April 21, 2025

Steampunk Artistry in Packaging Design

The adventurous art, fashion and culture movement known as ‘Steampunk’ – inspired by the industrial revolution of the 19th century – served as the creative foundation for this distinctive NPD packaging project – a striking coin box brought to life by the IPL Design team.

Crafting Process

The centrepiece of this design features a mechanically fastened 3D element on the coin box lid, created through a careful selection of traditional and modern techniques:

Lost Wax Casting

After exploring several manufacturing methods, including sand casting and die casting, the team selected the ‘lost wax’ casting method commonly used in jewellery making. This process involved:

• Creating 3D-printed wax templates
• Using these templates to form moulds
• Burning away the wax (hence “lost wax”)
• Casting the final pieces in bronze

Chemical Etching

To achieve the intricate details of cogs and wheels, chemical etching was employed to create a multi-level 3D effect. Low-relief etching and a matt, brushed brass finish complemented this.

Materials Composition

The packaging incorporates a selection of materials:

• Box Body: MDF with an ash tree veneer and matt varnish, metal hinges with copper colouring and iron for added weight
• Interior: Super fibre with EVA foam lining, steel booklet holder corners with copper colouring, and magnetic closure with silver finish
• Decoration: Brass lid and frame decoration created through lost wax casting and chemical etching

The final product stands as a striking example of innovative packaging design through the implementation of traditional craftsmanship techniques, perfectly embodying the Steampunk aesthetic that inspired it.

For more information on packaging solutions or to gain insight into our latest packaging trends, follow us on LinkedIn, or join our community of packaging enthusiasts by signing up to our monthly newsletter below. Keep an eye on our news section for insightful articles and innovative ideas around packaging materials, product development and design.