Vertical form fill seal (VFFS) packaging machines are a popular solution for packaging products in a variety of industries, and for good reason: They are fast, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that can fit seamlessly into an existing production line.

Are you ready to expand your packaging line? Consider purchasing a new or used VFFS machine.

What Is a VFFS Machine?

VFFS machines are used to package goods—such as fresh or frozen food, household goods, pharmaceuticals, and more—in a production line. These machines automate the packaging process and are capable of filling between 30 and 300 bags per minute, depending on the product, packaging material, and machine capabilities.

How Does a VFFS Machine Work?

Starting with a large roll of film, VFFS machines form a bag shape, fill up the bag with product, and seal the package to prepare it for shipment. Depending on the packaging or product requirements, these packaging machines can also add print to the label, create a hole punch, form a tear notch, or make other changes to the final product.

Let’s explore the VFFS packaging machine process to learn more about how these machines turn a roll of film into a finished, full bag.

Step 1: Film Unwinding

The VFFS process begins with the machine unwinding the roll of packaging film. This material is rolled around a core in a continuous length. When the machine is operating, the film is pulled from the roll via transport belts, sealing jaws, or other methods.

Step 2: Film Guiding & Tension Controlling

Using a combination of sensors and rollers, the film is guided through the machine. As it is pulled, a dancer arm moves up and down to control and maintain tension in the film, which not only helps keep it in the right place but also prevents wrinkling or misalignment.

Step 3: Film Printing

Printing on the film is optional. If printing is desired, the film is guided through the printing unit—usually a thermal or ink-jet printer. Anything from logos and graphics to codes or dates can be printed on the film during this step.

Step 4: Film Tracking & Positioning

After passing under the printer (if needed), the film is pulled past tracking sensors that ensure the film remains in the right position as it moves through the VFFS machine. If, for example, the tracking sensors detect that the film shifts out of position, the entire roller shifts to bring the film back to the correct position.

Step 5: Bag Forming

The film then reaches the forming tube assembly stage, where it is folded around the tube and formed into a bag. The exact size and shape of the bag is determined by the required dimensions of the final product.

Step 6: Vertical Sealing

After creating the tube-shaped bag, the vertical sealing system uses heat or pressure to seal the overlapping edges of the bag together. Two types of seals are common: lap seals, which form a flat seal by overlapping the two outer edges of the film, and fin seals, which connect the insides of the two outer edges to form a fin-like seal that sticks out. Regardless of the type of seal used, the result is a continuous tube made from the film material.

Step 7: Product Filling

Next, the product that is being packaged is dispensed down the middle of the formed tube. Many production lines incorporate a multi-head combination weigher or volumetric filler into the VFFS machine to measure and release the right quantities of product.

Step 8: Horizontal Sealing & Cutting

The horizontal sealing system—a set of heated, horizontal jaws—then separates the individual bags. The jaws come together to cut and seal the bag, simultaneously forming the top seal of one bag and the bottom seal of the next one.

Step 9: Bag Discharging

Finally, the jaws of the horizontal sealing system release the package and the bag is discharged from the VFFS machine, ready to be placed in a receptacle or onto a conveyor belt and transported to further processing or packaging.

5 Key Benefits of Using VFFS Packaging Machines

VFFS packaging machines offer several advantages to production lines, making them an increasingly popular choice for operations across many different industries. Here are a few key benefits of using a VFFS machine.

1. Improved Efficiency & Speed

By handling high volumes of product quickly, VFFS machines can significantly improve the efficiency and speed of the packaging process. Since they eliminate the need for manual bagging, these machines help make production lines more efficient and less time-consuming. Additionally, the increased production output can help operations meet customer demands more effectively.

2. Reduced Costs

VFFS machines not only automate the filling and packaging process, helping to reduce labor costs and downtime, but they also optimize the use of materials, reducing waste and lowering material costs.

These machines can also be fitted with additions like automatic fillers that precisely weigh products, which helps prevent product waste or overfilling—further cutting unnecessary expenses.

3. Improved Product Quality

With precise product measurements, consistent amounts, and high-quality seals, VFFS machines can improve the quality of packaged products as well as increase the shelf life of products and prevent spoilage or contamination.

4. Increased Customer Satisfaction

Thanks to their efficiency, VFFS machines help improve delivery times, increasing customer satisfaction. These machines also are designed to maintain consistent quality as well as optimize the entire packaging process. With fewer errors and faster packaging times, customers are less likely to return packages or complain about delays.

5. Better Versatility & Flexibility

VFFS machines are more versatile and flexible than many other types of packaging machines. They can handle a wide range of packaging materials, from polyethylene to laminates, as well as accommodate different product types, including liquids, solids, powders, granules, and more. Additionally, these machines can incorporate different bag types, sizes, and styles.

That’s why VFFS machines are so popular among operations with diverse product lines.

Buy a New or Used Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine at HP Packaging

At High Performance Packaging, we buy and sell used processing and packaging equipment for many different industries. Our high-quality VFFS machines have been repaired, refurbished, or reconditioned by the experts on our team, giving old equipment new life and making it ready to contribute to your production line.

As a leader in the processing and packaging machinery industry, we are proud to offer used packaging equipment from a wide variety of manufacturers, types, and styles that meets your sanitation and quality standards. Whether you want to replace a machine on your production floor or expand your current product packaging capabilities, HP Packaging can help you find the best packaging equipment for your business.

View our used packaging products or contact us today to learn more about your packaging equipment options.