Ever stopped while having a snack break and thought about how those chips were packed inside that foil pack or how that soda went into that aluminum can? Packaging machinery works behind the scene before products get into grocery stores and reach the consumers. The machines are responsible in packing goods in their individual and distribution packs. The entire process involves a number of machines with specific functions: filling, sealing, grouping, labeling, wrapping, and palletizing. Depending on the nature of the product, other operations are also involved, such as heat sealing.
Filling Machines
Functional filling equipment plays an important role in the packaging operations. It is used in placing products such as liquids, pastes, powders, granules, and more in their containers. The simplest types of filling machines include semi-automatic bench tops to high-speed rotary fillers used in factory lines.
When it comes to liquid products, such as juices, beverages, and liquid cleaners, special filling machines are used. Some of the most common types include piston fillers, pressure fillers, pump fillers, and timed fill gravity systems. These machines come in the form of semi-automatic tabletops and, for bigger production operations, in inline and rotary versions.
Overflow pressure fillers are also used in many production facilities. Pressure filling machines have a tank with a valve designed to keep the storage full. This is done with the help of either a simple float valve or a pump on-and-off switch. The tank is connected to a pump, which is further connected to filling heads that lower down into the bottle when the pump is switched on. As the bottle is filled, the excess liquid moves to the filling head’s second port and then pushed back to the tank.
Other popular forms of packaging machines include peristaltic pumps, siphon fillers, auger fillers, and pocket fillers. Learn about the best practices in product packaging.
Choosing Your Packaging Equipment
You have to look into a number of factors when choosing packaging machines. You have to consider your production’s labor requirements and the machine’s technical capability, reliability, and compatibility with your existing packaging line. It also pays to look into ergonomics, worker safety, and energy-efficiency features. Most importantly, your machines should match the standards unique to the industry you are in—such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Packaging machines come in different categories: purchased as standard equipment, custom-made for particular functions, purchased as refurbished and upgraded units, and modified according to in-house engineering department’s specifications. Other than buying units of this packaging machinery, you may also have the choice of leasing it.
Productions heavily rely on packaging machines. These pieces of equipment ensure that products are packed in a safe, fast, and efficient manner. They help make sure that production lines run smoothly while keeping volumes of goods uniform in each container, making sure they are sealed properly and ready for the next stage in the production.
Look for a reliable and licensed packaging machinery dealer. Work with a supplier that provides high-quality equipment and excellent after-sales service. They must be able to help you with maintenance and repairs. Most importantly, they must be willing to tailor their products and services to suit your needs.
