Apr. 28, 2025
Machinery
The next step is choosing the machine. K-Flex Packaging Systems is here to make choosing the right equipment as stress-free as possible!
Decao supply professional and honest service.
Read below for the 5 key items to ensure a successful packaging machine purchase for your business!
How quickly and how much product you intend to put out each day, is going to affect what machine you should consider. If this is your first investment in packaging machinery, maybe you don’t need to spring for the big guns just yet. So don’t be intimidated and think that bigger is always better. Start where you can, and allow yourself time to grow.
Form-Fill-Seal is the fastest available packaging option. However, the flexibility of the Premade Pouch Machine is gaining appeal in the packaging community. Because both machines have their perks, your decision should be based on production speed required, labor and SKU variation.
The PSG LEE is a copackers dream as you can change from one SKU to the other in minutes via the touchscreen. On the other hand, If you plan on running a limited variety and need high volumes, the SN Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal is a better option for those needs.
The style of pouch also plays a crucial role here. Currently trending are shaped and fitment pouches. Considering your desired pouch style can help guide your equipment selection. For more on this, see number five.
When working in the manufacturing industry, we have to be hyper aware of waste management. We have entered an era where companies are trying to reduce waste where possible, for both financial and environmental reasons. Because your machine and package options will produce varying amounts of waste, consider your waste goals.
Form-Fill-Seal machine creates some waste during setup, alignment and changeover, as well as any excess film trimmed during production. In contrast, if you are interested in reducing waste and costs associated with it, the Premade Pouch machine may be a better option for you. The PSG LEE has a built in feature to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. If the pouch doesn’t open, product will not drop and the seal bars will not seal that specific pouch so it can be reused.
PPi Technologies Group's SECAMP program is a 6 point strategy that relates to using less energy or clean energy, fewer packaging materials, and reduce costs in the manufacturing warehousing and distribution of Stand-Up Pouches.
As with any large purchase, you want to consider not only the initial cost of your packaging machine, but the cost of operation and maintenance. While some machines may have a bigger price tag up front, they may run smoother and have better efficiencies. Make sure to focus on your ROI. A more expensive machine, could increase your profitability dramatically.
There are a few more operating costs to consider when choosing your machine. Keep in mind the cost of any other materials needed to run your machine such as rollstock film or premade pouches. Also, consider the materials needed to produce your pouches and products, and the labor required to operate the line.
The type of machine you select will greatly impact the amount of training, education level, and employee hours needed to operate the machine. For example, a Form-Fill-Seal machine will require considerably more training than a Premade Pouch Machine.
On a Premade Pouch Machine, someone is needed to keep the infeed conveyor full of empty pouches. However, once the Form-Fill-Seal machine is configured, the operator is free to concentrate on other company tasks. Some options for minimizing downtime and maximizing production include automatic splicing for film and zippers and end-of-line case packing solutions. In order to set you and your team up for success, PPi Technologies Group offers several training options on the equipment you purchase.
The diversity of your company's products and goals can help determine which machine is best fit for your packaging operation. If you pack several different SKU’s per day, the premade pouch may work for you, as the Form-Fill-Seal machine takes more time for set up and changeover. On the other hand, if you focus on one product line per day, and need high output, the Form-Fill-Seal will better meet your needs. Make sure to discuss all your SKU's with us and provide the output you are looking for.
When talking to machine vendor's here are some questions you should ask. How many machines do they have in the field? Can you speak to current customers and go see their equipment? What does the vendor’s service and support look like after the sale? Do they have in-house engineering? How quickly can you get spare parts? What training programs do they have?
We hope the consideration of these 5 key points make your decision making process less stressful and more exciting. You are making a crucial decision to grow your business, and K-Flex Packaging Systems is here to support you along the way!
Choosing the right package and packaging machine has a huge impact on the success of startups. A well-planned packaging strategy will help you deliver a quality product while driving efficiency, controlling costs, and maintaining production flexibility for future growth.
Here are 5 key considerations:
Your packaging should be attractive and functional. Certain materials and package types make more sense than others depending on your product shape, size, weight, number of units and sales channels. For example, thousands of products are packaged in different types of bags such as stand-up pouches, gusseted bags, flat pouches, modified atmosphere bags, pillow bags among others. Likewise, shrink film is used to wrap, bundle, and secure thousands of products in different configurations.
It’s important to consider how your products are displayed, and how customers use your products. Additional considerations may include shelf life, reuse, seal integrity, ease of transport, retail display, and product security. Product packaging is often seen as a measure of the overall quality of your product. It can make the difference in sales growth or a product that stalls in the marketplace.
Find Your Perfect Packaging Machine Now
Suggested reading:Are you interested in learning more about Pillow Packaging Machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Production requirements impact the machines you consider and the amount of labour you need. Establishing realistic labour and production expectations are crucial to your profitability. Depending on your package and the volume of products you want to produce, labour may cost you more than machinery. Discuss your production requirements with your equipment supplier in as much detail as possible. Make sure to discuss all your SKUs and provide the output you expect. A good supplier will work closely with you to help determine whether a manual, semi-automatic or fully automated machine best suits your needs.
For start-up companies with smaller production demands, tabletop equipment may provide the best solution. On the other hand, tabletop machinery may become obsolete too quickly if fast growth is expected. Many stand-alone semi-automatic solutions are easily integrated with different conveying systems or add-ons to improve production as needs evolve. Some semi-automatic solutions can also be upgraded to fully automatic systems.
Your packaging workspace and environment is also an important consideration. Food, pharmaceutical, chemical, among other products need to meet certain hygienic standards and may need to operate in clean room or harsh environments. If so, your new equipment must be washdown capable and designed for easy cleaning and reliable service in potentially harsh environments.
Choosing a machine that works for you now and in the future is important. Be sure to ask your supplier whether your new machine is plug-and-play in different production environments? Is it easy to upgrade? Are there add-ons that may be beneficial as needs change? For example, modular add-ons for printing and labelling can expand your capabilities and help you make the most from your initial investment.
A good packaging machinery supplier will ask questions and work with you to understand your unique needs and help you choose the best solution.
Optimize Your Packaging Process Today
How easy your new machine is to setup, operate and maintain are also important considerations that impact costs, efficiency, training and downtime. Machines that are easy to maintain and service will save you money in the long run and provide greater production value for your investment.
Look closely at machine design, control systems, and access to change parts. Is setup toolless? Are change parts easy to access and replace? Are there recipes for different types of packages? Can you easily adjust package process parameters? Can you set up different user preferences, languages or units of measurement? Does the machine provide metrics and details about packaging quality, machine condition or maintenance?
Think about the workflow and ergonomics of your machine set-up. The more ergonomic a machine is, the easier it is to use which can improve production efficiency. Make sure you have enough space to operate your equipment efficiently and safely.
Also consider the amount of training, education level, and employee hours needed to operate your new machine. A reliable and trusted equipment provider will stand behind their solutions and ensure you get the training and technical support you need for efficient operation of your new machine
Don’t forget spare parts when you purchase your machine. All machines have some change parts that need occasional replacement. Talk with your supplier about maintenance needs and parts that will help you prevent costly downtime.
Choosing the right packaging machinery manufacturer is the first step in building a long-term partnership. Your packaging machinery manufacturer should understand your business and your plans for growth. They will help you choose between two machines with the same function and similar performance and make recommendations that best fit your needs.
Do your homework. Check on your equipment provider’s track record in your industry, turnaround time, and aftermarket support. You want a partner that will stand with you after the purchase to help ensure you get the most from your investment.
Check out this blog by PMMI for more tips: Tips For Working With Flexible Packaging Machinery Builders
Managing growth is an important issue for every startup. As with any large purchase, you should balance the initial cost of your packaging machine, with the cost of operation and maintenance. Some machines may have a bigger price tag upfront, but offer better efficiency, less maintenance and improved reliability. Focus on your return on investment. Your profitability depends on it.
Plexpack has helped more than 6,000 companies worldwide package their products and get them to market in a timely fashion for more than 65 years. We are one of the largest manufacturers of flexible packaging equipment with customers in more than 60 countries. Many of our longtime customers were once startups like yours.
Partner with a Packaging Expert
Interested in reading more? Check out the following articles from PMMI's Prosource for more tips on building and operating your packaging solution.
Best Practices for Specifying Flexible Packaging Equipment
Seven Tips for Form/Fill/Seal Selection, Setup and Cleaning
For more information, please visit Instant Noodles Production Line.
Previous: Is Laser Vision Seam Tracking the Future?
Next: Wie optimiert man die Effizienz eines senkrechten Förderbands?
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )