Whether you’ve been using packaging machinery for a long time already but have plans to start producing a new product, or you’re just getting started and need to plan out the best and most efficient packaging line for your business, it’s always best to discuss the different options with machinery suppliers. Some business owners will opt to purchase the fewest amount of machines, intending to use them for all of their products. While this works, it’s not necessarily as efficient a process as it could be.  Instead, think about purchasing machines that will get your jobs done faster, even if that means purchasing more overall. Having the ability to get things packages more quickly may help in the long run, especially if you end up needing to ramp up production.

If Possible, Don’t Use Just One Machine

Instead of trying to only get one machine to do all of the jobs you need, perhaps consider purchasing used packaging machinery so that you can expand your packaging line without going over your budget. Many first time buyers will choose the machine that works best for their largest bag, which makes sense—buy one machine, and it can handle both the largest bag as well as all of the smaller bags. However, doing this may end up not being the best idea, since while it will be efficient at filling the wider bags, large machines don’t perform as well when filling smaller bags. Also, bigger machines tend to be more expensive. Instead, choose a machine based on the width of the size you most often use. That way, you’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck, and you can always add additional machines later on.

Get Advice from Manufacturers and Suppliers

If you aren’t entirely certain which machines would be best for your production line, or most adaptable to different products, you can always ask machinery suppliers. Ultimately, manufacturers and sellers want you to be satisfied with a purchase, and should be willing to help you find the machine that will most benefit your business. It never hurts to ask the sellers what their recommendations are in terms of which machine will best match up with your current product line as well as, if possible, any future plans for other products you intend to need packaging machinery for.  They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

In the realm of industrial packaging machinery, there are a lot of brands vying for your business.  Thankfully, that simply means you’ve got quite the selection to choose from when buying an industrial scale. Using a high-quality scale is crucial to your bottom line—if scales are inaccurate, your packages could be inconsistent weights and you could be losing valuable product or dealing with unsatisfied customers, depending on whether packages are over- or under-filled. So how do you know which brand and model you should pick?

What Are You Packaging?

The first and perhaps most important thing to consider when choosing a scale is what you’ll be packaging. You will need to find a model that can handle the amount of weight of product you’ll be dealing with. For instance, some machines can handle only a very small amount—up to just eight ounces of product, while other scales can package up to 55 pounds of product at a time in each compartment. Depending on what you’re packaging in your industry, your scale capabilities will obviously be different.  Some companies manufacture weighers that are better suited for certain environments, as well. For instance, if the area you’ll be packaging in is oily or greasy, dusty, or exposed to corrosive chemicals, there will be different weight indicators that you should use.

Are You Considering Refurbished Machines?

There are a lot of benefits to reap from using refurbished machines instead of solely purchasing new. Most obviously is the difference in cost—whether you are looking for one or multiple machines, you can adjust the type of product you can afford by choosing to by a used and refurbished machine. You could perhaps also afford more than one machine, which can significantly increase your company’s output. Another benefit is that when you purchase packaging machinery from a company whose focus is on refurbished machinery, you’re not just getting a good deal, you’re getting a great service and support team—the company focusing on refurbishing products and reselling them will have the knowledge necessary to answer any questions you may have about their products, which is helpful if you’re having trouble deciding. They will be able to help assess your business situation and advise which machine is the most ideal for your use.

When you need quality packaging for your products, you’ve likely looked into vertical form fill seal machines to expedite and streamline the process. Vertical form fill seal machines are meant to package products quickly as well as consistently—in other words, each package is the same weight and each package is sealed as well as the last. When it comes to making a purchase, however, you have a lot of options, both with brand as well as buying used/refurbished or new machines. What’s the best option for your company?

Which Brands Are Best?

You have plenty of options for VFFS machines for your packaging line.  Matrix, Hayssen, Rovema, Triangle, Woodman, as well as several other manufacturers make excellent VFFS machines that would fit in perfectly with your line of work.  Different models allow for different types of speeds of filling and packaging, perfect for different industries. Matrix, one of the leading names in the packaging machinery industry, offers machines that allows bag weights up to 110 pounds, short product drops that are ideal for more delicate products, and speeds up to 300 pieces per minute.  With the range of machines available, you’ll have no trouble finding a vertical form fill seal machine that is ideal for both your product and your industry.

Should You Buy Used or New?

You also have the option to purchase new machines or opt for used/refurbished models.  You may feel reluctant to purchase refurbished machinery for fear that it will not last as long as a new machine. However, refurbished machines are put through a rigorous inspection process to ensure that the next buyer is getting a quality, reliable machine. Purchasing refurbished machines can also mean that you’re buying a product from a company that knows a bit more about the machines—since they have to bring them to excellent condition after being used, they will be able to better explain how to use the machines and answer any questions you might have about them.

Whether you’re ready to make a purchase or just want to know more about vertical form fill seal machines and other packaging equipment, contact High Performance Packaging.

When you’re looking for a new vertical form fill and seal machine for your packaging line, you’ve definitely got a lot of options. If you’re torn between some of the name brands you’ve seen, here is a quick rundown of just a few of the best VFFS packaging machine producers on the map today.

Hayssen

Hayssen is one of the most widely know producers of VFFS baggers. They offer both continuous motion baggers as well as intermittent motion baggers. Continuous motion baggers are designed for high-speed packaging, but intermittent baggers are also very fast, with some models producing up to 120 packages per minute. By comparison, continuous motion baggers can package up to 200 pieces per minute with machines from this maker. Depending on the product you are packaging, Hayssen may have the right kind of machine for your needs, such as models that allow for different bag shapes.

Matrix

Matrix is another well-known name in the packaging industry. Their VFFS machines are ideal for many different applications, but they do provide options that allow for bag weights of up to 110 pounds. This brand is also very fast, with some Matrix VFFS machines offering the possibility of packing up to 300 pieces per minute. Currently, the brand offers a variety of VFFS machines, and should this brand be appealing to you, you will end up with a high-quality, durable machine.

Masipack

Masipack currently offers a range of different models of VFFS machines. Some of their machines are continuous motion, others are automatic or activated by servomotors. They also offer a model that is ideal for 4-side seal packages, caklled the Ultra Sachet. If you’re trying to package heavy materials, they also have models that accommodate for that. Masipack offers machinery that is tailored to somewhat more specific products, so if you are in the business of packaging something a little bit less common than a simple bag, this may be the brand for you.

Rovema

Rovema offers machines that include options for Stabilo Seal, Zipper Reclosure, Peelable Seal, Hole Punch, and Impulse Sealing packages. They offer models that provide features such as vacuums, drawdown belts, and touchscreen integration.

One thing that is consistent about all of these brands is that used or new, their machines are high quality, long-lasting VFFS machines. Depending on the specific product you need packaged, one of these brands may be the right fit for your needs.