Fanuc Technical, News

Pack your Fanuc Part Smart – less damage!

Posted on by CNC

Far too often we receive Fanuc parts shipped to us for inspection, test, repair or exchange return where the box/carton used is too small, too weak or lacks enough protective cushioning material.

Main reasons for small is trying to save money on courier charges (false economy – your luck will fail at some point). Using a weak box and/or insuffient packaging means the part inside will be shaped like the outer box; if it started off as a box like structure and on arrival resembles a football then thats a problem. Further if the packaging is an after thought (insufficient) the part will move around in the box and attempt to rattle or smash itself to smitherens.

Our experience unfortunately from our own discovery and customers is pack smart! Use an adequate sized and strength box with enough cushioninig to rigidly hold whilst protecting (cushioning) the part!

Couriers are interested in getting parts from A to B; the contents are your and our problem! They don’t give a damn.

The series of photo’s below show a box which is far too small (no cushioning space for packaging) and not enough packaging resulting in a lot of damage. Even though no signs of damage to the box! Hence this part was signed for in good condition and the courier is not at fault! Even though they probably tried to treat the box like a basketball of the concrete….

5 Steps to Packing Smart!

  1. For smaller CNC parts such as drives and controls choose an adequate box and wrap your part in bubble wrap. (Don’t use polystyrene “packing peanuts” or other types of loose-fill packaging as they create static electricity and won’t keep your device from sliding around.) The tighter the better so use the right size box for the size.
  2. Use a new or a decent quality box.
    • Single wall (Light and Small): PCB’s, power supplies, transistors, etc.
    • Dual ply medium size upto 24″ x 18″ x 18″ max weight 80lbs: drives and small motors.
    • Heavy Dual or Tri-ply corrugated design for large and/or heavy for 80lbs and above. The latter is more suitable for delicate amplifiers with open frames.
    • Pallets for heavy 150lbs and above (instructions from Old dominion about packing pallets).
  3. If you are struggling to find boxes/cartons as above then you can use the double box method. Which involves fitting the part in a tight box with bubble wrap / cushioning and placing in a larger box with bulbble wrap around the smaller box and poly peanuts to fill in all the gaps or other fillers. This is to ensure that the box with the part in doesn’t move. If shipping a heavy item use bubble wrap rather than peanuts.
  4. Seal the box with tape. Ensure that you tape up the bottom of the box as you don’t want your item falling out the bottom! If heavier then use rachet straps.
  5. For fragile items mark ‘fragile’ on the box. Other instruction stickers such as ‘This Way Up’.

Some other considerations once the part is packed smart and ready!

  • Make sure you have included all the necessary paperwork, for both shipping purposes and for us. Unfortunately, neither ourselves or the couriers have yet mastered the art of mind reading so this will prevent any untimely delays.
  • Lastly, always make sure you have adequate insurance and that you insure your goods for the full replacement value (or for the exchange credit). Just remember if an item isn’t packaged properly, the courier will be within their rights to refuse any claim.

These are the upto date Courier instructions for Packaging:

Boxes, corregated cardboard – Uline.

If you require any information about shipping your Fanuc part to us or an RMA to return an exchange part, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

CNC