MAGNET PDD helped Ranpak start from scratch by analyzing the packaging production line process, evaluating potential scanning technologies and picking the best laser scanner for the job.

The AccuFill device developed by Ranpak and PDD is an arch over a packaging conveyor belt that houses side scanners (to calculate the outer dimensions of the box) and over-head scanners (to calculate the empty area inside the box).

The PDD team helped Ranpak devise the algorithms that crunched that data into instructions sent over a network to the Ranpak FillPak VoidFill machine. Seconds after leaving the AccuFill arch, a box is positioned under the FillPak VoidFill machine and the precise amount of paper filling is dispensed.

The resulting product is unique in the packaging industry and was the hit of the 2006 Pack Expo trade show in Chicago. Ed Nolan, PDD Vice President, says Ranpak’s researchers learned so much during the process, the company has developed its own internal design and engineering capabilities and is continuing to innovate in other areas.