As a food manufacturer, you have unique challenges to overcome. You’ll have to optimize workflows for mass production while ensuring that every item is safe for consumers. With a premade pouch-filling machine in your facility, meeting these goals becomes much easier.
TDI Packsys has a wide range of automatic filling machines available, but is investing in one the right choice for you? This guide answers important questions regarding equipment costs, maintenance, and applications.
Key Questions To Ask Before Buying
Any reasonable business owner should ask the important questions before investing in a new product or service. For food manufacturers considering a pouch sealing system, these include:
- What kind of pouches will the machine need to handle?
- What is the expected production volume?
- What type of packaging line integration is required?
- What are the long-term goals for automation and scaling?
- How flexible should the machine be for future packaging changes?
It’s crucial to think about factors that will impact your plant in the short and long term. For instance, integrating a new machine with your existing equipment could present upfront challenges. On the other hand, evaluating your business automation goals can help you select a product that will bring you to that milestone.
Assemble several business leaders to discuss these topics. Once you have answers to these questions, the decision-making process becomes much simpler.
Types of Premade Pouch-Filling Machines
Did you know there are several types of premade pouch packaging options? Finding the perfect equipment for your facility ultimately depends on the machine’s type and configuration. Common comparisons to research include:
- Horizontal vs. vertical configurations
- Rotary vs. linear designs
- Fully automatic vs. semi-automatic setups
The configuration matters, not just for your facility’s layout but also for the type of products you distribute. Horizontal configurations are known for their mass production capabilities and can handle solid or oddly shaped items. Vertical configurations tend to work best for packaging liquid or powdered products.
Some machines work on a linear conveyor, which may take up more space in the facility. A rotary pouch filler could help streamline your packaging efforts.
The last major difference in today’s premade pouch-filling machines boils down to automation. Decide whether your facility would benefit from a fully automated device that picks a pouch, fills it, and seals it. Be mindful of potential workflow issues that may stem from a semi-automatic setup.
Determining Materials and Pouch Compatibility
Imagine that a food supplier distributes both candy and baking products. What type of flexible packaging equipment will they need to accommodate their products?
Finding the ideal premade pouch-filling machine largely depends on the type of products leaving the plant. For instance, a vertical configuration might work best for packing powdered baking products like sugar, gelatin, or flour. A horizontal configuration often suits solids, such as pieces of candy.
Narrowing down your search for a machine also requires a closer look at the type of pouches your facility uses. Modern food packing equipment is compatible with a wide range of pouch materials, including:
- Laminated film
- Paper-based containers
- Recyclable materials
The material you use matters in your search for a pouch sealing system. Seal strength and temperature requirements vary by material. Paper-based materials, for example, may not be able to tolerate extreme temperatures, whereas other polymers might withstand the heat.
Do you secure products in pouches with a zipper closure or a spout? New technology also supports those types of containers. Opt for a fully automated system, and you’ll be able to effortlessly package products into convenient, eco-friendly containers.
Exploring Machine Designs, Features, and Customization Options
Food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers may offer a robust line of products, all in different shapes and sizes. By investing in a high-quality premade pouch-filling machine, your plant can easily adapt to these changes. Advanced technology enables you to customize your filling and sealing measures with ease.
The equipment may include vital features such as the following:
- Adjustable filling heads: Alter the amount of product that pours into a pouch with customized filling heads.
- Changeable parts: Adaptability is seamless thanks to various changeable parts for your equipment.
- Modular designs: Promote business growth with a modular design that your team can adjust to fit your changing needs.
- Nitrogen flushing: Suck unnecessary oxygen out of your filled pouches and replace it with nitrogen for a tighter seal.
- Date coding: Your packaging system can swiftly print date codes onto each pouch so they’re ready for transport.
- Weighing systems: Machines can accurately weigh products to avoid over- or under-filling them.
What About the Machine’s Maintenance Requirements and Longevity?
Ensuring safety and quality is paramount in the food industry. So, how can you keep your premade pouch-filling machine up to the highest standards? It will require some basic care and maintenance.
When researching equipment, ask suppliers about cleaning procedures. You’ll have to regularly sanitize the machine to prevent cross-contamination and other health issues. Make sure you select an accessible product that makes cleanup time a breeze for your staff.
Along with frequent cleaning, you’ll have to care for your packaging machine by performing regular maintenance. Routine servicing is necessary for extending the product’s lifespan, but it will lead to downtime. Ask various manufacturers how often their devices need servicing and the amount of downtime that comes with it.
You can diligently clean and maintain a premade pouch-filling machine. However, equipment could malfunction at any time, leaving you scrambling for answers. A key part of your decision should be whether a supplier offers technical support.
A manufacturer may not keep replacement parts on hand. When something goes wrong, you’re left waiting for repairs while your operations suffer as a result. Partner with an installer who is always available for technical support and helps fix sudden malfunctions.
Evaluating the Cost and Return on Investment
Incorporating a premade pouch-filling machine into your supply chain is no small investment. How can you tell if it’s a worthy one? You have to look beyond the initial price tag and think about the long-term return on investment.
To fully evaluate the investment, experts recommend the following tips:
- Determine the total cost: Calculate the sum of the equipment plus any required training or maintenance costs.
- Assess contingencies: What if the machine breaks shortly after you install it? Factor manufacturer warranties and return policies into your evaluation.
- Discover projected savings: Your return on investment hinges on whether the equipment improves your operational efficiency. Calculate your current labor and throughput and compare it with the machine’s capabilities.
By taking the time to figure out the costs and potential savings, you can feel confident in your decision.
Don’t Forget Application-Specific Considerations
Finding the ideal machine for your facility ultimately comes down to your specific operations. Do you need to package solid food items like nuts or candy, or does your plant produce powdered or liquid items? Will the items need to stay at a certain temperature for safety and viability?
You may even have to consider the fragility of your items and how to package them without any damage. Other special considerations include:
- Allergen separation: Prioritize consumer safety by keeping certain allergens out of your production line with the help of your automated packaging system.
- Vacuum sealing: Tightly seal each pouch for optimal freshness and space-saving benefits.
- Multi-compartment pouches: Perhaps your item comes in packaging with more than one pouch. The right machine can fill all of them.
Once you narrow down the most important aspects of your food production line, you can select equipment that meets your needs.
Enhance Your Food Packaging Facility With TDI Packsys
Adding a premade pouch-filling machine to your manufacturing plant can have a significant impact on workflows and business growth. Find your ideal equipment with the help of TDI Packsys. Explore our products online or call (877) 834-6750 to learn more.
