1
Start with the packaging solution
Enter product, box, pallet and transport dimensions. This flow links pallet, BCT and load calculations.
Documentation
How to use packdev
A quick reference for the first calculation, key fields, BCT/McKee, palletization, transport and exporting results.
packdev beta — packaging engineering calculation tool. Results are based on standard formulas (McKee, BCT, axle loads) and do not replace lab testing or technologist responsibility.
Before your first calculation
Prepare box dimensions, single-box weight, pallet type, height and weight limits. For a BCT check, ECT or a chosen flute type is required.
Quick start
2
Check the pallet
Review box count, layers, height, weight, fill rate and warnings on geometry and stability.
3
Check the strength
If ECT and flute are known, use BCT/McKee as an advisory check on bottom-row load.
4
Save or export
Save the solution to a project, export PDF or PNG from the 3D viewer and share a public link to the palletization result.
Field reference
Box and pallet
- Box dimensions are set in millimeters: length, width, height.
- Box weight is set in kilograms and counts toward the pallet weight limit.
- Maximum pallet height includes the pallet base height.
- Box rotation lets the algorithm pick the best-fit orientation.
Tier sheets and layers
- Tier sheets add thickness and, if specified, weight to the total pallet.
- Stack layers repeat the base box orientation.
- Brick layers change orientation or fill free strips for a more stable pattern.
- Manual overrides keep only deviations from the base recommendation.
BCT / McKee
- ECT is set in kN/m and used in the simplified McKee formula.
- Safety factor reduces allowable load as a general engineering margin.
- Physical BCT reduction lowers calculated strength due to conditions, material or storage.
- When both safety factor and physical BCT reduction are high, packdev shows an advisory about possible double-counted risk.
Transport
- Presets use useful internal dimensions of the cargo space.
- Checks cover pallet count, weight, height and basic loading limits.
- For a non-standard body, enter internal length, width, height and payload manually.
- Direct floor loading is used for loading boxes without pallets and applies BCT limits separately.
FAQ
How does safety factor differ from physical BCT reduction?
Safety factor is an engineering margin for calculation uncertainty and operational risks. Physical BCT reduction lowers the calculated strength due to humidity, storage, material or transport conditions. They apply sequentially, so overly conservative values may understate allowable stack height.
Why is BCT/McKee labeled as advisory?
The simplified McKee formula does not replace lab testing, real corrugated data and review by a packaging engineer. packdev helps spot risk quickly, but the final packaging decision must be confirmed by a specialist.
What do tier sheets do?
Tier sheets add height between layers and may add weight. This can reduce the number of layers by height or weight, but often helps separate, protect or stabilize the product.
Stack vs brick — which to choose?
Stack usually gives a clean vertical column and good fill. Brick changes the layer pattern and can improve stack interlocking, but may reduce fill or support. packdev shows stability warnings when the support check is enabled.
Why are internal transport dimensions important?
Outer truck dimensions are not equal to usable cargo space. The calculation needs internal length, width, height and allowable payload — otherwise the result may look better than the actual load.
What is included in PDF and PNG export?
PDF captures calculation parameters, key metrics and warnings. PNG exports the current 3D scene view, so you can pick a convenient camera angle before exporting.
Beta version limitations
Use the results as an engineering estimate for early variant comparison.
- packdev beta is a packaging engineering calculation tool. Results do not replace technologist responsibility.
- The algorithm does not know the actual board lot quality, deformation, vibration and all warehouse conditions.
- Palletization calculates geometry and basic constraints but does not replace a physical stack test.
- Public links are convenient for discussing the result but should not contain commercially sensitive data.