Gateway computers are good to the last drop

Specialized packaging protects Gateway PCs from potential damage as they make their way to customers.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/1/2001

To Gateway, Inc., an innovator in THE PC industry, packaging matters. When shipping a computer, the company wants to be sure it will arrive just as it left the distribution center-in one piece. And in the 15 yr that it took Gateway to be an $8.6 billion Fortune 250 company, it knows how important delivering on that premise is to its customers.

Most of the company's products are built to order and shipped directly to customers through a delivery service. With all the loading and unloading that occurs in transit, the protective packaging is the most crucial aspect of keeping the units safe from damage. In addition to offering protection, the packaging must be lightweight to minimize shipping costs.

Most recently, Gateway designed the customized packaging for its new Profile 3 all-in-one desktop computer. They also had just 2 mo. to get it done.

Since a model of the Profile 3 was not readily available, two-dimensional CAD drawings were used in the development of a three-dimensional package design. The main component was molded expanded polypropylene foam (EPP), which provides a balance of performance properties that combine lightweight durability and shock absorption.

Special consideration was given to protecting the liquid crystal display screen and the L-shaped stand for that model. Also, Gateway wanted customer-friendly packaging.

"We want our customers to be able to intuitively disassemble the packaging and put their computer to immediate use," says David Drees, global packaging engineer.

Some minor adjustments were made to the initial design so the packaging would contour closer to the product to create a tighter fit. The packaging was redesigned as left and right end caps to ensure that the product was properly encased. Also, a nest in the ridge at the top of the cushioning was created for an accessory box.

The packaging was put to the test, surviving numerous instrumented drop tests. With the strength and resilience of the EPP interior packaging, computer, accessories and all, now arrive unharmed at the customers' doorstep and desktop. "We're very happy with the level of performance of the packaging," says Drees.

Tuscarora
724-843-8200
www.tuscarora.com