Packaging Equipment: Types, Functions and Applications
Contact Companies
Please fill out the following form to submit a Request for Quote to any of the following companies listed on
Get Your Company Listed on this Power Page
Introduction
This article will take an in-depth look at packaging equipment.
What will be covered will include:
What is Packaging Equipment?
Types of Packaging Machinery and Equipment
Considerations for Purchasing Packaging Equipment
Applications for Packaging Equipment
The Benefits of Packaging
And Much More...
Chapter 1: What is Packaging Equipment
Packaging equipment encompasses the machines crafted to encase and protect goods by sealing them within containers for sales, distribution, shipping, storage, and usage. This type of machinery holds a pivotal role in the marketing process, as it ensures that products are presented with the desired image and design. In essence, packaging equipment not only streamlines but also expedites the task of encasing items in protective wraps or containers.
The packaging process is fundamental to product protection and conveying vital usage information. Packaging equipment significantly cuts down labor costs while enhancing efficiency and overall productivity. It covers diverse functions, including shrink wrapping, coding and marking, case packing, and sealing, thus ensuring each packaging step is performed effectively and economically.
With the plethora of available products, packages, and materials, a wide array of packaging equipment is essential to meet various needs. It's impractical to depend on one type of packaging machine for all products, prompting the development of specialized machines intended for specific packaging tasks.
There are various packaging machines, such as strapping machines, pallet wrapping machines, carton sealers, and industrial scales. Additionally included are sorting, counting, and accumulating machines, alongside those that close and seal items using glue, caps, corks, heat seal, and more.
Packaging equipment exists in many specialized forms, making it difficult to classify them into a single category. Each packaging requirement is met with specific machinery, and some machines are reserved for unique, specific applications.
Accumulating machines gather items, while batching machines prepare them for further processing or packaging. Moreover, machines like baggers, banders, sleevers, and box makers tackle different facets of the packaging workflow.
Bundling machines organize items into sets for banding or wrapping, capping machines affix caps, while carton machines make cartons. Closing machines seal packages, and bottling machines fill containers, which are then processed by batching machines and packaged by wrapping machines before being placed on pallets for additional wrapping.
The complexity of packaging processes is efficiently managed with automated or semi-automated packaging machines.
Upgrading from manual to semi-automatic and fully automated packaging systems presents numerous benefits for packagers. Beyond reducing labor expenses, automation boosts quality consistency and overall throughput.
Advancements in packaging automation often involve the integration of robotics and programmable logic controllers.
Large, fully automatic packaging operations may consist of several major machinery pieces from different manufacturers, alongside conveyors and supplementary machinery. Coordinating such systems might be challenging, often requiring external engineering or consulting firms to manage extensive projects.
Differences Between Packaging Equipment and Packaging Machines
Within the realm of packaging, "machinery" and "equipment" are frequently used interchangeably. However, in this article, "machinery" will specifically refer to the machines performing packaging tasks, while "equipment" encompasses both the machines and the materials used in the packaging line.
Costs Associated With Using Packaging Machinery
Understanding the cost of packaging machinery requires assessing specific needs, the type of machinery needed, and any additional selections required for unique applications. Incorporating a preventative maintenance plan or securing a devoted technician to manage downtime according to the customer’s needs is also crucial.
Given these factors, packaging machinery costs can vary widely because each packaging line has unique materials, machinery, energy needs, and geographical considerations. Consequently, the cost of different packaging lines rarely remains the same.
The ensuing discussion will delve into the various contributors influencing packaging line costs, such as machinery, materials, and other key components essential for efficient operation.
Stages to Understanding Packaging Machinery Cost
To understand packaging machinery costs, the following stages should be considered:
First Stage: Questions to Ask
What first comes to mind regarding cost?
Initial purchase price?
Cost of ownership over time?
Overall budget impact?
Does the purchase price outweigh machine performance benefits?
Will this priority remain in 3-5 years?
How frequently will the machinery be utilized?
Twice a week?
Daily usage?
What is the efficiency level of the existing maintenance team?
Is complex equipment necessary, or are basic controls sufficient?
Will equipment operators be stationary or mobile?
Is staying ahead in technology crucial, or better left to industry pioneers?
Second Stage: Determining Film Usage
Next, it is vital to grasp the numbers behind packaging materials. While the price per roll of shrink film matters, the cost per package is ultimately more critical. By scrutinizing the per-package cost, performing calculations, and seeking ways to trim expenses, you enhance budget management and augment cost efficiency.
The process begins by calculating actual film usage, progressing next to establishing the specific cost per package.
Film usage is calculated by dividing total film length by film cut-off length and subtracting the rewrap percentage. For instance, a typical roll of 60-gauge center-folded film measures 4,375 feet (or 52,500 inches). Dividing this length by an 11-inch cut-off results in about 4,772 packages per roll. Considering a 3% rewrap percentage, the effective number of packages per roll is approximately 4,629.
Math Equation Example:
4,375 feet/roll = 52,500 inches/roll
52,500 Ă· 11 inches of film cut-off = 4,772.73 packages/roll
4,772 Ă— 0.03 re-wrap percentage = 143.16
4,772 - 143.16 = 4,629.57 packages/roll of film
Third Stage: Determining the Price per Package
Calculating the cost per package involves a straightforward method: divide the roll's cost by the number of packages it produces. For instance, if a roll costs $128 and yields 4,629 packages, dividing $128 by 4,629 provides the cost per package. Multiplying this by 1,000 gives the cost per thousand packages. In this example, it amounts to $27.65 per thousand packages.
Math Equation Example:
$128/roll
4,629.57 packages/roll
128 Ă· 4,629.57 = 0.2765
.2765 Ă— 1,000 = $27.65/thousand packages
These calculations offer a concrete cost estimation for shrink wrap packaging. To further minimize this cost, consider the following advice.
Negotiating Equipment Costs
When negotiating with sales representatives, ask about rebates, special deals, and additional opportunities to drive down purchase costs. Given the significant investment that packaging machinery requires, there might be multiple avenues for securing a better price.
Packaging Machinery Quotes
Obtaining quotes for packaging machines often involves receiving offers from various sales representatives. It’s important to ask intricate questions about the foundational machinery and the specific options necessary for effective product packaging. Requesting quotes from multiple manufacturers facilitates price comparisons to find the most advantageous deal.
In some instances, a company’s quote might appear lower than competitors', even when the machinery seems similar. Exploring various vendors could reveal substantial savings.
Sometimes, customers pay extra for renowned brand names, yet this doesn’t always ensure superior performance. Lesser-known brands might deliver more efficient machinery at reduced costs. Prioritizing the equipment’s performance and value over brand prestige can yield improved packaging solutions.
Considerations for Purchasing Machines
When buying and operating packaging machines, numerous considerations must be addressed since no universal solution suits all businesses. Some decisions offer only two clear options, where one may be suitable while the other isn’t. These considerations include:
Opting for used, refurbished, or new equipment. Each has varied price points with distinct pros and cons. The right choice hinges largely on the business’s budget, product type, and chosen materials.
Deciding between contracting and hiring technical services. For companies with extensive production and a 24/7 packaging line, a dedicated in-house service technician might be advantageous, though not suitable for every business.
Choosing between working with distributors or direct purchases. Both options hold unique benefits and drawbacks, with the better choice dictated by specific business requirements. Acquiring quotes from both OEMs and distributors facilitates a comprehensive evaluation, leading to a well-informed vendor choice aligning with business needs.
Preventative Maintenance
Having a preventative maintenance plan adds to the expense of acquiring packaging machinery, but it can yield significant savings over time. Routine maintenance prevents component wear, averting potential failures that could result in costly downtime and repairs. Proactively conducting maintenance minimizes the risk of severe equipment damage, ensuring smooth operations.
A malfunctioning component can trigger further damage to other equipment parts or even threaten employee safety. A robust preventative maintenance strategy minimizes downtime, ensures machinery performs at its peak, and facilitates prompt repair and service when necessary.
Exploring Different Material Formulations
Selecting alternative formulations for packaging materials can decrease costs related to handling equipment, such as shrink wrap and stretch wrap machinery. Many businesses overlook that multiple material options might effectively package a given product.
Obtaining a Machinery Analysis
Securing evaluations from various vendor representatives on your current packaging lines can uncover valuable insights into existing packaging processes, materials, equipment, and procedures. This enables both your company and the representatives to identify optimization opportunities before investing in new machinery.
How Packaging Equipment Functions
Packaging plays a vital role in product protection, utilizing specialized machinery to achieve this goal. Such machines are becoming increasingly vital, fulfilling several critical functions:
Enhancing labor productivity. Machines that handle packaging tasks surpass manual methods in speed. For instance, candy wrapping machines can package hundreds of candies per minute with ease.
Guaranteeing packaging quality, vital for exporters seeking reliable packaging standards.
Managing specific needs, such as inflatable, skin, vacuum, and pressure packaging.
Reducing labor demands while improving work conditions for handling heavy or bulky items.
Shielding workers from health hazards due to toxic materials or dust, while preventing environmental pollution.
Minimizing packaging costs and storage space for bulk goods like tobacco, cotton, and silk, using compression packaging.
Ensuring hygiene by avoiding hand contact with pharmaceuticals and food products.
Chapter 2: What are the different types of packaging machinery and equipment?
This section will explore the various kinds of packaging machinery and equipment that are utilized in modern manufacturing and distribution facilities. Selecting the right packaging equipment is essential for optimizing packaging lines, improving efficiency, ensuring product safety, and meeting industry-specific regulatory standards. Understanding each type of packaging machinery helps businesses identify the solutions that best match their production requirements, packaging material preferences, and end-use applications.
Packaging Machinery
The different types of packaging machinery are crucial components in automated packaging systems. They streamline the packing process, enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and promote quality assurance across a variety of industries. Below are the principal categories of packaging machines:
Filling Machines
Filling machines or liquid fillers represent one of the most common packaging machines. They are utilized for packaging diverse products—primarily in beverage, food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and chemical manufacturing—but are adaptable for various applications. Filling machines efficiently fill containers such as pouches, sachets, bottles, and jars with liquids, powders, or granular products. The primary types of filling machinery include:
Auger or Agitator Filler
Augers and agitator fillers are designed for accurate dispensing of dry powders such as flour, sugar, coffee, and spices. These powder fillers feature a cone-shaped hopper that stores the bulk powder and uses an auger screw or conveyor, managed by an agitator, to precisely transfer product into pouches or containers. Auger fillers are paramount in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries where precision and consistency are critical.
The powder is placed into a pouch, typically made from poly or paper, which is formed using a collar. Packaging integrity is maintained as the pouch is sealed using a series of dies and heaters. The interface where the powder is dispensed must be carefully controlled for dust containment and efficient operation.
Vibratory Weigh Fillers
These systems deliver a combination of speed, versatility, and precision, making them ideal for accurately weighing and dispensing small components, granules, or mixed products. Each weighing hopper is precisely calibrated and integrates seamlessly with automated packaging lines for consistent output and minimal material waste.
Flow Fillers
Flow filling equipment is designed for volumetric filling of oils, syrups, sauces, and other free-flowing liquid products. These fillers incorporate nozzles and pumps to deliver high throughput while minimizing spillage. Typically, containers such as bottles and tubs are automatically indexed into place for precise filling, then conveyed to downstream packaging machinery for sealing or capping.
Tablet Fillers
Tablet or capsule fillers are engineered for applications where items are counted rather than weighed. They utilize optical sensors or scanning technology to count pharmaceuticals (tablets, pills, capsules), confectioneries, or small hardware into bottles, blister packs, or jars. This ensures accurate product counts and compliance with packaging quality standards in regulated industries.
Positive Displacement Pump Filler
Positive displacement pump filling machines are highly versatile, accommodating a diverse range of container sizes, fill volumes, and product viscosities. Originally developed for semi-viscous and thick materials such as gels, lotions, creams, and pastes, these machines are ideal for food service, cosmetics, and industrial packaging. They can also be configured for thin liquids and fluids, providing gentle handling and precise volume control.
This machinery efficiently handles a spectrum of products, including sauces, dairy products, cosmetic creams, shampoos, honey, adhesive pastes, car wax, and specialty foods, ensuring sanitary, leak-free packaging.
Vertical Form Fill Sealing Machine (VFFS)
Vertical form fill seal machines are advanced automated packaging systems widely used in the food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and pet food industries. The VFFS process creates custom-sized stand-up pouches, sachets, pillow bags, or gusseted bags from continuous rolls of flexible film. These machines simultaneously form the package, fill it with product (liquid, powder, pellet, or granular), and seal it—all at high speeds.
The machine operates with a continuous roll of flat plastic film—often custom printed for brand recognition—which may include embellishments such as labels, tear notches, or zippers. Although plastic is the predominant material, VFFS machines are adaptable for metalized foil, composite materials, and even eco-friendly films. Prior to packaging sensitive products, films may be sterilized via chemical wash and drying to ensure hygiene standards.
Cartoning Machines
Cartoning machinery—sometimes referred to as carton packing machines or carton sealers—forms, fills, and seals cartons or folding boxes. This vital equipment is found in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, hardware, and consumer goods packaging operations. Cartoning machines boost production throughput, reduce manual handling, and safeguard product quality.
Cartoning machines can be categorized into two main types:
Horizontal cartoning machines
Vertical cartoning machines
Horizontally fed machines insert products into cartons from the side, while vertical cartoners fill units from the top. Both options can be integrated with robotics for automated product loading. Cartoners are relied upon for packaging products such as confectionery, cereal boxes, blister packs, pharmaceuticals, hardware, cosmetics, and food service items. Carton closing methods vary—options include tucking flaps, gluing, or adhesive sealing. Air-blast, mechanical arms, or manual operation facilitate product insertion, and carton coders or printers can add date codes and traceability information.
Pallet Wrappers or Stretch Wrappers
Pallet wrappers, also known as stretch wrap machines or palletizing systems, are essential for securing palletized loads in warehousing, distribution, and logistics operations. These machines use stretch film to wrap goods stacked on pallets, ensuring load containment, load stability, and protection during transit. Automated stretch wrapping significantly increases throughput while reducing labor requirements and packaging material waste.
A stretch wrapper guarantees that the correct amount of film, wrapping force, and number of layers are applied for maximum security and minimized risk of load shift or damage. Three major factors for optimal load containment include:
The amount of layers or wraps on the load
The wrapping force
The thickness or gauge of the film
Turntable Wrapper
This machine rotates a pallet on a turntable platform while stretch film is dispensed and wrapped uniformly around the load. Turntable stretch wrappers are the industry standard for stable loads and support a range of manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic packaging lines.
Turntable wrappers can be tailored to handle different load sizes, pallet weights, and application volumes, offering high throughput and efficiency in packaging warehouses and distribution centers.
Straddle Wrapper
With a straddle wrapper, the pallet remains stationary as a rotating arm applies stretch film around it. Straddle machines are best suited for tall, unstable, lightweight, or heavy and delicate loads. Their flexibility and handling capability make them indispensable in the beverage, paper, and food sectors.
Orbital Wrapper
Orbital wrappers, also referred to as "ringer" wrappers, wrap film around loads as they move horizontally through a rotating ring. These systems excel in packaging long or irregularly shaped products—such as carpets, metal extrusions, pipes, doors, and windows—providing customized wrapping solutions for challenging items.
Ring Straddle Wrapper
High-speed rotary ring straddle wrappers can handle up to 200 loads per hour and are a staple in beverage, toiletry, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. These fully automated packaging systems minimize floor space and labor, delivering high efficiency for large-scale operations handling high-volume pallets or unstable loads.
In these machines, the load remains stationary while the wrapping system revolves rapidly around the pallet, ensuring secure and even coverage.
Shrink Tunnels
A shrink tunnel is a core component of shrink packaging lines and shrink-wrapping systems. When set to the correct temperature, it evenly shrinks a heat-sensitive film—such as polyolefin, polyethylene, or PVC—around a product for tamper-evidence, improved shelf appeal, and unitizing multiple items together. The process involves conveying the wrapped product through a heated tunnel, causing the film to contract tightly around the object.
Airflow within the shrink tunnel prevents overheating and ensures even application of heat. For high-sensitivity or perishable goods, special heat-sensing tapes verify temperature compatibility for safe packaging. If a product cannot tolerate tunnel heat, packaging specialists may recommend cold sealing, shrink bands, or alternative protective packaging methods.
Carded Packaging Machines
Carded packaging machines automate the creation of packaging formats where products are secured between plastic blisters or shells and a rigid backing, such as a blister board or card. The three main types of carded packaging are skin packs, blister packs, and clamshells. These retail packaging solutions maximize both protection and product visibility, enhancing shelf presence.
Blister packs are commonly used for fishing lures, electronics, batteries, and pharmaceuticals, safeguarding sharp or fragile products and providing tamper-resistance. Skin packaging, meanwhile, is ideal for tools and hardware, offering a close-fitting, form-sealed layer that locks products in place for retail display. Clamshells are popular for their resealable design and clear product view, frequently used in food, electronics, and toy packaging.
Blister packing machines are available in semi-automatic and automatic models, offering blister sealing, cutting, and forming functions for high-volume production environments. Rotating sections or feeding stations hold the blisters in place, and modern machines can integrate with printers for lot and expiry codes—essential for pharmaceutical compliance.
Whether filled automatically or manually, blister packages are completed by sealing a blister board or foil backer onto the tray with advanced heat-seal or pressure-sensitive adhesives—allowing for secure, tamper-evident packaging solutions.
Skin Pack Machines
Skin packaging machines use heated, formable plastic sheets that conform tightly over products on a backing substrate, typically a cardboard card. A vacuum draws the plastic down onto the items and backing, creating an airtight seal that provides product security and visual transparency. Skin packing is frequently used for hardware, automotive parts, and retail display items due to its tamper resistance and merchandising benefits.
This packaging process ensures products remain fixed during transport, while displaying contents to end-users for easier evaluation and selection at the point of sale.
Clamshell Machines
Clamshell packaging differs by consisting of a single piece of molded plastic, which hinges to enclose an item securely. Clamshell packaging equipment automates the joining, closing, and sometimes heat sealing of the two halves, ensuring a tamper-evident and theft-resistant package. These machines can seal with staples, RF welding, ultrasonic sealing, or heat, and are used extensively in the retail, electronics, and consumer goods industries.
Automatic lid-closing mechanisms boost productivity but may require additional floor space in high-throughput facilities.
Case Erectors
Automated case erectors are integral to end-of-line packaging systems, rapidly forming and sealing corrugated boxes for shipping and distribution. Case erectors are available as manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic machines that unfold, square, and seal boxes—eliminating the need for time-consuming manual assembly. These machines maximize efficiency in pick-and-place, order fulfillment, food processing, and e-commerce operations.
Semi-automatic erectors assist with box forming and conveyance, while fully automated versions use robotic systems to accomplish all stages hands-free. Once erected and filled, cases can proceed to case sealers or palletizing systems for final shipment. The choice depends on packaging line speed, box types, and labor resources.
Packaging Equipment
The different types of packaging equipment support a complete packaging system by enabling code marking, traceability, tamper resistance, product identification, and efficient bulk materials handling. Key equipment types include:
Lasers for Packaging
CO2 lasers and fiber lasers are integral in packaging for engraving, cutting, marking, and coding various packaging materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and composite films. This laser machinery delivers high precision, speed, and flexibility, supporting both functional and branding requirements—including trace codes, unique identifiers, decorative elements, and anti-counterfeiting features.
Laser Cut
The laser beam vaporizes or melts packaging substrates along high-precision paths, achieving clean, smooth, and accurate cuts for features such as easy-tear openings, vent holes, and custom windows. Laser die-cutting reduces the need for mechanical tooling, speeding up packaging design changes and enabling intricate package customization for food contact packaging, medical devices, and specialty boxes.
Laser cutting also streamlines downstream assembly, offering a competitive advantage in short-run, prototyping, and complex packaging formats.
Laser Engraving and Marking
Laser engraving and laser marking introduce permanent batch numbers, barcodes, date codes, and tracking information onto packaging materials. Laser marking achieves this by altering the surface of polymers, foils, or coated papers, while engraving ablates or etches into the substrate for greater depth and tactile feedback. Such coding is essential for supply chain management, anti-counterfeiting, and regulatory compliance—especially in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial packaging lines.
Laser-marked logos, batch information, expiry dates, and safety symbols enhance traceability and brand integrity, reducing the risk of tampering, recalls, or compliance violations.
Package Label
A label is a vital component of package identification and traceability. Labels can be composed of plastic film, paper, metal, or fabric, and contain crucial product information, regulatory markings, branding, barcodes, RFID chips, QR codes, and other variable data. Labeling machines apply these labels with high speed and accuracy, ensuring compliance and consistency throughout packaging runs.
Besides regulatory and marketing information, labels can carry tamper-evident or security features, promotional content, instructions, and multilingual requirements tailored for international distribution.
Pallets for Packages
A pallet is a load-bearing platform used for consolidating, storing, and transporting stacked goods during warehousing, shipping, and logistics operations. Pallets improve material handling efficiency, protect products during shipment, and are compatible with automated packaging, conveyor, and palletizing lines. Goods are typically stabilized and secured with stretch wrap, banding, or shrink film prior to transportation and storage.
Pallets are available in different materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and even recycled paperboard, each offering varying degrees of strength, hygiene, and sustainability. The right pallet solution can help reduce freight damage costs and increase distribution center efficiency.
Marking Process
The marking process references the application of regulatory, descriptive, shipping, or safety information directly onto packaging or external shipping containers. This may include hazardous material markings, international shipment identifiers, product specifications, and industry-compliant codes such as UN numbers or proper shipping names for dangerous goods. Marking ensures safe handling and legal compliance during transport or storage.
Collaborative Robots
A collaborative robot (cobot) is a programmable robotic arm designed for close human-machine interaction on packaging lines. Cobots automate repetitive tasks such as part loading, case packing, palletizing, sealing, and quality inspection—improving speed and workplace safety. Many robots feature advanced sensors, vision systems, and AI that adapt to changing product mixes and reduce operational downtime in high-mix, low-volume packaging environments.
Equipped with safety technology, collaborative robots sense human proximity, automatically slowing or pausing to prevent accidents. Their agility and learning capabilities allow manufacturers to quickly reconfigure packaging lines and maintain productivity without significant manual intervention.
Packaging Suction Cups
Packaging suction cups are vacuum gripping devices integrated into robotic and automated packaging systems. They enable fast, contact-free picking, placing, or transporting of a wide variety of packages, including fragile, irregularly shaped, or contaminant-prone products. Suction cups help speed up secondary and tertiary packaging tasks, reduce product damage, and maximize material handling flexibility.
The innovative design allows suction cups to function on clean, oily, wet, or uneven surfaces, making them suitable for corrugated cartons, shrink-wrapped trays, bottles, and flow packs. Material options include nitrile, neoprene, polyurethane, silicone, Viton, vinyl, and natural rubber, with each offering unique advantages in terms of grip, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
Types of packaging suction cups include:
Flat - Flat suction cups have a round shape and are suited for handling flat pieces of material. Their flat surface allows them to grip objects quickly and efficiently.
Flanged - Flanged suction cups have a flange attached to the cup. They can be used as spacers during the movement of fragile materials. The size of flanges on flanged suction cups varies according to the application where they will be used.
Bellow - Bellows suction cups have an oval shape for the movement of long and narrow packages. They are ideal for handling packaging of different heights, uneven surfaces, and fragile items.
Push-In - Push-in suction cups are easy to mount on a pipe, robotic arm, or hose barb. They have a large orifice for quick attachment and release.
Flower - Flower suction cups have thin wavy lips that securely attach cardboard, lightweight thin plastics, and even or uneven surfaces. They form a vacuum that has a strong hold without crushing or damaging products.
The above suction cup varieties support packaging automation by enabling rapid, gentle handling of diverse packaged goods. For unique or industry-specific needs, custom engineered suction cups are available, supporting high-performance material handling in food, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and e-commerce fulfillment environments.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Chapter 3: What are the key considerations for purchasing packaging equipment, and what are their applications and benefits?
This chapter will cover the factors to consider when purchasing packaging equipment, along with an overview of its applications and benefits.
Important Considerations for Purchasing Packaging Machinery
A summary of considerations when purchasing packaging equipment are:
Type of product being packaged
Product shape, weight, and dimensions
Objectives for color and labeling
Can film be printed to meet requirements?
Way of packaging product into the flexible film
Product journey from conception to shipping to the shelving and beyond
Will it be handled frequently and/or put to rough handling
The types of environments/climates it will experience
Whether it needs specific film additions to keep it fresh
Requirements for security and anti-tampering of the completed good
These considerations can be further elaborated and discussed as follows:
Buying Direct VS. Working With Distributors
Going directly to the manufacturer is a common choice because they have in-depth knowledge of their machinery and can answer detailed questions from customers.
However, it's important to recognize that manufacturers may be biased when discussing the best brands or services. Both OEMs and distributors have their advantages and disadvantages, covering aspects such as cost, customer service, and repair quality.
Depending on factors such as location, budget, and existing infrastructure, distributors may or may not be the best choice for your company.
Selecting packaging machinery involves numerous considerations, with the type of materials being among the most crucial.
In addition to equipment and materials, the operational environment is also a critical factor. Working with a distributor offers access to a wide range of options and provides valuable guidance, advice, and product acquisition support.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures, whether very cold or very hot, must be managed with appropriate cooling or heating systems. It is essential to ensure that these systems are correctly installed and functioning to handle the environmental conditions.
Environmental Concerns
No customer wants to deal with pneumatic machinery. Not only is pneumatic equipment outdated, but it is also environmentally unfriendly due to its high electricity consumption.
Many modern machines have eliminated pneumatic components, leading to significant cost savings because compressed air is an expensive utility in a plant.
By removing pneumatic parts, companies can reduce expenses related to replacing and disposing of worn-out air cylinders. Additionally, some machinery incorporates "lean technology" to eliminate film breaks, reducing the need for re-wrapping loads and minimizing material waste. Typically, lean technology machinery uses fewer materials and features precise film delivery systems.
Considering eco-friendly materials is also important. While many metals used in packaging machines can be recycled, some materials cannot be recycled or are not typically recycled.
Moving the Production Line
Based on the types of machinery in use and the layout of equipment, it is advisable to plan the strategic movement of equipment at the right times. Factors such as volume, electrical requirements, placement in the line, and machinery weight make early planning a crucial part of this process.
To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, certain machinery should be installed in a specific sequence according to the flow of the packaging line. It is essential for a technical service contact or company to determine the order in which machinery should be moved.
Buying or Leasing Packaging Machinery
Purchasing machinery is a significant investment for many businesses, and buyers often feel uncertain or uninformed about the process. One key decision is whether to buy or lease the machinery. Neither option is universally suitable; each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice may depend on specific line dynamics and applications.
Considerations that will help determine the best option for a packaging line include:
Focusing on time frame and overall needs.
Budget?
Type of technology is needed?
Choosing a Packaging Machine and Material Supplier
It is crucial to research and evaluate at least three suppliers, considering several important factors for each.
Location � Choosing a packaging machine supplier close to your company's location can facilitate quicker response times for emergency services or repairs.
Technicians � Ensure that the supplier employs certified and experienced technicians who are trained to work with packaging equipment.
Customer Service � While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option to cut costs, selecting a supplier with poor customer service can negate the savings. Poor service often leads to additional expenses.
Cost � Compare the cost and quality of materials, as lower-cost films might have less clarity, while higher-cost films offer better clarity and performance.
Parts � The frequency of machinery use will affect downtime due to repairs or emergency services. Inquire about parts availability, lead times, and preventative maintenance schedules to minimize disruptions.
Applications of Packaging Equipment
Packaging equipment is used in various applications, including:
Food � Ready-to-eat meals, grains and seeds, milk and liquids, spices, coffee, sugar, oil, salt, tea, bakery products, beverages, candy and confections, dairy products, and bakery items.
Pharmacy � Tablets, capsules, granulated products, oral liquid dosages, ophthalmic and ENT solutions, injectables, gels, and oral dosage powders.
Others � Agrochemicals, adhesives, fertilizers, lubricating oils, coolants, varnishes, paint powders, pet foods, hardware, cement and wall putty, pigments and dyes, foundry materials, inoculants, and flux.
Benefits of Packaging Equipment
Packaging equipment offers several advantages, including:
Production � A comprehensive packaging line can significantly influence a company's success, particularly when handling large quantities of products quickly. Although the initial investment in such machinery can be substantial, it is often justified by the efficiency and quality improvements it brings over time.
Total Cost of Ownership � One of the key factors to evaluate is the total cost of ownership. Effective packaging machines can reduce the need for a large workforce, leading to lower labor costs. Despite their high purchase price, when compared to manual labor, automated machinery often proves to be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Speed � Automated packaging systems can process a higher number of packages per hour compared to manual methods. For businesses where rapid product delivery is crucial, having efficient packaging machinery is essential for maintaining competitive advantage.
Reliability � Unlike human workers, packaging machines do not require personal time off, sick leave, or vacations. While occasional mechanical failures may occur, these can typically be addressed with routine maintenance. This reliability helps prevent costly downtime and inefficiencies, ultimately saving both time and money.
Drawbacks of Packaging Equipment
Some of the disadvantages of packaging equipment include:
Cost � The addition of packaging can significantly increase production expenses and, consequently, the retail price of products. In certain sectors, such as cosmetics, packaging can account for up to 40% of the product's final selling price. Developing new packaging solutions can also be expensive, impacting the overall product cost.
Landfill Impact � Packaging contributes heavily to waste production. In the USA, it is responsible for approximately one-third of municipal waste. Although some packaging materials can be recycled, many cannot. For instance, recycled plastics are often not used for food packaging, despite their origins. As a result, a substantial portion of packaging waste ends up in landfills.
Production Footprint � Increased packaging results in higher resource consumption. For example, the production of shopping bags in the USA consumes around 12 million barrels of oil annually, while over 10 million barrels are used for manufacturing water bottles. The production process also requires energy, often derived from fossil fuels, and can contribute to water and air pollution.
Conclusion
Packing equipment is pertinent in every industry because it has the ability to influence the production cost of given products in the business. The more competent the packing machines are, the less costly the production is sustained and the higher the number of sales done for that given product.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Related Posts
Labeling Machinery
Labels are an important aspect of product packaging, identification, presentation, and traceability. They are a way of communicating the manufacturer to the customers and the rest of the world. Labels promote the brand of the product and...
Marking Machinery
Marking machinery is industrial equipment that specializes in creating texts, graphics, labels, and codes on parts and products. Each type of marking machine has different mechanisms in modifying the properties of a material to create the desired mark...
Adhesive Tapes
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes consist of a backing material film coated with an adhesive intended for relatively low-stress applications. Light pressure, usually done by the fingertips, is applied to initiate the binding. In the sticking process, the fluid properties...
Carpet Tape
Carpet tape is a double-sided tape designed for securing carpets or rugs to the floor. It's made of strong, durable, and adhesive material that can hold the carpet in place and prevent it from sliding or wrinkling. Carpet tape is used in
Foam Tape
One kind of pressure-sensitive self-adhesive tape is foam tape. It has one of several different backing materials and is made of foam. It may have adhesive on one or both sides. Foam tapes are, at their most basic level, tapes that are applied to uneven or
Laser Marking and Engraving
Laser marking applies readable text on a component's surface with little or no penetration. However, laser engraving is when information is applied to a part using a laser, and there is clear penetration behind the material's surface...
Masking Tape
Masking tape is pressure sensitive, thin and very adhesive, easy to tear paper that is used in various tasks ranging from masking off areas that are not to be painted or as insulation for electric wires among other...
PTFE Tape
PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene and is a synthetic fluoropolymer used widely in many industries and many other applications. PTFE is also commonly referred to as thread seal tape, teflon tape, and plumber‘s tape...