Case Study: Mabe achieves improved appliance protection and reduced packaging costs with Altair ProductDesign

Improving the Protection of Appliances for Global Distribution with Packaging Optimization

Mabe, a $3 billion global appliance manufacturer based in Mexico City, needed to improve packaging for a combination washer-dryer to reduce transit damage while avoiding excess material and shipping costs. To do this, Mabe engaged Altair (Altair ProductDesign) and leveraged the HyperWorks CAE toolset—including HyperMesh, RADIOSS, OptiStruct, HyperStudy and HyperView—to apply simulation-driven packaging design early in the development cycle.

Altair ProductDesign developed validated FEA models, characterized packaging materials, and ran nine drop/load-case simulations, then used topology, size and shape optimization to define an ideal multi-material packaging layout. Altair’s work reduced maximum product acceleration by 29% and maximum strain by 28% (eight of nine load cases saw peak G reductions of 3–29%), cut peak corner-post reaction forces by up to 22%, and delivered improved product protection, lower packaging material costs, fewer physical tests and faster time to market.

Mabe

Dante Sánchez Roja

CAE Specialist