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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Determine any labeling requirements that need to be met. For example, some food packaging machines offer integrated labeling capabilities.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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?
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.
A versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solution for a wide range of products, folding cartons should be on every package designer or brand owner’s radar. With excellent structural and design capabilities, as well as the ability to fold flat for efficient storage and shipping, folding cartons can suit a wide variety of products and branding needs.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common folding carton styles on the market today. A quick review of these simple and timeless designs can help you make informed decisions about which type of carton is best suited for your current projects.
The Standard Reverse Tuck (SRT) has a top closure that tucks in the opposite direction from the bottom closure. The SRT can be assembled through automation or manually and provides secure and easy closure. SRTs are typically used to package lightweight, smaller products. These cartons are typically shipped flat to the manufacturer, which makes them easy to transport and store.
The French Reverse Tuck (FRT) differs from the SRT in that the top closure hinges off the front panel and tucks to the rear, while the bottom closure hinges off the rear and tucks to the front. FRTs can have a slit (pie) lock bottom and a friction lock top. Other common combinations are slit lock top and bottom and friction lock top and bottom.
FRTs are used frequently in the cosmetic industry as they have a very finished appearance and substantial latitude for graphic design. FRTs also offer extra protection, given that double tuck-in closure.
The Straight Tuck features closure panels on both the top and bottom that hinge from the rear to tuck into the front. This style is a common choice for products that are lightweight and do not require as much protection as heavier products. It is commonly used in the beverage, food, cosmetic, medical, software, and toy industries.
The Straight Tuck is easy to assemble and provides a simple, clean look. Do you receive any monthly subscriptions in the mail? If so, chances are your package will arrive in a Straight Tuck box.
The Automatic Bottom is pre-glued in the converter’s plant. It is hand erected and typically used where fast setup is critical, but production volume does not justify an investment in automatic packaging equipment.
The Automatic Bottom features an automatic bottom that pops open when the carton is assembled. The automatic bottom provides great stability and strength, which makes it ideal for heavier products. It is commonly used for food, liquor, and pharmaceutical products.
The Six Corner Beers Tray is glued by the converter and shipped flat to the consumer, where it’s generally assembled and filled by hand. This style tray has a lid that does not tuck but instead locks in place on the front panel. This style is a good choice for products that require extra strength and stability. However, it may be more difficult to assemble than other styles, which could slow down production lines.
Craving something sweet? The Six Corners Beers Tray is often used in the baked goods industry. Chances are your last box of donuts came in this unique folding carton style. A variation on this basic style includes conventional Beers corners at the front of the base tray and the front cover with bellows or gussets in the rear corners.
When choosing a folding carton style, it’s important to consider the needs of your product. Some styles may provide extra strength and protection, while others may be more cost-effective or easy to assemble. Additionally, the aesthetic of the packaging should be considered, as different styles may provide different looks.
Are you interested in learning more about Full Automatic Carton Packing Line? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!