What are the machinery required for packaging?
The Complete Guide To Buying Packaging Machinery
How To Choose A Packaging Machinery And Materials Supplier:
When it comes to choosing a supplier for your packaging materials and machinery, it is important to do your homework and ask yourself a few questions. You should investigate at least three different suppliers and learn about several important dynamics from each of them.
Location
It is a good idea to choose a packaging machinery supplier who is relatively close to your geographical location or can easily travel to you. This will have an impact on your business when there is a need for repairs or emergency service for your equipment. Pick a supplier who is in another country and you may find yourself dead in the water for days on end. Choosing a supplier with technicians who are local is always a smart idea. When it comes to your materials, you don't have to be as worried about the physical location as most supplies can be shipped timely.
Technicians
It is important to choose a packaging machine supplier with experienced and certified technicians who are professionally trained to work on your packaging equipment. Without the proper certifications, you are taking a chance with your equipment. You could end up paying big when risking service with non-certified techs.
Customer Service
It may be tempting to source the cheapest packaging materials in an attempt to save money, but if you buy from a company with poor customer service, you may end up losing the anticipated savings anyway. Poor service often means lost dollars. Check out reviews of each vendor and if possible, reach out to current customers and ask about their vendor's customer service and if they would recommend buying from them.
Cost
There is an old saying in the packaging industry and that is "shrink film is shrink film". While there are some brands with flashy marketing and sales gimmicks with a premium price, chances are, there are several less costly alternatives that are of equal quality. If you are looking for comparisons, there are generally low-cost films that have lower clarity and higher-cost films that will shine more and have better clarity. Choosing an inexpensive film may cost you in shelf presence.
Snake oil and elevator pitches can blur the line between reality and illusion. At the end of the day, you will want to purchase from an honest supplier who carries multiple offerings at different price points and provides superior customer service.
Parts
Depending on how often your machinery is running, your downtime due to repair needs or emergency service will vary. As time is money, it is important to ask your machine supplier about lead times, parts availability, and preventative maintenance programs.
Ask each potential vendor what their average response times for emergency calls are. In most cases, it should not be more than 24-48 hours.
Which Packaging Materials Should You Use?
Different types of machinery require different types of materials and utilize different amounts of materials based on the make and model of equipment. For example, while you can save money upfront by purchasing a manual L-Bar Sealer, your cost of goods will likely be higher as a more expensive automatic sealer will generally use less material than the manual machine because the machine will generally be optimized to do so.
That being said, the quantity of product that you will be producing must also be taken into consideration. An automatic sealer won't be the right machine for a small business that is only running a couple of thousand items or less each week.
This is due to the fact that each model is designed to work with specific maximum and minimum capabilities and materials. Every machine is different. Your packaging line's unique needs must be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate machine for your application. This can result in higher production costs if your choice of machinery cannot run thinner gauge shrink film. Using thinner gauges of shrink film can result in significant cost savings.
Conclusion:
Buying packaging machinery is a major investment. The various dynamics of choosing machinery include; safety, budget, physical layout, electrical supply, materials, and a whole host of considerations that can make your head spin.
When moving forward with the buying process it is important to start by reviewing the appropriate KPIs with an emphasis on safety first. Next, you will want to be sure to complete the packaging machinery pre-investment checklist. After filling out the information in this valuable tool and getting your results back, you will want to move on to getting quotes from at least two or three vendors.
Getting an analysis of your packaging department and collecting data on your current machinery, manual labor, materials, physical footprint, electrical requirements, production levels, types of products and the other important dynamics of running a safe and productive packaging line is key.
Once you have been able to fully analyze every aspect of your packaging line, asking for quotes from each of the vendors you are giving an opportunity to quote will provide you with peace of mind that you are going get the best deal and receive the best of what each vendor has to offer.
In addition to requesting information and pricing on the packaging machinery you are looking to purchase, be sure to also acquire information about the cost of service, installation, any training available, supply, and repairs. Ideally, you should consider getting a quote for a long-term preventative maintenance plan as this type of program will ensure that your machinery is always running at peak performance and that downtime will be limited when it does occur.
Once you have chosen a vendor to buy from, meeting with your representative and reviewing the machinery offerings that they have will allow you to open a conversation about pricing. Here you can ask about special offers, rebates, additional options, leasing versus buying, and other related dynamics that will help you to get the best price and best plan implemented for your specific budgetary restraints and packaging line needs.
Finally, it would do you well to schedule quarterly, bi-annual or annual meetings for review with your chosen vendor's sales representative and one of their maintenance technicians.
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This will allow you to review data from one meeting to the next and identify places where your machinery and materials could be improved upon to further reduce your cost of production, increase speed to market, create greater efficiency and produce a superior performance on your packaging lines KPIs.
Once you have purchased your new machinery and have worked with your chosen vendor to install the machinery, train your operators, and all else has been said and done, be sure to schedule your first review before your representative leaves your building.
If you heed the information in this guide, we assure you that you will make the best possible choice of packaging machinery for your packaging department. Furthermore, you will be able to ensure the purchase and implementation of the best materials for your products and may rest assured that you have done everything in your power to have the best possible packaging line for your business.
Should we not have produced answers to some of your questions or content that is crucial to your particular needs in regard to buying new machinery, contact us directly. Your voice can help others in your position in the future!
Our dedicated packaging professionals can and will answer any questions that have not been answered by this guide. In addition to what you have read here, we invite you to peruse our blog which is absolutely packed to the brim with useful information, free tools, and quality content that will make for a highly useful adjunct to this guide.
Last but not least, you will find a selection of free tools below that will help you on your journey to finding the best packaging machinery for your packaging line.
From all of us here at Industrial Packaging, we wish you well on your quest and again would implore you to contact us if you need anything else that you could not find in this guide.
13 Types of Packaging Machines You Must Know For Your ...
The Role of Packaging Machines in Modern Business
In the world of packaging, the importance of packaging machines really cant be overstated. These machines are key players in every packaging department. Just think about how they shrink wrap products to make sure they fit perfectly or use stretch film to keep pallets secure. Take shrink tunnels and stretch wrappers, for example. They play a huge role in making sure products are wrapped up tight, which helps cut down on labor costs and makes things more efficient.
When businesses that deal with high volumes of products start using advanced packaging equipment, they often see big savings. Mechanical packaging systems mean not only less manual labor needed, but also a decrease in mechanical failure due to human error. Cool innovations like heat tunnels and seal machines are designed to meet modern energy requirements, making things more energy-efficient. This is all part of lean technology, which eliminates film breaks and reduces material waste. Companies that get this and invest in these types of machinery usually notice a big boost in how their packaging process works and in their overall production line, without incurring too much extra cost.
What is Packaging Machine?
A packaging machine is an essential tool in the packaging world, aiding in everything from the initial wrapping to getting products ready for shipping. Packaging machines vary widely, from basic hand-operated helpers to sophisticated, fully automated setups. These helpful devices cover a broad spectrum, including tools for shrink wrapping, applying stretch wrap, and sealing with heat. Each type of machine is crafted to fulfill particular needs and packaging tasks, making them suitable for different applications. Whether its securing a product tightly to ensure its safety or wrapping it in shrink and stretch film for a snug, secure covering, these mechanical packaging machines handle it all.
Which Industry Needs Packaging Machines?
Almost every industry that manufactures or distributes products will at some point require packaging machinery. The food packaging industry relies heavily on these systems to maintain product integrity and extend shelf life. Pharmaceuticals necessitate precise and sterile packaging equipment to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs. Consumer goods, electronic components, and a wide range of other products also necessitate the use of various types of machinery in their packaging department.
The automotive sector, with its diverse components, requires heavy-duty packaging systems for proper handling. Cosmetic and personal care industries also use packaging machines to meet their unique requirements of appeal, aesthetic, and hygiene. Packaging machine usage transcends industry boundaries, finding a place wherever products must be prepared for consumption or use, with types of machinery varying in technological sophistication to meet different applications and production volumes.
Packaging Manufacturing Equipments
When we delve into the world of industrial packaging, terminology like packaging manufacturing equipment might seem overwhelming. Yet, understanding these terms is crucial to selecting the optimal solutions for your business. Packaging manufacturing equipment encompasses machines for packaging that construct packaging components from raw materials. Examples include machines that produce paper bags, plastic bags, cardboard boxes or containers integral to housing a diverse plethora of products.
Filling and Bottling Machines
Filling and bottling machines, such as vertical form fill seal machines, are essential for numerous businesses, especially in the realm of food and beverage. These types of packaging machines carefully dose liquids and other products into containers, ensuring consistency and precision. We often find equipment for packaging such as rotary fillers in industries seeking high-volume production. Understanding the needs of your specific product, from viscosity to carbonation levels, is crucial when selecting a bottler. Although these machines streamline production lines and reduce manual labor, you must balance the investment against the machines speed, flexibility, and maintenance requirements.
Sterilization Machines
Sterilization machines ensure that packaging materials and food products meet safety standards by eliminating bacteria and other contaminants. In industries where hygiene is paramount, machines for packaging employ methods such as heat, chemicals, or UV light to sterilize. While these types of packaging machines play an invaluable role in maintaining public health, its important to consider the energy requirements and the compatibility with various packaging materials when integrating them into your packaging process.
Sealing Machines
Sealing machines are the silent guardians of product integrity, offering an array of mechanisms to secure packaging materials. Heat seal technology is a common feature, providing a quick and airtight seal which is perfect for a variety of packaging materials, including blister packs and shrink film. The type of sealing machine you choosewhether continuous, intermittent, or ultrasonicdepends on your production demands and the nature of the products youre safeguarding.
Shrink Wrapping Machines
Although both use higher temperatures for packaging, there are big differences between heat shrink packaging machines and heat sealers that fit closures. Shrink wrapping machines are champions of packaging efficiency, using heat to snugly fit shrink film around products. Known for their versatility, they are a common choice for many businesses, including the industrial packaging of consumer goods. The crucial aspect is the precise temperature control in the heat tunnel, ensuring effective shrinkage without damaging the item, avoiding damage due to extreme temperatures. These machines suit various products, from delicate chocolates to hardware tools, offering dust and moisture protection while enhancing appearance vital for retail sales.
Adaptable to different film types and thicknesses, they cater to specific industry needs. In the packaging of the food industry, they maintain freshness at lower temperatures; in electronics, they use cooler settings and specialized films for sensitive components. The publishing industry relies on them for bundling newspapers and books. Featuring advanced safety features and temperature controls, modern shrink wrapping machines minimize heat damage risk, maintaining product integrity during packaging. Their combination of protective wrapping, aesthetic appeal, and safety makes them an excellent choice for diverse packaging applications. When selecting a shrink wrapper, consider the film compatibility, heat tunnel size, and machine speed as they dictate throughput and overall effectiveness.
Temperature Settings in Shrink Wrapping
Accurate temperature control in shrink wrapping ensures the perfect application of shrink film without damage to the product. Temperature settings vary depending on the type of shrink machinery, film thickness, and the level of shrink required. A precise temperature balance is key to achieving a uniform shrink without film breaks or wrinkles. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) films necessitate a relatively moderate thermal range, typically between 150 and 160 degrees Celsius, to achieve the desired shrinkage without compromising the materials structure. Conversely, Polyolefin and Polyethylene films exhibit enhanced performance at elevated temperatures, ideally within the spectrum of 180 to 200 degrees Celsius. The exigency of maintaining exact temperature parameters cannot be overstated; excessive heat may induce deformation or irreparable damage to the product, while insufficient heat may result in inadequate shrinkage, thereby compromising the aesthetic appeal and structural cohesion of the packaging. KETE GROUP LIMITED high-efficiency shrink tunnels have evolved to maintain consistent temperatures, delivering a faultless finish while optimizing energy use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Using heat shrink machinery in improper temperatures can sometimes bring up a few hiccups. You may be trapped in the fear that mechanical failure may lead to costly repairs. But please trust that its always not a big deal. Heres a quick guide to some common problems and their reasons:
- Wrinkled Packaging: This can happen if the machines temperature is set too low, preventing the shrink film from shrinking tightly around the product.
- Bubbling Packaging: When the temperature is too high, it can cause the shrink film to overreact and create bubbles, leading to uneven packaging.
- Uneven Shrinkage: If the heat isnt distributed evenly across the machine, some areas of the film might shrink more than others, causing an inconsistent wrap.
- Color Change or Deformation: Excessive heat can alter the color or shape of your packaging material due to chemical reactions.
- Sticking Issues: If the film becomes too hot, it might stick to the machine or itself, which is often a result of the temperature being too high.
- Weak Seals: Insufficient heat in the sealing area might lead to weak seals, as the film requires a certain temperature to form a strong bond.
2 Reliable Heat Shrink Wrapping Machines Recommended
A reliable supplier should offer emergency service and support for the machinery to minimize downtime. If you compare different manufacturers, you will find that KETE GROUP LIMITED makes the most reliable machines of their kind on the market. These packaging machines have high productivity and in-line printing equipment that can speed up your packaging business. For those who want to find new machinery from a reliable packaging machine supplier, lets take a look at the following two reliable heat shrink wrapping machines from this trusted brand name:
NO1: KTPK-AC Series Cuff Style Heat Shrink Wrapping Machine
This cuff-type heat shrink packaging machine is specially designed for pharmaceutical, food, stationery, cosmetics, beverage and other industries. It is the best choice for packaging multi-row small bottles or multi-row square boxes. Used in conjunction with automatic labeling machines, it can improve packaging efficiency and quality.
ModelKTPK-AS 450Speed0-15m/ minPacking Height150mmPacking Width350mmPacking LengthNo limitedPackage SizeWidth + Height 400mmApplicable filmPOF Folded FilmPlatform Height780-850mmSealing WayStraight Type / L TypeMachine Power2kw (Packaging Unit)12kw (Heating Tunnel)Machine Weight300kg (Packaging Unit)130kg (Heating Tunnel)Machine Size (LWH)×720×mm (Packaging Unit)×450×250mm (Heating Tunnel)NO2: KTPK-AD Series Fully Automatic Heat Shrink Wrapping Machine
This Heat Shrink Wrapping Machine can be used for food, medicine, beverage group packaging, bowl noodles, milk tea, mosquito coils, wallpaper, exercise books, filters, electrical switches, plastic wrap, garbage bags, various stationery, industrial parts and daily cosmetic stickers body packaging, etc.
ModelKTPK-AD 120KTPK-AD 150KTPK-AD 180KTPK-AD 210Packaging Material Length60mm-320mm100mm-450mm150mm-530mm180mm-600mmPackaging Material Width10mm-200mm10mm-200mm10mm-200mm10mm-200mmPackaging Material Height5mm-35mm35mm-70mm75mm-100mm80mm-130mmPackaging Speed30-150(Package/min)30-150(Package/min)30-135(Package/min)30-100(Package/min)Max Film Length590mmApplicable FilmPVC, POF Shrink FilmMachine Power4.5kw (Packaging Unit)15.5kw (Heating Tunnel)Machine Weightkg (Packaging Unit)600kg (Heating Tunnel)Machine Size (LWH)xxmm (Packaging Unit)x600xmm (Heating Tunnel)Vacuum Packaging Machines
These types of packaging machines are a staple in extending the shelf life of food products by removing air before sealing the package. Vacuum packaging is particularly critical in the food industry, where it prevents oxidation and spoilage. When considering a vacuum packaging machine, factor in the size and volume of products being sealed, as well as the machines capacity and speed.
Blister Packaging Machines
Blister packaging machines meticulously enfold items within a pre-formed pocket or bubblecommonly accompanied by a rigid backing comprised of paperboard or aluminum foilthus fabricating blister packs. Such packaging not only provides robust safeguarding for the contents but also serves as a formidable deterrent to tampering. Quintessential within the realm of pharmaceuticals, these sophisticated systems must meticulously harmonize velocity with exactitude to guarantee adherence to stringent safety protocols and regulatory compliance. In the selection of an optimal blister packing machine, it is imperative to evaluate the thermal sealing characteristics of the materials in use and the apparatuss inherent versatility to accommodate a myriad of blister dimensions and geometrics.
Skin Packaging Machines
Skin packaging involves a tight fit over the product, almost like a second skin, using a heat seal around blister board backers (supportive backing). Skin packs are commonly used for hardware or consumer products where package integrity and product stability are key. Types of machinery that perform skin packaging are ideal for items needing enhanced visual appeal and a high level of protection. Important factors here include the compatibility of skin packaging materials and the heat tunnels ability to evenly shrink the film across various product contours.
Bagging Machines
Bagging machines are essential across multiple industries, particularly for packaging large quantities of items such as grains, powders, or construction supplies. These machines function by placing products into bags constructed from different materials and then sealing them for distribution or sale. Automating the packaging process minimizes the need for manual work and enhances the uniformity of packaging. When selecting bagging equipment, it is important to consider the type of bag material, the desired fill weight, and whether your process necessitates a manual or completely automated bagging system.
Stretch Wrapper Machines
Stretch wrapper machines are a godsend for businesses looking to secure their loads with a tight fit for transport or storage. Operating with a simple principlestretching a roll of film (stretch wrap) around a palletized loadthese fast wrappers for packaging significantly reduce the need for manual labor and ensure consistent application of stretch film. The key element to look for in a stretch wrapper includes the load containment force, film pre-stretch capabilities, and the footprint of the machine.
When selecting a stretch wrapper, its also important to consider the film usage efficiency and the potential for film breaks, which can disrupt the packaging process. Lean technology has made these machines more energy-efficient, reducing the extra cost and excessive amount of electricity that can otherwise plague your operating expenses.
Case Packers
Case packers automate the task of packing products into boxes or cases, a fundamental process in many industries. These machines come in top load, side load, and wrap-around configurations, aiming for high-volume efficiency and consistency. Choosing the right case packer involves matching machine capabilities with your products characteristics and your need for packing speed versus setup flexibility. Automated case packers can be significant investments, but they offer long-term benefits of increased productivity and labor savings.
Case Sealing Machines
Case sealers are the backbone of a mechanized packaging department, rapidly sealing cardboard boxes to prepare them for the rigors of shipping. These machines vary widely to handle different types of boxes and sealing materials, but they all share a common purpose: to provide a secure, consistent seal, often with the use of tape or hot-melt adhesive.
Operational efficiency is a primary concern with case sealers. The best models minimize costly repairs and handle high volumes with ease, a must for businesses shipping a wide range of products. They help in reducing the common issue of manual laborers repetitive strain and enable a better work flow on the production line. With different vendors offering an array of options, finding a case sealer that fits your specific needs, from a simple erected box to a fully collaborative space, is entirely possible.
Palletizers
Palletizers are automated systems that streamline the process of stacking products onto pallets for transportation. This category of machinery includes everything from devices that offer manual assistance to completely robotic solutions. They play a critical role in enhancing production efficiency, particularly in scenarios involving large volumes of products. When choosing a palletizer, its crucial to take into account the type and size of the product as well as the requirement for delicate handling to guarantee that your end-of-line procedures are executed with precision and efficacy.
Conclusion
Selecting the right types of packaging machines is critical for keeping your business competitive. Each machine offers unique advantages and must be chosen with your specific operational needs in mindconsidering factors such as speed, versatility, and automation level. Embracing the appropriate machinery for packaging can lead to improved cost efficiency, better product protection, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Its a strategic decision that influences your production lines effectiveness and your companys bottom line.
KETE GROUP LIMITED Gives Support To Your Packaging Business
When navigating the complex world of packaging machinery, its important to have experienced support. Companies like KETE GROUP LIMITED offer deep industry knowledge and a wide range of packaging equipment like bag making machines, heat shrink packaging machines and label printing machines to fit different applications. With a focus on quality customer service, they assist businesses in finding the right machines for packaging solutions. Whether youre streamlining your packaging process or upgrading to new machinery, look for partners who understand the intricacies of your industry and can help you optimize your packaging lines.
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