10 Things to Consider When Buying Pouch Filling and Packing Machine
Best Features to Look For When Buying a Packing Machine
Looking to buy a new packing machine? With so many options available, deciding which to choose can be overwhelming – after all, it's a big investment for your business. However, whether you're in the market for packing equipment for pouches, a machine for pouch sealing or some other type of packaging equipment, there are numerous key features to consider.
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In this guide, we'll help you do your homework and due diligence, investigating the different aspects of machinery for packaging, from your requirements to what to look for.
Packaging Machines: What Do You Need?
A checklist of your requirements is necessary before browsing different products. From the size to the speed to the ease of use, modern packaging equipment comes in all shapes, sizes, and types. Add these items to your checklist:
Type of Product
What are you packaging? Solids, semi-solids, liquids, powders? Considering the shape, size, weight, and state of your product will eliminate the majority of equipment for packaging.
Speed Requirements
Determine the speed at which the product needs to be packaged. Speed is primarily calculated based on your demand and upscale times. Even if you don't produce substantial quantities on average, you may still need to churn out products rapidly at certain peak points.
For example, the speed of a pouch- packing machine is typically measured in terms of the number of pouches it can fill and seal per minute. You can try to use Calculator soup to calculate the equivalent bag per minute.
Budget
Calculate the amount of money available to purchase machines for packaging. The price point is usually the biggest factor in deciding which equipment a company can buy.
Quantity of Product
How much quantity will need to be packaged? In part, this is related to the speed of the machine. However, it also refers to the volume of product being packaged per unit – which decides the size and capacity of the equipment.
Labeling Requirements
Determine any labeling requirements that need to be met. For example, some food packaging machines offer integrated labeling capabilities.
Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary Packaging
What packaging layer is required: primary, secondary, or tertiary? Primary packaging contains each unit, secondary packaging groups the units together, and tertiary packaging stores containers or boxes of secondary packages for transportation and storage.
Best Features to Look For When Buying a Packaging Equipment
Once you've got your checklist ready – it's time to apply it to the equipment itself. Investing in the right equipment can make or break a business. The last thing you want is for the packaging process to be the limiting factor preventing the product from reaching the consumer.
Here are some of the best features of packaging machines to look for when buying one:
1. Machine size
The size of your it should be determined by the space available in your production facility. Additionally, the machine's size should be proportional to the size and the shape of the product you are packaging – the bigger the product, the larger (and more expensive) the machine.
2. Type of machine
Depending on the product you're trying to pack, different types of packaging machines are available – including vertical-fill, horizontal-fill, and rotary. There are even mini sachet pouch packing machines. Talk to the manufacturers to determine which type of machine is optimal for your set-up.
3. Packaging materials used
Plastic bags, cardboard, metal, and more – almost any material can be used for packaging. Most machines are designed to work with a handful (or just one) of materials. However, some are more versatile and can work with various materials.
4. Flexibility and adaptability
Your packaging needs will adapt and change over time. It is, therefore, important to choose an equipment that is also flexible and adaptable – whether that be in terms of product or packaging design. Try to anticipate possible future changes your pouch packing machine must account for.
5. Machine speed
The speed of a packaging machine is one of the most important factors that can significantly impact the efficiency and productivity of a packaging line. A faster machine increases your productivity and output, but it may also require more maintenance and consume more energy.
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6. Operating costs
The operating costs of running a packaging facility eat into your profit margin. Balancing energy efficiency and minimal maintenance with your facility needs is key to keeping operating costs as low as possible.
7. Maintenance availability
When purchasing a pouch sealing machine, choose one that is easy to maintain and has readily available spare parts. Doing so minimizes downtime and ensures your production line runs smoothly.
8. Technical services and spare parts
Even the best-designed and maintained machines break down. Wear and tear are inevitable – especially in high-production environments. So ensure a readily available supply of spare parts is available to keep the line running smoothly.
9. Labor requirements and training
The labor requirements and training needed to operate your packaging machinery should also be considered. While machinery reduces labor costs, it often requires highly trained employees to operate it safely and efficiently. Is the machine's manufacturer capable of providing this training?
Contact Us To Discuss Your Packing Machine Needs
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of your packaging needs and what to ask any manufacturer. Never rush into any decision – it requires careful consideration and attention to detail. However, with so many factors to consider, you need an experienced packaging equipment provider to help you work through your requirements.
At Plan IT Packaging, we work with suppliers and manufacturers to determine their packaging needs. Then, our team of experts identifies the best packaging machinery we have available based on our analysis.
We understand that each business or industry comes with a unique set of challenges. That's why we take the time to listen to your expectations and develop a customized packing machine solution that meets your specific needs and helps optimize your packing operations.
4 key questions to ask before buying a pouch filling and sealing ...
Purchasing a pouch filling and sealing machine is a substantial investment.
It's important to ask your packaging equipment manufacturer the right questions to determine whether their machinery is the right fit for your business. Here are 4 key questions to ask your OEM before signing that purchase order:
Short on time? Download our free guide for 10 questions to ask when considering pouch packing machines. >>
1. What is the layout of the packaging machine?
There are two main layouts for pouch fill and seal machines: Rotary and Inline. An inline machine is designed with the beginning and ending points of the process at opposite ends of the equipment and as such requires more floor space. Rotary pouch filling and sealing machines are designed to carry out their operations in a circular fashion, with the start and endpoints of the process right next to each another. A rotary design requires minimal floor space and maximizes operator efficiency and ergonomics, and as a result is our top choice for this type of equipment.
2. How long does it take to change over to different bag sizes?
When a pouch packing machine is adjusted to accommodate different bags, the machine is down and not producing. Excessive time spent on changeovers is one of the chief operational complaints from manufacturers and contract packagers, as it eats into their productivity and bottom line.
So how long should it take to change over an automatic pouch fill and seal machine? For a rotary machine, 5 minutes or less. A changeover should be tool-free and uncomplicated so an entry-level operator can complete it easily. Preparing the machine for new bags should be as straightforward as adjusting a few knobs and pushing a button.
3. How durable are critical machine components?
It's what's 'under the hood' that counts, both for cars and packaging machines. A pouch fill and seal machine can look great from the outside, but if key components and wear parts are built from cheap materials, the equipment can end up costing you more money over the long term, both in parts and downtime for maintenance. Watch for an overabundance of plastic or degradable building materials as this can be an indication of future trouble.
As an example, bag gripper arms are a key pouch packing machine component that should be designed with durability and strength top-of-mind. Gripper arms are responsible for steadily holding the bag as it moves through different stages of the pouch packaging process. They should be constructed of stainless steel and have the ability to continuously support heavier fills of over 20 pounds without sagging.
4. Where is the machine’s HMI located?
The HMI, or Human Machine Interface, provides a text and graphics-based visualization of the packaging system. An HMI is the main interface between an operator and the packaging machine and provides monitoring, controls, error reporting, and other functions. Modern HMIs are touch screen and intuitive to use.
An important but often overlooked design issue with HMIs is their location in reference to the pouch fill and seal machine. HMIs can be stationary, mounted directly onto the machine and immovable. They can also be separate from the packaging machine on their own stand or pedestal. Or, HMIs can be located on a swivel arm attached to the pouch fill and seal machine, which is our recommendation for the most flexibility. This type of HMI does not require any extra floor space and can be moved to the most convenient height and location for the current user. It can also easily be manipulated when cleaning the packaging machine.
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