Now live: Create Tray Designs Directly from CAD Data in Your Browser

Key Facts About the 3D Tray Generator at a Glance

• Tray concepts are automatically generated from 3D component data
• The tool runs directly in the browser without additional software installation
• Supports common CAD formats such as STL, STEP, OBJ, or GLTF
• Adjustments are displayed in real time in a 3D visualization
• Tray concepts can be submitted directly as an inquiry

The Tray Generator is now available free of charge with registration.

Why Tray Concepts Are Often Created Too Late

In many projects, different departments need a tray concept early on, for example:

• Logistics
• Production planning
• Work preparation
• Automation

However, tray design is often only created after an order is placed or as a paid engineering service. This leads to a typical gap in the project workflow:

• Internal planning begins
• A suitable tray does not yet exist
• Coordination loops arise between design and suppliers

This process can take several days or even weeks. The web-based 3D Tray Generator is designed to eliminate exactly this bottleneck.

How the 3D Tray Generator Works

Using the tool is fully digital and only takes a few steps.

1. Upload CAD File

Users first upload the 3D file of their component. Supported formats include:

• STEP / STP
• STL
• OBJ
• GLB / GLTF

2. Automatic Tray Generation

Based on the component geometry, the software automatically creates an initial tray concept. The following aspects are optimized automatically:

• Component arrangement
• Nest spacing
• Packing density

This results in a realistic tray concept within seconds.

3. Customize Tray Concept

The generated tray can then be adjusted directly. In the interactive 3D view, users can configure:

• Tray size
• Tray color
• Material
• Material thickness
• Stacking method
• Grip recesses
• Poka-yoke corners

All changes are immediately visible in the 3D visualization.

New Features for Logistics and Production Planning

In addition to a new design, the latest version of the Tray Generator includes several features particularly relevant for logistics and production processes.

SLC Integration

The tool shows in real time how the generated tray fits into standardized SLC containers or outer cartons.

Custom Markings

Users can integrate symbols, labels, or logos directly into the tray to clearly identify components or variants.

Color Coding

Color stripes for variant identification can also be integrated directly into the tray design. This simplifies component identification in production processes.

Stacking Methods and Stack Height

Different stacking methods can be defined, and maximum stack heights can be calculated. This allows early simulation of how trays behave in storage, transport, and production flow.

From Tray Concept Directly to Inquiry

Another feature of the tool is the direct processing of generated tray concepts.

Users can:

• Export their designs as a PDF
• Submit an inquiry directly

All relevant tray data is automatically transferred, eliminating much of the usual coordination effort.

Who Is the Tray Generator Especially Useful For?

The 3D Tray Generator is primarily aimed at companies that:

• Develop new products
• Plan automated production lines
• Create transport concepts for components
• Need to define packaging concepts early in the project

Frequently Asked Questions About the 3D Tray Generator

What is the 3D Tray Generator?

The 3D Tray Generator is a digital tool that automatically creates a tray concept for a component. Users upload a CAD file of their part, and the software generates a tray layout with optimized component arrangement, nest spacing, and packing density. This makes it easy to evaluate how components can be transported, stored, or handled in automated systems.

Which CAD files are supported?

The 3D Tray Generator supports common 3D file formats used in product development, including:

• STEP / STP
• STL
• OBJ
• GLB / GLTF

These formats are automatically analyzed to generate a suitable tray layout.

Do I need to install software?

No. The 3D Tray Generator runs entirely in the browser. After registration, users can access the tool online without any additional installation or local programs.

How quickly can a tray concept be created?

An initial tray concept can typically be created within a few seconds.

Can I customize the tray design?

Yes. After automatic generation, the tray design can be customized individually. All changes are displayed instantly in a 3D visualization.

Can I see how the tray fits into KLT containers?

Yes. The Tray Generator can show how a generated tray fits into standardized KLT containers, allowing early validation for transport and storage processes.

Can I export tray concepts?

Yes. Generated tray concepts can be exported as PDFs. You can also submit a non-binding production inquiry directly from the tool.

What applications is the Tray Generator suitable for?

The Tray Generator is particularly suitable for projects where components need to be safely transported, stored, or handled automatically. Typical applications include:

• Automation trays
• Logistics trays
• Transport trays
• Assembly and production trays

Is the 3D Tray Generator free?

Yes. The 3D Tray Generator can be used free of charge after registration.

Who benefits most from the 3D Tray Generator?

The tool is especially useful for:

• Production planners
• Logistics managers
• Automation engineers
• Buyers / procurement specialists
• Packaging developers

It helps teams create realistic tray concepts early in the project and accelerate planning processes.

Conclusion: Generate Tray Concepts Directly from CAD Data

With the web-based 3D Tray Generator, formary introduces a tool that solves a common bottleneck in industrial projects. Instead of developing tray concepts late in the process, users can now generate a tray layout within seconds, test variants, plan logistics concepts early, and submit inquiries directly.

This makes plastic tray planning significantly faster, more transparent, and more efficient.

→ Create your tray concept now.