty decisions do not have to be made. It your project is unique and you have the time, unit tooling can be a very wise investment for both the component supplier and the product manufacturer.