The Complete Guide to Pouch Packaging Machines

08 Sep.,2023

 

If you’re thinking of investing in pouch packaging machines, you’re on the right track – this is a trend that’s catching on throughout our industry.

Pouch packaging machines come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one common goal: to package your product in a pouch.

But what are the benefits of pouch packaging?

how do these pouch packaging machines work?

And What are the different types of packaging machines?

This blog post will answer all of those questions and more. So whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced pro, read on for a closer look at how pouch packaging machines.

The Benefits of Pouch Packaging Machines

Pouch packaging is a unique and increasingly popular option for product packaging. 

When you factor in all the benefits – from shelf appeal to sustainability – it’s easy to see how pouch packaging can be well worth the investment. 

Not to mention, the market for pouch packaging is growing at a rapid pace, so now is the time to get on board.

Enhanced Efficiency

Auto-bagging machines can automate many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks associated with packing products into bags, such as measuring and filling bags with the correct amount of product.

This not only saves time and labor costs but also helps to improve product quality by ensuring that each bag contains the correct amount of product.

Less waste

By automating the packaging process, businesses can more accurately control the amount of product that is dispensed into each pouch.

This helps to reduce product waste, as well as the cost of packaging materials.

Additionally, automated packaging machines can be programmed to stop filling pouches when they reach a certain weight.

This helps to ensure that each pouch is filled with the correct amount of product, further reducing waste.

Protect product

By automating the pouch packaging process, businesses can reduce the chances of products being damaged or contaminated. 

Product safety is always a top priority for businesses.

That’s why pouch packaging machines are such a valuable tool. 

Customizable

Customize the Automatic Bagging Machines mainly to the production line requirement.

The pouch packaging machine allows you to customize the coloring and size of the bags and preprinted styles.

Also suitable to be used with different packaging materials, the Automatic Bagging Machines are perfect for any business type.

Customize now and get your perfect packing today!

What types of pouch packing machines and what do they do?

Pouch packing machines are automatic packing equipment.

They are designed to enclose products in a bag or pouch. The pouch packing machine can handle a variety of different pouch sizes and types, as well as packaging a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Depending on the bag forming methods, there are two main types of pouch packaging machines: premade pouch packing machines and form fill seal machines.

Rotary Pouch Machine VFFS Packing Machine

A premade pouch packing machine is a pouch packaging machine that is used to package products that are already in a pouch.  

Upon arrival at your facility, the pouch is already formed into the shape of a bag.

Form fill seal machines, on the other hand, are used to create pouches from a roll of film. The roll of film could be made up of composite plastic film, single PE film, or paper.

Both types of pouch packaging machines have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the right machine for the product being packaged.

You can use a pouch packaging machine to package products that are solid, liquid, or a combination of the two.

They come in a variety of sizes and can be used to package a wide variety of products.

Common method to seal pouches

Pouch packaging machines use a variety of methods to fill and seal pouches.

The most common method is heat sealing, which uses heat to weld the pouch shut.

Other pouch packaging machines may use ultrasonic sealing, which uses sound waves to weld the pouch shut, or adhesive sealing, which uses an adhesive to seal the pouch shut.

How does the Premade Machine work?

Premade pouch filling machines are used to fill ready-made pouches with various products.

They can be custom-designed to accommodate specific product types such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics.

These pouch packaging machines are designed to automatically feed and pick up pouches, code them, open them, fill them with the product, and then seal and output them.

Giving Bag

When loading bags into a premade pouch packaging machine, it is important to ensure that the bags are loaded correctly.

The already-made bags are usually loaded into a bag magazine at the front of the machine.

And the operators can feed the bags easily when the magazine is in the down position.

When the magazine moves up, the mechanical arm with two vacuum caps will take the bag up and transmit it to the sealing mechanism.

The bags should then be sealed shut.

The date printing process is important for businesses to ensure that their products are properly packaged and coded for expiration dates and other important information.

Pouch fill and seal machines can utilize both thermal and inkjet printers.

The printer can place desired dates and codes on the front or back of the pouch.

Bag opening and  Detection

The opening and detection process in a premade pouch packaging machine is important in order to ensure that the product is packaged correctly.

The suction cup on this machine opens up the premade pouch, but it also needs some help from air sprayed from the upper nozzle.

Detection would be carried out to determine if there is a packaging bag and whether it has been opened.

The premade pouch machine will not feed if there is no packaging bag or if there is no opening for the packaging bag.

Filling

The filling process begins when the product is placed in a hopper at the top of the machine.

We can configure different fillers to complete delivery. For instance, a multi-head scale drops the product into the bag through a bag funnel.

While augers are used to fill powder products. For liquid products, the liquid filler with a nozzle would be integrated to pump the product into the bag.

Filling stations offer the following options:

Gas flush. The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) process happens by blasting gas-like nitrogen into the bag and displacing the oxygen within.

Dust collection. The dust hood that collects airborne particles can be placed above the filling station for dusty or messy products.

Deflation and Sealing

The process of deflation is when you remove the air from a pouch. This is done so that the product will stay fresh and not be exposed to the air.

The remaining air is squeezed out of the bag by two deflator components before sealing occurs.

Then, a hot seal bar seals the pouch shut.

The hot seal bar is a crucial part of the pouch-sealing process.

By applying heat, pressure, and time, the hot seal bar makes the sealant layers of the premade pouch bond together, creating a strong seam.

As a result, your product can stay safe and secure during transport and storage.

Cooling & Discharge

Cooling is an essential step in the packaging process that preserves the freshness of packaged products.

Cooling the product down quickly, it prevents the product from being exposed to air and losing its freshness.

A cooling bar helps to strengthen and flatten the seal, making it more durable and long-lasting.

The finished product is then discharged from the packaging machine and can be transported to downline equipment like check weighers, x-ray machines, case packing, or carton packing equipment.

How does the FFS Machine work?

When it comes to packaging, FFS machines provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for a wide range of industries.

These pouch machines use a large roll of film as packing material.

Not only do they form, fill and seal a package on the same machine, but they also do it with high speed and precision.

The whole packaging process is done quickly, either vertically or horizontally.

Film Transport

Film transport is the first key to a successful FFS operation.

FFS packaging machines use a single sheet of film material that is wrapped around a core.

This roll stock film can be made from materials like polyethylene, cellophane laminates, aluminum foil laminates, and paper laminates.

When the FFS packaging machine is running, the film usually comes off of the roll by being pulled off by film transport belts.

As the film transports, the arm moves up and down to keep the tension in the film. This ensures that the film will not move from side to side as it travels.

Printing

Thermal and ink-jet printers are two types of printers that can be installed in a film processing unit.

Thermal printers use heat to print dates, codes, and other information on the film. Ink-jet printers use ink to print graphics, logos, and other designs on film.

Film Positioning

After the film goes through the printer, it travels to the registration photo eye.

The registration photo-eye detects a registration mark on the printed film, and in turn, controls pull-down belts in contact with the film at the forming tube.

This keeps the film positioned correctly so that it will be cut in the right spot.

Next, the film travels to film tracking sensors. These sensors detect the position of the film as it’s traveling through the packaging machine.

If they detect that one edge of the film moves out of normal position, a signal is generated to move an actuator.

This actuator then shifts the entire carriage with Film to one side or another until it is back in its normal position again.

Bag Forming

The pouch machine feeds the film over a cone-shaped tube.

This tube shapes the film into the correct bag size and seals the bottom. 

The film goes into a tube and is folded around it. So that the two outer edges of the film are overlapping each other. This is the beginning of making a bag.

The type of seal will depend on what kind of tube is being used.

A lap seal overlaps the two outer edges of the film to create a flat seal, while a fin seal marries the insides of the two outer edges of the film to create a seal that sticks out, like a fin.

A lap seal is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing and uses less material than a fin seal.

Bag Filling and Sealing

The bag filling and sealing process is a key part of any FFS machine operation. In order to ensure that bags are properly sealed and filled, a number of steps must be followed.

  • First, the bag must be formed. Once the bag has been formed, it can then be sealed vertically.
  • Next, After that, a set of heated horizontal sealing jaws join to seal the top of one bag and the bottom of the next.
  • Finally, while the sealing jaws are closed, the product that is being packaged is dropped down the middle of the hollow forming tube and filled into the bag.

By the way, the Vertica Form Fill Seal packing machine is a versatile and essential tool for any business that needs to pack products in a precise and efficient manner.

The filling apparatus like auger filler or multi-head scales on these pouch packing machines are responsible for the correct measurement.

They can release discrete quantities of product to be dropped into each bag.

This ensures that each bag is filled with the correct amount of product and that the packing process is as efficient as possible. 

Finished Bag Conveying

Once the products have been bagged, they need to be collected and organized into cases for shipment.

The machine uses an automated system to grab bags from the conveyor belt and place them into cases.

This helps to speed up the process and ensure that the bags are properly shipped.

Well, the FFS machines are available in both vertical and horizontal configurations, each with its own advantages.

VFFS machines are well-suited for high-speed applications. VFFS machines conserve valuable plant floor space by delivering economical packaging solutions.

While HFFS machines are ideal for packing products like solid, single-item products such as candy bars, bar soaps, etc. As they are easily contained and handled and packaged in a flat, rectangular shape pouch.

Free Pouch Packing Machine Guide

Overall, pouch packaging machines are versatile and essential tools for businesses that need to pack products in a precise and efficient manner.

They offer a number of advantages, including the ability to speed up the packing process, conserve plant floor space, and ensure that products are properly shipped.

If you’re interested in pouch packing machines, our experts can help you learn more about how they can increase the diversity of your operation.

Furthermore, we will assist you in calculating the ROI of investing in a pouch packaging equipment in detail.

Pouch packing machines are a versatile solution for a variety of packaging needs, and they can help you achieve consistent results with every pouch you pack. Ask for a quick quote.

FAQs

What is a pouch packaging machine used for?

These machines are used across numerous industries including food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemical, and more.

The products to be packaged can range from liquids (like sauces, juices, and oils), solids (like candies, nuts, and seeds), powders (like flour, spice mixes, and protein powders), and even pastes (like toothpaste or condiments).

They are especially useful for their efficiency, accuracy, and ability to maintain product freshness and integrity during storage and transport.

What material is used for pouch packaging?

The material used for pouch packaging depends on the product being packed and the required properties of the packaging.
The most commonly used materials include different types of plastic (like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester), aluminum foil, or a combination of these, known as multi-layer films.

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