Automatic pouch filling machines are becoming increasingly popular today for their simplicity, ease-of-use, and the superior look of their finished product. Whether you are new to packaging automation or are considering adding pre-made pouch packaging to your product line-up, you are probably interested in how these machines operate. There are many food packaging machine manufacturers, food packaging machine, pouch filling machine that are used to fill and pack the packages. Today we are taking a step-by-step look at the processes involved in turning an empty premade pouch into a ready finished product. Automatic pouch filling machine can also be designed with a single lane, two lanes, or four lanes. Here is how the packaging process works-
Figure (1): — Automatic Pouch Packing Machine1. BAG LOADING- Preformed pouches are loaded manually by an operator into the bag magazine in the front of the automatic pouch filling machine. The bags are conveyed to the machine by a bag feeding roller.
2. BAG GRIPPING- When a bag is detected by a proximity sensor, a vacuum bag loader picks up the pouch and transfers it to a set of grippers, which will hold the bag as it travels around the rotary unit to different stations.
3. OPTIONAL PRINTING- If printing or embossing is desired, that equipment will be placed at this station. Pouch filling machines can utilize both thermal and inkjet printers. The printer can place desired date codes on the pouches. The printing option places raised date codes into the bag seal.
4. ZIPPER OR BAG OPENING & DETECTION- If the bag has a zipper reclosure, a vacuum suction pad opens the lower part of the preformed pouch and opening jaws catch the top side of the bag. The opening jaws separate outward to open the top of the bag and the premade pouch is inflated by an air blower.
5. BAG FILLING- Product is dropped down a bag funnel into the bag, usually by a multi-head scale. For powder products, an auger filler is used. In the case of liquid pouch filling machines, product is pumped into the bag by a liquid filler with a nozzle. Options at the filling station includes: a. gas flush b. dust collection
6. BAG SEALING AND DEFLATION- A hot seal bar closes on the upper part of the pouch. Remaining air is squeezed out of the bag by two deflator components before sealing occurs.
7. COOLING AND DISCHARGE- A cooling bar passes over the seal to strengthen and flatten it. The finished bag is then discharged into a receptacle or onto a conveyor and can be transported to downline equipment like check weighers, x-ray machines, case packing, or carton packing equipment.