Tag Archives: logistics

TYPES OF FOLDING PACKAGING PLASTIC
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Types of folding packaging II: Foldable Plastic Packaging

Foldable plastic packaging helps to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the logistics process.

Foldable plastic packaging has qualities that are highly valued in today’s production lines. They are made of stable, lightweight material and are very easy to clean. They are therefore the ideal solution when extreme hygiene is required, as in the case of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products or foodstuffs.

Moreover, they do not require any treatment. They offer a barrier effect against humidity, temperature changes and microorganisms and are suitable for export.

Qualities of foldable plastic packaging

If we add to these properties their ability to fold, we obtain a product that will also help us to optimize warehouse space when not in use.

We cannot ignore the fact that Law 7/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy (LRSC) penalizes single-use plastic containers and packaging. Returnable and foldable plastic packaging solutions benefit all links in the supply network – producer, distributor and point of sale.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

Most commonly used plastic packaging

Plastic boxes

At 360 Eco Packaging we are constantly innovating. We have spent years developing solutions that meet the changing needs of the market.

In our product portfolio, we have a range of plastic foldable container boxes that are specifically developed for reuse, stacking and returnability. This type of box is as robust and stable as any other rigid box, but much more versatile, handy and lightweight.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

It is made of high-quality recycled plastic and can be recycled again. Its three parts  <base, ring and sliding lid> become a plastic container box valid for storage on shelves and / or transport of goods, being suitable for all kinds of roller and chain conveyors.

It is provided with a Velcro system that facilitates its opening and closing. It folds quickly and easily, in just 4 seconds without the use of tools.

Each box can be customized with the company’s corporate colors, bar code labels or RFID elements.

 

Plastic pallets

Weight is a determining factor in the logistics of any business. The plastic pallet offers optimal stacking resistance. And because of its lightness and durability, it is another foldable packaging with an excellent price/performance ratio.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

Advantages of foldable plastic pallets

  • They are lightweight.
  • They are reusable.
  • They have nestable skids.
  • Easy to clean.

Check our foldable packaging solutions, and if you have any questions, please contact our team.

We will find the most suitable packaging for your logistic process.

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Types of folding Packaging
Industrial packaging

Types of folding packaging I: Cardboard Folding Packages

Supply chain security, inflation and sustainability are some of the major challenges that companies face. Among other things, we will discuss the advantages of folding carton packaging.

In the packaging industry, we find ourselves in a market where the demand for sustainable products is growing, the trend is to reduce single-use packaging and to optimize transport and storage costs.

Folding packaging meets all these requirements perfectly. With this post, we begin a series of articles to explain which ones are going to be the most frequently used and what benefits they bring to companies.

Advantages of Foldable Packaging

Quality folding packaging meets all the conditions for use in logistical operations with full guarantees. Their efficiency is proven every day in the storage and transport of goods in any industry.

In addition to strength and safety, they provide a series of advantages that have a direct impact on logistics cost savings:

  • Greater space utilization. When not in use, folding packaging takes up less space in the warehouse, which allows for better management.
  • Ease of handling. It is ergonomic and facilitates assembly/disassembly, with little need for tools. This cuts work times and minimizes possible damage caused by handling.

In addition, they can be made of cardboard, metal or plastic. In this post we will focus on cardboard folding packaging.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard Folding Packaging

By its nature, cardboard packaging is considered one of the most efficient on the market. Its popularity is increasing, due to the rise of ecommerce and the ongoing debate on sustainability and ecopackaging.

Cardboard is a natural, resistant and recyclable material, whose versatility makes it the best alternative for creating sustainable and original packaging solutions. Most are also reusable, so they can be used efficiently until the end of their useful life.

Types of folding packaging I_ Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard boxes and pallet boxes

In industrial packaging we use corrugated cardboard, which, unlike other types of cardboard, is the strongest and most durable. Corrugated cardboard boxes in standard sizes or large-volume cardboard boxes can be used for packing and palletizing light and heavy goods, either alone or in combination with protective and cushioning solutions.

When the type of load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet-box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet-box, the cardboard box is reinforced at the base and sides with wooden slats to facilitate storage and picking.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

In 360 Eco Packaging we develop efficient packaging solutions that provide savings along the entire supply chain. Contact us.

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Challenges facing the battery industry
Packaging for batteries

Challenges facing the Battery Industry

Electric mobility is an ever-changing sector that requires innovative, cross-cutting solutions to consolidate its position. It should not be forgotten that the European Union will prohibit the sale of new gasoline or diesel cars from 2035. In fact, Spain expects to have 5 million electric cars on the road by 2030, according to the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

As a manufacturer with a long history in the dangerous goods sector, at 360 Eco Packaging we are closely following the evolution of the lithium battery industry, whose growth will be crucial in the coming years. This will bring about important changes in the entire supply chain.

For this reason, we wanted to analyze some of the challenges posed by the battery industry, which we could summarize as: efficiency, safety and sustainability.

More efficient batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology in electric vehicles, although they include other raw materials such as cobalt, manganese, nickel and other metals.

This type of battery is characterized by liquid electrolytes and carbonaceous anodes, resulting in insufficient energy density, limited lifetime and safety issues.

The industry is currently focused on improving the energy density of batteries, as higher energy density would help to increase range and reduce charging time.

New generation batteries with liquid and solid electrolytes are still in the research phase, but some believe that sooner rather than later we will be able to recharge our electric cars in the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Challenges facing the battery industry

Regulatory framework to ensure safety

As mentioned in the previous point, another challenge facing the battery industry is safety.

All lithium batteries are considered HAZARDOUS GOODS. The increase in lithium battery manufacturing expected in the coming years suggests that approved, optimized and sustainable packaging will be a key element for the competitiveness of the sector.

In recent years there have been accidents due to spontaneous combustion and explosions of lithium batteries, due to improper use, which have endangered the safety of people and the environment.

Therefore, a regulatory framework is needed to ensure the safe handling, storage, charging and transport of batteries, with strict instructions for the control of labeling and marking procedures, depending on the life cycle of the battery.

All this will allow working in each link of the supply chain without the risk of accidents, theft or counterfeiting.

Challenges facing the battery industry

Managing a new waste

The last of the challenges we address has to do with sustainability, and in particular, with the reuse and recycling of batteries at the end of their useful life.

The European authorities have already approved a regulation amending the 2006 Batteries Directive. The new standard will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries, from their design to the production process, in order to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, it already sets mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for manufacturers.

It is true that the very design of batteries, with a diversity of sizes and materials, makes recycling and reuse difficult. However, in Spain, projects are already being developed to recover the metals that compose them to give them a second life.

At 360 Eco Packaging, we are specialists in the field of ADR certified packaging manufacturing and regulations related to the management of this type of waste.

Contact us without any commitment through the email info@360ecopackaging.com

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Pharmaceutical product Packaging
Industrial packaging

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging plays a fundamental role in the protection of medicines during storage and transport. Tablets, syrups, ampoules, vaccines… Everything must be packaged in compliance with strict safety requirements so that they reach the patient in optimum conditions.

In addition, the way in which medicines are administered determines the design of the packaging, which must facilitate opening and dosing.

 

Pharmaceutical packaging regulations

Pharmaceutical packaging is regulated by different regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines, as well as the protection of people and the environment.

In Europe, Directive 2001/83/EC determines the information, packaging and labeling that medicinal products must carry. There are also specific rules governing other aspects, such as protection against counterfeit medicines (Directive 2011/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council) and waste management (Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council).

Types of pharmaceutical packaging

The most common types of packaging in the pharmaceutical sector are:

Blister:

Consists of a plastic or aluminum foil containing the drug, allowing its administration in doses such as tablets, individual capsules, dragees, etc.

Bottle:

Made of glass or plastic, used for the storage of liquids and solids.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Which packaging is the most suitable for the pharmaceutical sector?

Pharmaceutical products are a delicate type of goods, which require special control conditions during the whole packaging process. Therefore, a pharmaceutical packaging must be able to keep the medicines intact throughout the entire supply chain.

For example, using opaque materials that protect it from light, that act as a barrier to water vapor and oxygen, and with a correct sealing and immobilization that prevents degradation or overturning of the product.

In this sense, corrugated cardboard boxes on wooden or cardboard pallets are an interesting option, because they are suitable for both storage and transport of this type of merchandise.

They are also compatible with the standardized European and American palletizing systems and, as they are certified with the ISPM -15 phytosanitary seal, they are suitable for export.

In addition, auxiliary fastening systems such as strapping help to keep the goods securely fastened. Likewise, desiccant salts absorb the humidity inside the packaging during transit.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging is constantly evolving. Innovation, sustainability and safety set the trends in the sector.

Environmental impact is another of the challenges facing the industry. In the area of primary packaging, the first steps are being taken in the manufacture of recyclable paper blister packs.

Regarding secondary and tertiary packaging, 360 Eco Packaging has been developing sustainable packaging for years, using reusable and recyclable materials. All this together with an optimization service aimed at helping companies implement more efficient logistics, with lower energy consumption and less impact on nature.

Contact us.

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CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

Main packaging certifications

Certifications are key indicators in any activity. Through these accreditations, packaging manufacturers can demonstrate that their products or services comply with the regulations required by transport agreements, and at the same time meet high standards of safety, quality or environmental responsibility. They are, therefore, a guarantee of how we do things.

ISO 9001 certification is one of the most widely implemented standards among companies. In our case, this seal accredits the quality of our processes for the design and manufacture of industrial packaging.

In the packaging field there are other valuable rules and certifications that we highlight below:

Phytosanitary-certified wood packaging material

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15 was created by FAO to regulate wood packaging in international trade in order to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of pests.

The ISPM 15 seal is based on a heat treatment that consists of the wood reaching 56 ºC in its core for at least 30 continuous minutes.

       Once the wood has been treated, the mark must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the wood.

The ISPM-15 standard affects packaging made wholly or partially from raw wood, such as pallets, crates, crates, crates, crates, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and reels. Plywood is excluded.

To obtain the ISPM-15 label, it is necessary to be registered in the national system and to pass the required annual audits, through the control of the traceability of the manufactured elements.

The issuance of a certificate will only be necessary if required by the phytosanitary protection agencies of the destination countries.

ISPM15

Certified Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods are considered to be solid, liquid or powdered products that represent a risk to the safety and health of people or the environment.

The transport of dangerous goods requires specific approved packaging, with its corresponding certificate in accordance with the regulations of each mode of transport. The regulation par excellence in the transport of dangerous goods by road is the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Compliance is also mandatory:

  • Rail RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
  • Air transport IATA (International Air Transport Association).
  • Maritime transport IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

The UN has established a universal system of classification, packaging, marking and labeling of the different dangerous goods valid for all modes of transport.

Dangerous goods packaging can be made of plastic, cardboard or metal, but must always be properly labeled. In addition to the labeling required for each type of goods, according to its classification in the ADR, each package must show a UN number, among other data such as the manufacturer’s code, type of box, password, country and year of manufacture.

The ADR defines packing instructions for each UN number, according to which the physical-chemical specifications that the packaging must meet for a given good will be detailed.

Packaging with PEFC / FSC® certification

Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about quality without taking environmental criteria into account. PEFC and FSC® chain-of-custody certification guarantees good practices along the entire wood value chain.

PEFC-certified pallets, wooden crates and cardboard boxes use raw material from sustainable logging, recycled material or both. Choosing PEFC / FSC® certified packaging means promoting a responsible supply chain, contributing to sustainable forest management and the well-being of forest communities.

PEFC
FSC

These seals are also a competitive advantage in markets that require the supply of environmentally responsible materials.

Use certified packaging suppliers that add value to your logistics.

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Lithium packaging
Packaging for batteries

Safe transport of Lithium Batteries

Our cell phones, electronic devices and electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries, a source of energy that is increasingly present in our daily lives. 

By their nature, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods, and as such require approved packaging to avoid potential risks during handling and transport, both for people and the environment. As certified and approved manufacturers of this type of packaging, we want to show in this post the high importance of storage and transport of this type of product.

Lithium battery regulations

All dangerous goods must comply with specific regulations and warnings, and batteries are no exception.

First of all, lithium batteries contain high levels of electrical energy, which makes them prone to overcharging, extreme temperature, short circuit and mechanical damage. Therefore, improper use or storage could lead to fires or explosions such as the one that occurred on the Felicity Ace cargo ship in 2022, with more than 4,000 luxury cars on board.

Therefore, manufacturers and intermediaries must use approved packaging, which complies with the regulations of the chosen means of transport, whether by land, sea or air. That is:

  • Land:

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

  • By Air:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions (TI) for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

  • By Rail:

International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).

  • By sea:

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

lithium batteries

Packaging of lithium batteries

Secondly, there are a number of considerations to take into account when looking for solutions for handling and transporting batteries.

  • Heat resistance: use materials resistant to high temperatures.
  • Insulation: each battery must be individually insulated in its own compartment or container to avoid short circuits and shocks that could damage it.
  • Avoid contact with metals: lithium batteries should not come into contact with metal objects, as this could cause short circuits. They should be separated from each other by non-conductive insulators, such as polyethylene or plastic foams.
  • Hazard statements: use the correct labeling according to the applicable transport regulations.
  • Stability: by means of protection and fastening elements that guarantee their safety. The heavier the battery, the more support it needs.

Identification and labeling of packaging for lithium batteries

The packaging of lithium batteries must also be provided with labels and information warning of the risks of handling and transport:

The class 9 identification label, model 9A, is mandatory.

The UN number, which identifies the material from four digits. The identification codes for the different types of batteries are:

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3480.

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3481 included or packaged in a device.

Lithium metal batteries UN-3090.

Lithium metal batteries contained or packaged in a device UN-3091.

The homologation password indicating the material, country, year of manufacture and manufacturer’s code.

In conclusion, please consult here without obligation our approved solutions for the storage of lithium batteries, individual or integrated in equipment, for each mode of transport.

 

Also in our usual communication channels: info@360ecopackaging.com and on the phone (+34) 699 239 392

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Securing loads with airbags
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Securing loads with Airbags

When determining the right packaging, many aspects must be taken into account. One of them is the fixation and adjustment of loads. For this purpose, multiple systems and pneumatic elements are used to ensure that our shipment arrives in optimal conditions.

One of the most commonly used are dunnage bags or airbags for packaging.

Securing loads with Airbags

What are packaging airbags?

Packaging airbags, dunnage bags or inflatable bags are used to protect goods during transport. Their function is to fill the empty spaces between the cargo or between the cargo and the walls of the transport unit, keeping it immobile in order to reduce the possibility of damage during transport.

These bags are very easy to use. They are filled with air through a valve to the required pressure. Airbags are available in different sizes, depending on the use and load.

Securing loads with Airbags

Which airbag do I need to protect my cargo?

Airbags can be used in land, sea or rail transport. To know what type of airbag we will need, the first thing we must know is the volume and weight of the cargo to be transported (to define the working pressure of the airbag), as well as the operating time of this airbag. Once these parameters have been set, we will check the manufacturer’s technical data sheet to see if it adapts to our needs.

Most manufacturers comply with the AAR Bulletin No. 9 (Association of American Railroads), the most widespread international standard, which classifies these pneumatic elements into 5 levels, according to the type of transport and the operating pressure.

Securing loads with Airbags

As shown in the table, the different types of transport are classified according to the working pressure. This is because this standard contemplates pressure tests after 19 days, allowing a load loss of no more than 1psi. In other words, for long transports we must generally use level 2 airbags or higher (more working pressure).

Once we have defined the type of air bag we need, we will have to design a system of loads as homogeneous as possible, using these elements to adjust the loads.

To do this, we can take into account the guidelines of the CTU 2014 code, which, among other issues, details the different misuses that can occur when applying this system.

Securing loads with Airbags

Types of airbags and characteristics

They can be made of different materials, depending on their resistance to external agents in case of possible rupture.

There are basically two types, depending on the material they are made of:

  • Raffia:

These are bags or sacks consisting of an inner layer of polyethylene and a top layer of raffia, a type of elastic fabric widely used for packaging due to its resistance.

  • Kraft paper:

They have an inner layer of polyethylene and a top layer of Kraft paper reinforced with polypropylene to prevent tearing.

In both cases, they are durable, reusable and waterproof, providing an efficient solution to protect cargo during transportation.

 

If you need advice, consult a reliable supplier to help you choose the best option.

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Just in Time logistics
Transport and logistics

What is Just in Time logistics?

The world is constantly evolving. The changes that are taking place have an impact on supply chains. Industrial packaging manufacturers have to respond to the challenges posed by different logistical operations, however complex they may be, in times of greater or lesser uncertainty.

One of them is Just In Time manufacturing, which orients production to demand.

What is the Just in Time method?

The Just in Time production method is based on real orders. It consists of producing the exact amount of what is required, in the right place at the right time, without wasting system resources.

Just in Time logistics

Its origin comes from Japan. In the mid-twentieth century, large Japanese companies were looking for more efficient production systems, which in turn would allow them to reduce factory inventory. Toyota was the first company to apply the Just in Time method, under the name of Toyota Production System, in automobile manufacturing plants, with the aim of eliminating from the production process those elements that did not provide real value.

Since then, automotive companies, technology companies, fast food chains around the world and today, e-commerce companies use this model to make their processes more efficient, optimize costs and respond better and faster to customers.

Just in Time logistics

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Just in Time method in logistics?

  • Zero defects: an error can cause delays and increase stocks.
  • Zero breakdowns: this implies scheduled maintenance of work tools.
  • Zero stocks: this generates storage and space costs.
  • Zero lead times: reducing production cycles reduces waiting times, equipment preparation and transit times.
  • Zero paperwork: reducing bureaucracy to a minimum.

Applying this method provides better management, greater flexibility and savings, but requires millimetric coordination in all the links that make up the supply chain.

Just in Time logistics

Advantages of JIT

  • Reduces inventory levels and costs associated with purchasing and warehousing, since only what is in demand is manufactured.
  • Minimizes losses, obsolete products, expired products or products that lose value when stored, by having a minimum stock.
  • Reduces time and unnecessary trips to locate the merchandise.
  • It favors a closer relationship with suppliers.

 

Disadvantages of JIT

  • Possible delays and lack of supplies.
  • Less access to special prices for small-scale purchases.
  • Increased costs when changing suppliers.
  • Scarce capacity to react to demand peaks.
Just in Time logistics

Packaging for Just in Time logistics

As with all other supplies, packaging in JIT operations must be available when it is needed. Companies specializing in this type of packaging must be able to offer packaging solutions that help simplify operations and speed up delivery times, that are easy to handle and help reduce storage costs.

This logistics requires ergonomic packaging, which allows assembly/disassembly in a very simple and safe way, folding solutions, which facilitate internal movements and save space, as well as customized packaging, which optimizes the logistics process to the maximum.

 

Contact us. At 360 Eco Packaging we can help you find the best packaging or storage solution for your Just in Time operations.

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Packing for moving
Folding packaging, Transport and logistics

Packing for moving

Nobody is aware of what they have until they have to move, that is why in this post we will talk about packing for moving. Moving our belongings from one place to another requires good planning, starting with choosing the optimal packaging so that the move is resolved quickly and smoothly.

Like any other type of shipment, each move will require different packaging, depending on the contents to be transported and the mode of transport.

Packing for moving

What is the most suitable packing for a move?

The packaging systems for the moving or furniture storage sector share the following characteristics:

Packing for moving

Types of packaging for moving

No two moves are the same. Moving a house is not the same as moving an office where electronic equipment and components are moved, much less a transoceanic move in a container.

Depending on the volume of material to be transported, wooden, cardboard or cardboard combined with wood packaging solutions can be used.

The most common are:

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packaging used in removals. As is logical, boxes of different sizes are used, depending on the needs. From a weight of 8 kilos upwards, it is advisable to use two-channel cardboard boxes, which offer greater resistance and protection.

Large-volume cardboard boxes, available with flaps or lids, are used to move large furniture and belongings.

Packing for moving

Folding wooden boxes

Plywood transport crates with lids are the most commonly used for transoceanic moves. This type of box is made of ISPM15 certified wood, so it is suitable for international shipments.

It is a reusable, stackable and collapsible box. It consists of a lid, a base with support and a very consistent central body. The anchorage of the pieces is by means of metallic tabs, which gives it great resistance.

Packing for moving

Fillings to protect the inside of the boxes

Just as important as choosing the most suitable box for a move is to have protection and padding aids to protect the contents inside.

Packing padding products immobilize objects to prevent them from suffering any impact during transportation and protect them from humidity or vibrations so that they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

An economical solution to protect ceramic pieces, glassware or fragile products, as well as to fill the gaps left in boxes, is cardboard netting.

Cardboard corner protectors and foam profiles are essential to protect the edges on the inside and outside of the boxes.

In international moves, and especially in sea transport, inflatable bags or airbags are used as a complementary system in cargo lashing to fill the gaps in containers and prevent them from moving.

Packing for moving

At 360 Eco Packaging we can’t move your things, but we can provide you with the necessary packing material to make your move as safe as possible. Contact us.

Packing for moving

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Mechanical Impact Detectors
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Mechanical Impact Detectors

There are two types of impact detectors: mechanical and electronic.

This time we will focus on mechanical devices, they are the most used and the most affordable due to their simple architecture. They are capable of detecting impacts on one or more axes and there are tared models with different g-force sensitivities.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

Therefore, we can classify these detectors as:

 

One-dimensional

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in only one axis (one direction and two directions).

These detectors are the most commonly used, there are sticker type (with adhesive) that are easily anchored to the packaging to be controlled.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

Their placement is generally:

  1. For a box with a side-to-side proportionality of approximately 1:1
Mechanical Impact Detectors

2. For a box with approximate side-to-side ratio > 2:1

Mechanical Impact Detectors

3. The heights “h” at which the indicator should be positioned may vary depending on the load, the g-force and the manufacturer.

Most of these indicators are activated by changing color (red) when the maximum set acceleration has been exceeded, it does not show a history of events, for that an electronic detector would be necessary.

 

Two-dimensional

 

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in two axes (two directions with their two senses).

These detectors are capable of detecting impacts in two directions and even show the direction, sense and modulus of the maximum force to which the load was subjected as shown in the above simulation (provided it is within the operating range of the detector).

Mechanical Impact Detectors

Their placement is generally done by means of four screws (per detector) and unlike the one-dimensional ones, their location in the case does not generally interfere in the operation.

There are two main types: magnetic and combined sphere-spring system.

Both are two-dimensional and allow the working accelerations g to be adjusted (depending on their type of construction).

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