Are you going to invest in pouch packaging machines? Have no idea of how this machine works? Then you are in the right place.
There are different types of pouch packaging available; each type works differently. Although they all are the same about filling and sealing parts, they can operate in other ways, vertically, horizontally, and more.
In this article, I will discuss broadly how different types of pouch packaging machines work. So, let’s get started–
Types Of Pouch Packaging Machines
In this section, I will highlight the main types in detail. Check them out-
Premade Pouch Packaging Machine
The premade pouch packaging machine does not form the pouches. Moreover, it fills ready-made pouches with specific products. The further category of premade pouch packaging machines is subdivided into rotary and horizontal premade pouch packaging machines.
- Rotary Premade Pouch Packaging Machines: In this type of premade pouch packaging machine, the bag is moved along the circular stations using a specialized rotary method to complete filling and sealing. Usually, this layout is capable of making almost 50 pouches per minute.
- Horizontal Premade Pouch Packing Machines: The horizontal premade pouch packing machine uses preformed pouches to fill products in a horizontal direction. Different sorts of products, such as snacks, nuts, flour, and coffee beans, are packaged with this machine as it is excellent for filling powder and granulated products. It uses an automatic pick-and-place mechanism for packaging. More often, premade stand-up pouches, flat bottom pouches, quad seal pouches, and spout pouches are suitable for this packaging machine.
Form Fill Seal Machines
In contrast to pre-made pouch packaging machines, this type of packaging can create pouches by using different kinds of materials and then proceed to further tasks. Primarily, form-fill-seal machines are of two types based on their mechanism of packaging. These are-
- VFFS Machines: Vertical form-fill-seal machine makes and fills pouches within a vertical structure. You can use it for a vast range of applications, including solid and liquid product packaging. There are two types of VFFS machines: pneumatic and servo-driven. The pneumatic machines complete filling and sealing using compressed air and are perfect for small-scale businesses. On the contrary, servo-driven machines use electric motors for the whole process.
- HFFS Machines: Horizontal form fill seal machines form pouches first. Then, it fills and seals those pouches in a horizontal direction. It is preferable for liquid, gel and paste product packaging to limit the risk of leakage. Due to the lower cost of the premade pouch packaging machine, HFFS Machines are popular among manufacturers.
Common Parts Of Pouch Packaging Machines
The intricate layouts of pouch packaging machines consist of some basic units. For instance, filling, sealing, transportation, and control units make a complete pouch packaging machine. Let me explain each unit in detail below.
- Filling System: The primary mechanism of a pouch packaging machine is to fill pouches with specific products, which is carried out by this filling unit. The rate of pouch packaging mainly depends on the filling system. Various types of fillers, including auger fillers, gravity fillers, and piston fillers, are used for different purposes.
- Sealing System: The sealing unit of the pouch packaging machine tightly closes the packages to maintain the quality of the products. It is an essential step before transporting the pouches. Some standard sealing methods are ultrasonic, vacuum, induction, and many more sealing.
- Film Transportation: This unit is responsible for moving the pouches smoothly throughout the whole process. This film transportation system monitors the film’s alignment.
- Control Systems: The control or monitoring unit is an integral part of packaging products because it supervises the complete process. The control system ensures proper filling and sealing and maximum efficiency in manufacturing multiple batches of pouches.
How Do Pouch Packaging Machines Work?
Now, let’s discuss the complete production process of these machines.
How Do Premade Pouch Packaging Machines Work?
Below, I mention the step-by-step process of how the premade pouch packaging machines work–
Bag Loading
In the very first step, you will see that premade pouches are loaded onto the machine, specifically inside the magazine or the hopper. In some machines, a manual pouch loading option is available, and in other machines, an automatic loading option is available. Then, the pouches are carried towards the conveyor by the bag feeding roller.
Printing
The machine’s printer will engrave important information on the pouches using the thermal or inkjet printing method.
Pouch Opening
There is a set of jaws or mechanical grippers in the machine that opens the pouch after gripping it. In the next step, an air blower flows air inside the pouch to inflate it. Sometimes, vacuum suction is also used for this step. Thus, the pouch becomes wide open and instantly ready for further packaging.
Packaging Product
Now, it is time to fill the pouch with an accurate dose of the product. When the pouches reach the filling station, fillers inject products into the pouch. For example, you can use volumetric filler for solid or viscous products, while auger filler is best for powder products. Also, for your liquid product, use a liquid pump.
Pouch Sealing
Here, pouches are sealed using heat, pressure or ultrasound to keep the product secure inside the pouch. The sealing jaws carry out this process on two overlapping sides of the pouch. Extra features like zipper closure or tearing edges are added in this step.
Discharge
Filled and sealed pouches are then cut away and discharged into a collection center like a belt conveyor. This conveyor transports the pouches to further checking or packing centers.
How Do Form Fill Seal Machines Work?
If you want to perform from making pouches to sealing them at once with a single machine, the Form, Fill, and Seal (FFS) machine is the appropriate choice for you. Let’s see how it works in the next section.
Product Feeding
First, place the products you want to pack inside pouches on the conveyor or belt of the machine. The machine will then use sensors or mechanical systems to properly position the product.
Film Feeding
In this step, the machine will form pouches for filling products. So, place a roll of film of your choice on the unwinding roller. For instance, use plastic film, laminated film, or aluminum foil, depending on your packaging needs. Then, the tensioner, along with the servo motor, will pull the movie inside the machine.
Package Forming
Films are then moved to a pouch-forming station. Here, the sealing jaws seal the corners and form a pouch for filling materials.
Product Filling
In the filler station, formed pouches are packed with desired amounts of products. The Vertical Form Fill Seal machine is done longitudinally, and the Horizontal Form Fill Seal machine fills pouches horizontally.
Pouch Sealing
After that, filled pouches are sealed with heat and adhesives. In this step, airtight and sealed pouches are made for distribution.
Cooling
When you are done with the main steps of packaging, cool down your pouches to extend their shelf life. Using the air-blowing device to cool the pouches to complete this step.
Cutting And Discharge
The final step of pouch packaging involves cutting and discharging. After cutting each pouch, it is collected in a detection device and case machine for end-of-line packaging.
Conclusion
Although different pouch packaging works in different ways, their filling and sealing are common parts of all the machines. So, you can easily use pouch packaging machinery for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical businesses.
Therefore, if you want the best pouch packaging machine for your business, contact HonorPack. We offer different types of machines; choose one based on your preferences.
FAQs
Do pouch packaging machines contribute to sustainability?
Pouch packaging machines can contribute to sustainability by minimizing emissions and promoting recyclable materials. These machines enhance efficiency through precise cutting and forming, which lowers resource consumption. Minimum waste throughout the whole production process leads to sustainable practices.
How fast do the pouch packaging machines work?
Depending on factors like pouch size, shape, type of product, and machine speed, the ratio of pouch production varies. For example, pouch packaging machines can make approximately 30-150 pouches each minute. On the other hand, if you use high-speed machines, you will be able to produce around 400 pouches per minute.
Can small-scale food manufacturers use pouch packaging machines?
Yes, both small and large-scale food manufacturers can use pouch packaging machines. As these machines are customizable for every business, small start-ups can use compact pouch packaging machines according to their budget needs.
What is ultrasound sealing in a pouch packaging machine?
Some pouch packaging machines use advanced ultrasonic sealing methods to seal pouches. In this method, ultrasonic waves produce heat for sealing purposes and maintain higher product freshness.
