When a new design has been created in Crate Pro, resist the temptation to jump from panel to panel. Instead, work through the design in the same order a crate is built in the shop.
- Lower Assembly – Learn how the base is constructed, including skids, runners, rubbing strips, risers, cross members, and blocking. This assembly supports the entire crate and establishes the length and width of the finished package.
- Base: Sits on the lower assembly. Can be panelboard, lumber or both. Headers and/or load members may be applied. Provides the base for securing the content items
- Sides – The side panels connect the ends and complete the perimeter of the crate. The Sides are the front and back panels.
- Ends – Once the base is complete, the end panels are attached. These establish the crate's height and provide rigidity. End panels are the left and right panels of a crate.
- Top Assembly – The top is installed after the product has been loaded into the crate. It closes the package and completes the structural enclosure.
Following this sequence has several advantages:
- It mirrors the actual manufacturing process.
- New terminology is introduced in a logical order.
- Troubleshooting is much easier because you understand how each assembly relates to the next.
Crate Pro was designed around the same engineering philosophy. Although every assembly can be viewed independently, they all originate from the Lower Assembly. Dimensions, material placement, fasteners, and panel relationships are easier to understand when you begin with the base and work upward.
Base & Cap. Visual terminology
How did crate industry come up with panel naming?
Crate design itself should take less than 5 minutes. Usually less than 1 minute after setting your defaults. The main time requirement is the interiors. Creating a custom interior for the content generally will take more time. However, users should become comfortable with adding extra items such as blocking, bracing and utilizing the automatic calculations whenever possible