Optimum changepart design is dependent on the quality of the designer's skills, knowledge and experience of packaging equipment and the capability of the design software. Zepf UK changepart design capability is second to none in the packaging industry as we employ 10 highly skilled dedicated changepart design engineers and use the most advanced customised 3D modelling software available on the market.

One of the main benefits to our customers is that our investment in the new generation CAD software enables our designers to create virtual models of the finished product. Modern technology allows us to E-mail designs to customers around the globe that present solid models or even better an animated colour film in the form of AVI files.

This can be particularly useful to demonstrate the arrangement of parts in complicated assemblies by exploding views and providing virtual motion on a computer screen. Another benefit of using 3D modelling software is the integral clash detection which supports ' right first time ' supply to customers.

The Zepf UK business is totally focussed on the design and manufacture of container handling parts and associated products. As more customers become aware of our new generation design capability they frequently ask us to participate in preliminary container design meetings at their premises. The ability to import container manufacturer drawings in DXF, IGES or STEP file formats enables design time to be reduced dramatically.

Customers can use this capability to foresee and discuss issues even before a container mould has been produced. It also allows the customers manufacturing personnel to discuss potential technical issues with their own marketing personnel prepared with accurate information that was previously not available. AVI files can be created and these can be provided to show an animation of containers running through machines.

Our design capability enables us to generate innovative solutions when dealing with difficult to handle, complex shaped and unstable containers. Many customers have benefited from this design expertise and frequently they have come to Zepf UK on the recommendation of other satisfied customers who have experienced considerable production gains from our unique solutions.

Although our main area of expertise is the design of container handling parts for rotary packaging machines, the knowledge we have gained over many years can often be used to develop quick change solutions for other applications. Zepf UK is able to support SMED activity and continuous improvement initiatives throughout your production facility to perhaps reduce changeover time between product runs or eliminate manual handling issues.

We have many examples of successful solutions where our experienced designers have worked in partnership with our customers' project team and together they have achieved the optimum solution for the customer.