Month: December 2024

Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, (and, of course, granddaughter of the Queen) has just revealed her engagement to long-term partner, wine merchant Jack Brooksbank.

He is said to have proposed last month, while the couple were visiting the Central American country of Nicaragua. Upon their return to London, the pair commissioned a gorgeous, unique engagement ring to their own design. There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding this amazing piece of jewellery, so here’s EST’s lowdown on that special ring.

The design

Mounted in 18ct gold, this special ring is set with a stunning pink Padparadscha Sapphire and is encircled by a number of round and pear-cut white diamonds in a cluster style. The classic yellow gold band gives this ring a timeless charm and is very reminiscent of the engagement ring given to Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, by Prince Andrew in 1986.

Ferguson’s engagement ring featured a bright red Burmese ruby, surrounded by pear-cut white diamonds on a gold band. It’s very similar in design to Eugenie’s engagement ring, and may well have inspired the newly engaged couple as they went through the exciting process of designing their own.

Coloured diamonds and gemstones are becoming a more popular choice for engagement rings than ever before, most notably since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with Princess Diana’s brilliant blue sapphire engagement ring in 2010. Rose gold and pink tones – dubbed ‘millennial pink’ – are also heavily in-style at the moment, allowing Eugenie’s ring to look both classic and trendy at the same time.

The Padparadscha sapphire

When most people think of sapphires, they think of the colour blue. While this is the most common colour for a sapphire, they can in fact naturally occur in orange, green, purple and yellow, and sometimes have a mix of two or more of these colours. The colour a sapphire will be depends on the trace amounts of iron, copper, magnesium and other elements that are present in the stone.

Princess Eugenie’s stunning pinkish orange Padparadscha sapphire is a very rare coloured variety which can only be found Sri Lanka, Vietnam or parts of East Africa. The name Padparadscha is derived from the Sanskrit ‘padma ranga’, which means lotus blossom. It is named after the lotus flower due to their similar colour and natural beauty.

Most Padparadscha gems are small, at less than two carats in weight. The stunning pinkish-orange colour of these gemstones catches the light when cut and polished, to produce an eye-catching twinkle. The colour of good a quality Padparadscha sapphire also appears to brighten or deepen depending on the light, which gives them a transformative and mysterious appearance.

How much did it cost?

As with all sapphires, the value hinges enormously on the origin and colour of the stone. The clarity of Padparadscha sapphires is also extremely important, as their light colour tones can reveal small imperfections which are naturally hidden in the darker blue variety. It’s likely that Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring is a quality stone of excellent clarity given her status as a member of the Royal family.

High end auction house Christie’s recently sold this very similar ring (which contains a 28ct Padparadscha sapphire) for a whopping £1,730,000! This highlights the potential value of these wonderfully rare gemstones, particularly when the clarity is good.

Many values for Princess Eugenie’s ring have been guessed at, but as the couple haven’t yet revealed exactly who made the ring and the specifics of the design, it’s very hard to tell. One thing’s for sure: you just can’t put a price on love.

Browse our brilliant and unique selection of pre-loved rings here to find the perfect ring at a price you’ll love.

How to Transport a Shipping Container Home

Francisca Olive / May 2023

Shipping container homes have gained popularity in recent years due to their durability, affordability, and unique aesthetic. However, shipping container home transport can be daunting since it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on transporting a shipping container home, from planning the transport to unloading the container at its new location.

Can Your Shipping Container Home Be Moved?

The answer to this question will depend on several factors. Some container homes can be easily moved, while others are more permanent. Because shipping container homes are all distinct and diverse, not all can be moved. Some can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled.

If a container home can be disassembled, it can be moved. You cannot transport a container home that has been welded together or set up such that it cannot be disassembled. However, if you construct your house with mobility in mind, getting it up on a truck is pretty simple.

Disassembling Your Shipping Container Home

The first step before transport is to disassemble stacked shipping containers. You should remove any connections between the individual shipping containers so you can take them apart. Several shipping containers cannot be transported at once. Therefore, it is advisable to deconstruct the stacked shipping containers so you can get modular containers instead, which are easier to transport.

You should remove all belongings from your container home before the move. This will not only make moving easier for you, but it will also help to keep your valuables safe. Once the shipping container home has been transported and reassembled, you can transfer your belongings to the new location.

Transport Your Container Today

Heavy Equipment Transport is always available for a quote. Fill out the form or give us a call now! (888) 730-2951

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Transporting a Shipping Container Home

Once you have removed all your belongings from a shipping container and disassembled the shipping containers, you need to understand how to transport them. There are multiple options available.

Transporting Using a Tilt Bed Truck

A tilt bed truck is the most efficient mode of transport for distances of less than 200 miles. Not only will this make loading easier, but unloading the containers will also be a breeze. The bed of this truck can be tipped at an angle so that the container can slide off. Thus, when the driver arrives at the new location, they can place the container on the ground without needing specialized tools.

It’s also worth remembering that a tilt bed truck needs a lot of clearance to get into a location. You can choose this transportation option if there is plenty of room around the shipping container home.

Transporting Using a Flatbed Truck

If you need to transport your containers further than 200 miles, you should look into shipping container home movers with flatbed trucks. This is because the containers will need to be secured tightly. This option requires a crane for loading and unloading, which can be costly. Thus, you should plan adequately if you plan to use this option.

Transporting Using a Step-Deck Truck

Regular shipping methods won’t work if you have high-cube containers. That’s because the average height of a high-cube container is 9.5 feet. Here’s where a step-deck truck comes in handy. Step-deck trucks are very similar to flatbed trucks. They have a platform that is level and permanent. However, these trucks’ platforms are lower than flatbed trucks, making it easier to transport high-cube containers.

The containers must be loaded and unloaded using a forklift or other device.

Unloading the Shipping Containers

Once the shipping containers get to the new location, the next step is to unload and reassemble them. Make sure that all utility connections are ready to go before this occurs. That way, problems can be avoided. The last thing you want to be doing is frantically searching for a water service when the containers are being unloaded.

If the shipping container home movers use a flatbed truck, a crane will be required to unload the containers. On the other hand, tilt-bed trucks make this process effortless; the containers can just be slid off. When you have the containers positioned where you want them, you can reattach them using threshold plates and bolts. After that, you can bring your belongings back into the house and enjoy your new location.

Ensure you prepare the delivery site. This includes cutting down low-hanging trees, relocating low-hanging utility or telephone wires, and preparing the foundation.

If you want to avoid mud and wetness on the ground, schedule delivery for a day when the weather forecast is dry.

Key Takeaway

Transporting a shipping container home can be a complex and challenging task, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be done safely and successfully. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your container home is transported to its new location with minimal stress and hassle.

William Thomas

Heavy Transport Specialist

Being able to lead a team of such talented logistics agents has been a wonderful experience over the past ten years.
If you would like to know anything more about the heavy equipment transport services we offer, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

(888) 730-2951

When people think of paint, they tend to think of it in a general sense. They often picture a smooth liquid substance that—once applied to a surface—can bring walls, buildings, and furniture to life. The definition doesn’t do justice to the sophisticated chemistry underlying modern coating technology.

At Star Rapid, we use a variety of coatings every day when applying the perfect paint job to rapid prototypes and production parts. Let’s take a closer look at the paint system we use and how it improves the look, feel and performance of your parts.

What is our standard paint system?

When it comes to paint jobs for rapid prototypes, we use Deltron®, one of the most highly regarded paint systems by paint technicians. This is our paint system of choice for the majority of our finished parts, although other specialty coatings are available.

Deltron is an automotive-grade clear coat system. It’s durable, easy-to-use and can readily be mixed and tinted to match almost any desired color. But even the best system relies on skilled craftsmen who constantly measure, test and balance out many ingredients when preparing the coating so you get your desired results.

How do we paint your parts?

Our standard coatings for rapid prototypes and production parts are made of three layers, starting with a base coat.

Basecoat

Critical to any great paint job is a great foundation, and that comes from the base coat. The base coat is a primer that adheres to the raw substrate by filling micropores in the surface to produce a strong mechanical (not chemical) bond. This layer is usually a flat, neutral grey color that won’t interfere with the color coat to be applied later. It also hides minor surface imperfections and leaves a uniform texture that is the foundation for the toner or mid-layer.

Toner

This is the color layer. We can mix most colors in the Pantone system, or provide a close match to your sample if you don’t have a specific color code. This means millions of choices if you consider all possible colors, tints, shades and hues.

Topcoat

This is the clear final layer. It’s this layer that must withstand the most environmental abuse, so it needs to be strong and durable while remaining glossy and smooth for cosmetic reasons.

The topcoat is not just taken out of a can and sprayed, however. It is balanced with many different ingredients to achieve the right consistency for the best final results. These include resins, solvents and additives that can improve the coating’s performance for specific applications such as UV resistance.

Not only do we carefully measure the mix ratio for all of these chemicals, but we also control the ambient environment to maintain consistent humidity and temperature. That’s why we only work in a climate-controlled spray room, which also removes any solvent gasses for worker safety and environmental protection.

What other coatings do we offer?

In addition to our standard paints, we can also apply rubberized or textured paint. These are commonly used on hard plastic surfaces that need to have a non-slip grip, like power tool handles.

Metallic coatings offer the sparkle and shine of metal flakes mixed with the toner layer. These flakes also help to make the film even more mechanically strong.

In addition, many enclosures for electrical and electronic devices should be shielded against random electromagnetic interference. Therefore, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) coatings made with copper and silver are effective when sprayed inside the enclosure.

How does this help you?

The right paint finish protects your parts against UV light, water damage, scratches, chipping and other hazards. Modern coating and drying technology can also enhance the beauty of your rapid prototypes and volume production parts while improving their performance.

Our finishing services are only one way we can help you make your product ideas into a reality. Learn more when you send us your CAD files for a free quotation.

Full Description

Elbow type: weld on long radius 90 degree elbow, Material: 316 Stainless Steel per ASTM A403, Dimensions conform to ASME B16.9, Nominal Pipe Size: ¾ inch, Outside Diameter: 1.05 inch, Inside Diameter: 0.824 inch, Wall Thickness: 0.113 inch, Center to Center A: 1.5 inch, Approx Weight: 0.17 LBS

Click here for downloadable and printable specification sheet on 90 degree long radius weld on 316 stainless steel elbowsProducts specifications

Attribute name

Attribute value

Product Type

90 degree long radius elbow, 90 degree long radius elbow, Weld on Elbows, Weld on Elbows

Size

3/4", 3/4"

Schedule

40, 40

Material

316 Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel

Country of Origin

Import

ID Type

Pipe

Full Description

Elbow type: weld on long radius 90 degree elbow, Material: 316 Stainless Steel per ASTM A403, Dimensions conform to ASME B16.9, Nominal Pipe Size: ½ inch, Outside Diameter: 0.84 inch, Inside Diameter: 0.622 inch, Wall Thickness: 0.109 inch, Center to Center A: 1.5 inch, Approx Weight: 0.16 LBS

Click here for downloadable and printable specification sheet on 90 degree long radius weld on 316 stainless steel elbowsProducts specifications

Attribute name

Attribute value

Product Type

90 degree long radius elbow, 90 degree long radius elbow, Weld on Elbows, Weld on Elbows

Size

1/2", 1/2"

Schedule

40, 40

Material

316 Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel

Country of Origin

Import

ID Type

Pipe

Contents
hide

1
Introduction

2
Stand Out From Competitors

3
Doypack Packaging Advantages

4
Easy and Efficient

5
Affordable, Durable Packaging Solutions

6
Adjustable Packaging Rates

7
Reduced Operational Expenses

8
User-Friendly Design

9
Multilingual Interface Options

10
Considerations

11
FAQ

Introduction

Numerous advantages of custom tea packaging can greatly improve a tea brand’s market visibility and operational effectiveness. Custom packaging is essential for product protection and brand uniqueness. It can help you stand out in a crowded market with distinctive designs and premium materials, or you can take advantage of the useful features of Doypack pouches.

It functions as a potent marketing tool, allowing companies to successfully convey their mission and core values while adding services that make users’ lives easier.

Furthermore, Spack Machine’s tea packaging machines offer reasonably priced, robust, and adaptable solutions that optimize production, lower operating costs, and have multilingual interfaces for universal usability. Businesses may build customer loyalty, produce a memorable unpacking experience, and precisely and efficiently meet a variety of production needs by investing in custom tea packaging.

Stand Out From Competitors

In a crowded market, unique tea packaging is essential for setting businesses apart. Tea companies may develop packaging that will stand out on store shelves and draw customers in by using distinctive designs, premium materials, and cutting-edge technologies.

Brands can use visual components like colors, typefaces, and pictures to convey their identity, values, and product quality through customized packaging. This visual distinction might affect consumers’ decisions to buy by contributing to a memorable brand experience.

Furthermore, businesses can differentiate themselves from rivals by incorporating practical components into their bespoke packaging that improve the ease, sustainability, and freshness of their products. Tea manufacturers may make a lasting impression on consumers and effectively express their unique selling features by investing in eye-catching packaging.

Doypack Packaging Advantages

Doypack packaging has become a well-liked and practical option for tea goods, providing a host of advantages that can improve product appeal and brand visibility.

Tea leaves are well-protected in these stand-up pouches, which helps to maintain their freshness and aroma over time. Doypacks come in a variety of barrier laminates that offer practical characteristics like easy-open designs and resealability while also extending the shelf life of the product.

Tea producers are able to develop visually attractive designs that stand out on shelves and draw attention from consumers because to the customizable nature of Doypack packaging. Furthermore, some producers appeal to eco-aware customers by providing entirely compostable Doypack versions with windows that still allow the tea product to be seen inside.

Doypack packaging is a great option for tea companies trying to improve their product presentation and appeal to contemporary consumers because of its practicality and marketing possibilities.

Marketing Power of Packaging

Custom tea packaging is an effective marketing and promotional strategy that gives tea companies a special chance to interact with consumers and promote their brand. Brands can produce visually appealing packaging that stands out on shelves and draws in customers by utilizing high-quality printing techniques. Customers may see a peek of the premium tea within thanks to the use of vivid colors, sharp images, and textured films in these bespoke designs, which offer a premium sensory experience.

Custom packaging goes beyond aesthetics to help brands effectively convey their values, narrative, and product details. Businesses can use the space on the package to draw attention to important features like origin, organic certification, or distinctive flavor profiles. To further improve brand engagement and the consumer experience, cutting-edge elements like QR codes can be incorporated into the packaging design. These features enable customers to access more product information, brewing instructions, or even loyalty programs.

Easy and Efficient

Both tea companies and customers can benefit greatly from the convenience that comes with custom tea packaging. By automating the packaging process, custom packaging can help firms save labor expenses and streamline operations. This guarantees efficient and consistent packaging while freeing up businesses to concentrate on other important areas of their operations.

Custom tea packaging frequently includes user-friendly elements for consumers, like easy-open tabs, resealable closures, and materials that are resistant to tearing. Customers will find it easier to store, retrieve, and maintain their tea items thanks to these design features, which also improve the overall user experience. Moreover, stand-up pouches with personalized designs add to the product’s ease and attractiveness by increasing shelf visibility and offering consumers useful storage options.

Affordable, Durable Packaging Solutions

For tea enterprises, Spack Machine’s tea packaging machines provide a great mix of price and durability. These devices are made to be economical investments, and many versions are available to fit different price points. Spack Machine’s equipment has a long lifespan that guarantees a significant return on investment over time since, with adequate maintenance, the machines may function dependably for years.

For instance, their filter tea bag with envelope packing equipment offers high volume production at a reasonable cost by packing 30 to 60 tea bags per minute with efficiency. Furthermore, Spack Machine provides customization choices so that the machinery can be adapted to certain business requirements, enabling businesses to streamline their packaging procedures without incurring needless costs.

Adjustable Packaging Rates

The pouch packing machines from Spack Machine provide adjustable production speeds to satisfy a range of manufacturing requirements. In average, these devices can create between 30 and 80 bags per minute; however, certain high-speed variants can produce up to 200 bags per minute.

Businesses can modify their packing rates in accordance with particular production needs and market demands thanks to this flexibility. Customizing production speed is very helpful for businesses that want to grow over time or have variable output requirements.

Spack Machine also offers customized feeders for goods with unusual forms, which increases the adaptability of their packaging options. Businesses may adjust their packaging operations for optimal productivity and efficiency thanks to this customisation option.

Reduced Operational Expenses

Businesses can save a lot of money by using tea bag packing machines since they are more efficient and require less work. Some variants of these automated systems can produce between 30 and 60 tea bags per minute. They can also reliably package enormous volumes of tea bags at rapid speeds.

Accurate portioning is ensured by the exact weighing and filling processes, which reduce material costs and product loss. Automation of the packing process allows businesses to significantly reduce labor costs without sacrificing output and quality standards. Furthermore, high-quality tea bag packaging machines from reliable manufacturers like Spack Machine offer a substantial return on investment over time due to its extended lifespan and durability.

User-Friendly Design

Spack Machine makes tea packaging machines that are easy to use and require little upkeep, which has a big impact on tea companies. These devices have user-friendly controls, such as Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that speak multiple languages, making operation simpler and requiring less intensive training.

By reducing the need for manual labor, automated filling and packing technologies enable firms to optimize their packaging procedures. Furthermore, Spack Machine uses premium materials in their equipment’s construction, which adds to its extended operational lifespan and low maintenance requirements.

This ensures that the equipment is built to last. Tea firms are able to save time and costs while maintaining consistent packaging quality because of this sturdy construction and convenience of use.

Multilingual Interface Options

The tea packing machinery from Spack Machine has multilingual human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that improve accessibility and usefulness for operators all over the world. The ability to switch between languages on these HMIs facilitates multilingual workforces’ efficient operation of the machines.

Configuring global project languages and runtime settings is the only complicated step in the simple process of adding various languages to the HMI project. To expedite the localization process, users can export text lists for translation and then import them back into the system.

The ability to speak multiple languages not only increases operational effectiveness but also lowers the possibility of mistakes resulting from linguistic differences, which eventually leads to more efficient production procedures and higher productivity.

Considerations

For tea companies, custom tea packaging has several advantages. It is an effective tool for marketing, product protection, and brand identity. Businesses may produce packaging that both draws consumers and maintains the freshness of tea by investing in distinctive designs and superior materials.

Novel solutions, such as Doypack pouches, improve shelf visibility and customer appeal by providing convenient features like resealable closures and stand-up designs. Custom packaging also makes it possible to communicate product details, sustainability initiatives, and brand narratives in an efficient manner.

Tea businesses may save expenses, improve consumer loyalty, and differentiate their goods in a crowded market by streamlining operations and producing unique unboxing experiences with the correct packaging solution.

FAQ

What materials are used for tea packaging?

There are several materials that can be used to package tea, including as paper, flexible films, and biodegradable alternatives. High-barrier films are frequently used to keep food fresh and shield it from air and moisture. To attract environmentally conscious customers, some businesses provide sustainable packaging options, such as recyclable or compostable materials.

What makes custom tea packaging unique?

Custom tea packaging allows for digital printing of multiple SKUs in one run, featuring photo-quality graphics on premium-grade films. This enables tea brands to create visually striking packages with lower minimum orders and quicker turnaround times, reducing investment risk for product launches.

What types of packaging are best for tea?

Popular tea packaging options include side gusset bags, stand-up pouches, and rollstock for fractional packs, filter packs, and stick packs. These can be customized to fit specific product requirements and are available in standard sizes or custom dimensions.

Are sustainable packaging options available?

Yes, many packaging companies offer sustainable options for tea packaging, including recyclable, post-consumer recyclable, and compostable films. These eco-friendly choices can help tea brands appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

What is the typical turnaround time for custom tea packaging?

Turnaround times can vary depending on the packaging type and manufacturer. Some companies offer quick production times, with rollstock available in as little as 5 business days and finished pouches in 15 business days after artwork approval.

Which sachet packing machines are available in 2023?

Various sachet packing machines are available, catering to different needs, including four-side seal sachet packaging lines, powder sachet packaging machines, and liquid sachet packaging machines. Manufacturers provide advanced features such as high-speed operation, precise filling mechanisms, and compatibility with various materials.

How does a sachet packing machine work?

A sachet packing machine works by forming, filling, and sealing sachets in a continuous process. The machine typically uses rolls of film that are formed into sachets, filled with the product, and then sealed. This process is highly automated, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

Are Chinese packaging machines reliable?

Chinese packaging machines have gained a reputation for being reliable and cost-effective. Many manufacturers offer high-quality machines that meet international standards, with features such as multi-language interfaces and robust construction. However, it’s essential to research and choose reputable suppliers.

What are the different types of pouch packaging machines?

Different types of pouch packaging machines include rotary premade bag packing machines, high-speed pouch packing machines, and vertical form-fill-seal machines. Each type is designed to handle specific packaging needs, from powders and granules to liquids and irregularly shaped items.

Why should we use an automatic pouch packing machine?

Automatic pouch packing machines offer several benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and consistent packaging quality. These machines can handle high volumes of production with minimal human intervention, making them ideal for large-scale operations.

What is the smallest automatic packing machine available?

The smallest automatic packing machines are table-top models designed for small businesses or laboratory use. These compact machines are capable of precise filling and sealing, making them suitable for low-volume production.

How to choose the right packaging machine equipment?

Choosing the right packaging machine equipment involves considering factors such as the type of product, production volume, packaging material, and budget. It’s also important to evaluate the machine’s features, ease of use, and after-sales support.

Where can I buy some packaging machines?

Packaging machines can be purchased from various suppliers and manufacturers, both online and through industry trade shows. Reputable companies like Spack Machine offer a wide range of packaging solutions to meet different business needs.

What are the benefits of a stand-up pouch packing machine?

Stand-up pouch packing machines offer benefits such as improved shelf visibility, efficient use of storage space, and enhanced consumer convenience. These machines can produce pouches with resealable closures and other user-friendly features.

What is a drip coffee bag packaging machine?

A drip coffee bag packaging machine is designed to package coffee in single-serve, drip-style bags. These machines typically feature precise filling and sealing mechanisms to ensure the coffee remains fresh and flavorful.

Where are packing machines made?

Packing machines are manufactured worldwide, with major production hubs in countries like China, Germany, and the United States. Each region offers different advantages in terms of technology, cost, and quality.