IC3D Carton Edition is a cut-down version of the package for cartons only, which costs £1,750. The full suite, which includes tools for creating all types of packaging including bottles, cans and pouches costs £7,950.
In addition, the latest version of the core IC3D Suite product includes new technology for visualising shrinkwrap film wrapped to bottles or objects.
“It uses our own physics engine to achieve this. It’s the fastest shrinkwrap visualisation technology currently available,” said chief executive Nick Gilmore.
The firm originally launched the product at last year’s Print exhibition and has just picked up a Printing Industries of America Technology Award for Innovation ahead of this year’s Graph Expo show, which takes place next month from 28 September – 1 October in Chicago.
Gilmore said it began selling IC3D in earnest six months ago. It now has around 84 licensed users and is aiming to expand its reach with new licensing options for creative and production teams.
“Most of our current users are in the US, because we launched it there and tested it at the Diageo Innovation Centre in the States,” he said.
“We have a real cross-section of users, including creative agencies, brands, pre-press companies, packaging printers and also commercial printers who are doing packaging work.”
One of its biggest clients is Clemson University in South Carolina, which has a large 3D design and 3D printing department.
Gilmore described the software as “amazingly easy to learn for anyone who knows Adobe Illustrator or Creative Suite.”
IC3D is based on 3D high definition gaming technology, which Creative Edge has patented for use in the packaging industry. Along with real-time visualisation, its features include image-based lighting to allow background scenes and lighting colours to be accurately reflected in the way packs appear.
He added. “You can see what packaging looks like in different environments, at the click of a finger. It’s a great thing for proofing – people can see what will it look like in Asda, or Tesco.”
The six-strong firm claims the software’s speed and ease-of-use offers a way to drive out costs and improve margins. “We’re a small company with big ambitions, and proud that our R&D and management is based here in the UK,” Gilmore said.
A free 14 day trial of the software is available to download on the company’s website www.creativeedgesoftware.com.
