Thales and Meilink together realize an optimally robust packaging for service and maintenance

Thales Netherlands, one of Meilink's oldest customers, makes radar systems for naval applications. For example, the SMART-S Mk-2 radar system has been marketed by the company for over ten years. One part of it is the rotary joint unit. That part needs maintenance or sometimes just needs to be replaced. For sending it back and forth to the customer, Thales was looking for a more robust and reusable packaging to prevent damage during transport. Valentijn Laan, environmental specialist acquisition technical support Thales Netherlands: "Together, we created an optimal packaging that fully protects against damage and weather influences, anywhere in the world."

In addition to selling its products, Thales is now increasingly focusing on providing service and maintenance to customers. This includes being able to supply spare parts, such as the rotary joint unit, reliably and quickly. This is a very expensive and damage-sensitive part, especially during transport. After all, these are parts weighing several tons.

Meilink was therefore asked to design and produce a robust, new packaging instead of the pallet boxes currently used by Thales. Valentijn Laan: "On the one hand, this was intended for better physical protection and, on the other, to show that you are dealing with packaging containing a high-value product."

Comprehensive set of requirements for shuttle packaging

Meilink then supported Thales to design and produce a packaging for the rotary joint unit that is robust and transportable with both manpower and a forklift truck. It also had to be able to keep the very valuable contents dry and whole under all weather conditions. Thales had an extensive package of requirements for Meilink for this shuttle packaging. Valentijn Laan: "Via Meilink Chain Solution Design, this packaging was designed and also produced by Meilink for Thales. We ended up with a sturdy plastic case based on an industrial standard packaging. Meilink placed a support module in it that ensures that the rotary joint unit cannot move, so that it is optimally protected during transport. Added desiccant in the case keeps moisture away. For air transport, air release valves have been placed so that air pressure cannot have a harmful effect. Finally, the rotary joint unit itself contains coolant. So a measure has been taken to catch any leaking fluids via absorption in the cases."

Also ideal for storage

The packaging states that it is a returnable packaging, so the part to be replaced can be returned with it to Thales as soon as the new part has arrived via the same packaging. Valentijn Laan: "Also, the recipient can store the packaging, with the contents as a spare part, for as long as needed."

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