How to use the packaging calculator
It works for sheet metal and CNC turned parts: packing only needs the part's size and weight.
Upload the part and choose the material
STEP, STP or SLDPRT. The tool reads the part size. Pick the material from the Sheet metal or CNC Turning list, and the tool works out what each part weighs.
Set quantity and spacing
Quantity is your order quantity. Spacing is the gap kept between parts in the carton. The default is 1 mm.
Calculate packaging
You get the carton, how many parts go in each, how many cartons you need, the shipping volume (CBM) and the weights carriers charge on.
What the results mean
The sample column is a real result from the calculator: 100 steel (SPCC) brackets, 95.3 × 47.6 × 95.3 mm and 0.183 kg each.
How volumetric weight is calculated
The calculator divides the packed volume in cm³ by 5,000. If your carrier divides by a different number, use that number instead.
The carrier bills whichever is higher: the gross weight or the volumetric weight. For dense parts such as steel brackets the gross weight is usually higher. For large, light parts the volumetric weight can be.
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric weight?
The weight a carrier assigns to a shipment based on its size rather than its mass: length × width × height in centimeters ÷ a divisor, 5,000 in this calculator. Carriers bill the greater of the gross and the volumetric weight.
Does it work for CNC turned parts?
Yes. Choose the material from the CNC Turning list instead of Sheet metal. Packing uses the part's size and weight, which apply to any part. SeeCNC turning.
Where does the unit weight come from?
The tool measures the part's volume from the file and multiplies it by the density of the material you pick. The material list shows each density, for example SPCC 7.87 g/cm³ and AL5052 2.68 g/cm³.
Which carton does it choose?
The calculator sizes the carton to the order, from Boda's standard range, and shows its product code and inner size under Chosen carton. For the sample bracket: 100 pieces go in one 320 × 320 × 320 mm carton, 2,500 pieces in one 550 × 820 × 820 mm carton, and 5,000 pieces in two 550 × 820 × 820 mm cartons of up to 3,528 pieces each.
What happens to my file?
The file is used only to read the part for this calculation. To keep the part and get a price, upload it onb2b.Boda.com.