Are you looking for a machine that can do the whole process, from shaping bags to filling them? Then, go with a vertical form fill seal machine (VFFS) solution.
This way, you won’t have to bother purchasing pouches of multiple sizes or designs for your industry. Also, the VFFS machine is best for versatility and accurate filling.
Let’s explore in this article what a VFFS machine is and its types, applications, etc–
What Is A Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine?
The vertical form fill seal, or VFFS machine is designed to make pouches from roll film. It is an automatic machine that performs vertically to fill and seal the bags. Also, the machine works with products like granules, liquids, and powder.
Besides, the vertical machine runs fast and fills around 200 pouches each minute. However, this number fluctuates depending on the machine model.
Types Of Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine
Various types are available in the market, each with a unique system. Let’s explore them in more detail.
1. VFFS Intermittent Motion Machine
The intermittent motion machines operate in cycles and stop briefly to process each step and then run again. With the stop-and-go operation, they improve product placement and are perfect for applications requiring high precision.
2. VFFS Continuous Motion Machine
Unlike intermittent motion, continuous motion machines never stop. They have done the whole process in the running. So, these machines will do your filling and sealing process in less time,
3. Based On The Drive System
Pneumatic VFFS Machines
Typically, these machines cut and seal the pouches by using compressed air. They are known for their cost-effectiveness and versatility in handling various product types.
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Servo-Driven VFFS Machines
Unlike pneumatic machines, servo-driven VFFS machines operate with electric motors to cut and seal the bags. Therefore, they have higher speed capacity and are ideal for large production.
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4. Based On The Filling System:
Auger Filler
Auger filler is a filler process that is ideal for powder items like species, flour, etc. It uses a rotating screw to transport the product from a hopper to the packaging area. Moreover, auger fillers are popular for precise filling measurements.
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Volumetric Cup Filler
Do you have an industry for granule products like brown sugar, nuts, and rice? The volumetric cup filler will be helpful for you then. It measures the products accurately and fills them into pouches, allowing you to adjust the system smoothly when needed.
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Combination Weigher
A combination weigher often comes with different units to measure the product. It can be used to weigh food, snacks, and many other items.
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Piston Filler
Usually, piston filler is used to measure liquid items like milk, sauce, etc. Also, you can use piston filler to pack medical and cosmetics contents.
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Advantages Of Using A VFFS Packaging Machine?
Let’s see some of the crucial benefits of the VFFS packaging machine here-
- Improved Efficiency: The VFFS machines increase the speed of the process and overall productivity. Therefore, they can pack hundreds of bags in a minute. As these machines are automated, they reduce downtime and labor costs. Importantly, VFFS is essential in packaging food items and maintaining the quality of the product.
- Versatile Packaging Solutions: This packaging machine can hold several types of products in different bag types, such as pillow, gusset, flat, etc. It also handles different material pouches, from plastic to laminated. So, if you have a diverse production industry, you will undoubtedly benefit most.
- Cost-effective: Along with saving labor costs, the VFFS machine also reduces waste. At the same time, with these machines, you minimize product loss, as they offer errorless filling.
- Branding: The VFFS machine’s printing features can help you promote your brand. More specifically, print your brand information, like your brand name or logo, on the package.
- Space Efficiency: Do you have limited space in your manufacturing area? Don’t worry! Unlike other packaging machines, VFFS takes up less space.
- Ensure Product Safety: The VFFS machine ensures product safety by providing an airtight seal. Because of the tight sealing, oxygen and moisture can’t attack the product inside pouches. This is particularly necessary for food and other industries where mold can damage the products.
Drawbacks Of Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine
- VFFS machines are more expensive than other packaging machines.
- Required training for new users to operate the machine.
Equipment Of Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine
Here, I have mentioned some key components of VFFS machines. Those make the machine easy to operate and perform–
- Film Delivery System: This system maintains a continuous supply of packaging film. It unrolls the film, aligns it correctly, and is free from wrinkles. Also, the system keeps consistent tension and feeds the film into the machine for further processing.
- Forming Tube: With this component, VFFS machines shape the flat film into a tubular form. It gives the pouches a perfect shape and design.
- Filling: The filling system deposits the product into the formed pouch. Based on the product, it can be equipped with various fillers, such as volumetric, weight-based, or auger. This system ensures precise and consistent filling volumes.
- Sealing: The VFFS machine often uses heat, pressure, and ultrasonic methods to bond the film layers together. It ensures airtight seals for security and keeps the product fresh.
- Cutting: The cutting system separates pouches from the continuous film. It uses blades or knives to make precise cuts along predetermined lines, ensuring uniform pouch sizes.
- Other Items: VFFS also comes with a printer. Using it, you can print ingredients on your package. Often, these machines have zip-lock features and gas flush options.
How Does A Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine Work?
The VFFS machine starts by forming the film into pouches. After that, it moves the bag to the next station, where it fills the bag with products. Then, it cuts and seals the package before discharging the bag. However, to learn the whole process step by step, read How Do Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Packaging Machines Work? Step-by-Step Process.
Applications Of Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine
Let’s take a look at the common uses of VFFS machines in the below section-
- Food Industry: From frozen food, coffee, and snacks to bakery items, VFFS machines hold a wide range of products. They also extend food shelf life by preventing mold, so they keep food items fresh for days to months.
- Personal Care and Cosmetics: The VFFS can store lotion, powder, cream, and many other cosmetics. This is because the machine can handle several-size bags and has a proper filling and sealing system.
- Pet Food Industry: VFFS machines are often used to package cats, dogs, and other pet foods. They maintain product quality by reducing oxygen consumption.
- Industrial Goods: In addition to food and cosmetics, the VFFS machines can be used for detergents and construction surface packaging. Their flexibility makes the machines ideal for different products and bags.
- Medical Devices: These devices can also pack syringes, medicine, and other pharmaceutical items. They ensure product quality and safety.
What Pouch Styles Can VFFS Be Formed?
VFFS machines can work with several pouch styles, a few of them are–
- Pillow Bag: As the name suggests, these bags are pillow-shaped. They usually have a top and bottle seal, and their backside is sealed, making them easy to open. For their unique shape, they are also known as t-seal pouches.
- Gusset Bag: Often, a gusset bag comes with a side and bottom gusset to make more room for products. This feature makes them stand still on the shelves. So the customer notices the package and boosts sales.
- 3-sided Seal Bag: VFFS machines also work with a 3-sided seal bag. Typically, these pouches are sealed on two sides and the bottom. They left the top open so it would be easy to tear up. If you want to pack a small amount, use a three-sided sealed bag.
- 4-sided Seal Bag: These bag types are ideal for single-serve products. With four-sided seals, they become flat and can store tiny products, making them easy to carry.
- Stick Pack: With long and narrow shapes, they hold powder and liquid contents. These stick packs are perfect for sample and single-serve use.
Choosing The Right VFFS Machine For Your Business
You can choose the suitable VFFS device for your business considering a few factors mentioned below-
Product Types
Whether you have an industry for liquid, granule, or powder products, check that the machine can handle those products before purchasing one. Although the VFFS machine can also handle different materials, like plastic, foil, and even paper, it’s always best to ensure configuration.
Packaging Speed
Based on the model, these machines can fill bags ranging from 10 to 200 each minute. Depending on the demands of your business, choose between continuous or intermittent, multi-lane packaging or multi-packing machine.
Machine Size and Footprint
While selecting a VFFS machine, consider the space in your factory. For instance, the machine’s size and footprint must comfortably fit within your production area. Typically, the larger the packaging bag, the larger the VFFS machine will be, considering the height and footprint of the different lifting, weighing, and filling auxiliary machines.
Operator Skill Level
VFFS machines are easy to operate, whether you are a first-time operator or an experienced expert, I am sure you will easy to operate a VFFS machine according to the operator’s manual and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Find a Reliable Manufacturer or Supplier
Finally, finding a reliable manufacturer or supplier is significant. They not only offer quality products but also ensure consumer support. Choose HonorPack to get high-quality VFFS machines.
Identifying And Troubleshooting Common VFFS Machine Problems
Let’s take a look at some of the problems and troubleshoot ideas of the VFFS machine-
- Film Tracking Issues: Film tracing problems are often caused by the machine’s worn rollers, unaligned film, and improper tension.
Solution: You should check the film and inspect the tension control. If you find any problems in these systems, fix them quickly.
- Irregular Bag Lengths: Irregular bag lengths can result from inconsistent film feed or sensor malfunctions. The main causes are worn drive belts, incorrect sensor calibration, or film slippage.
Solution: Inspect the drive belts for wear; if the belts are the problem, replace them immediately. Also, recalibrate the sensors and ensure the film is feeding consistently without slipping.
- Machine Downtime: VFFS downtime can result from mechanical failures, electrical issues, or improper maintenance. It will minimize your productivity.
Solution: This problem can be avoided by regularly examining and servicing critical components like motors, belts, and sensors.
- Product Getting Caught in Seals: Does your VFFS machine often get its product caught in seals? This can be annoying when packaging, right? Products are usually caught in seals due to overfilling, improper timing, or product buildup.
Solution: You must check and adjust the filling mechanism timing settings and ensure the sealing jaws are clean.
- Poor Seal Integrity: This problem in VFFS machines can lead to leaks and compromised product safety. Incorrect sealing temperatures, dirty sealing jaws, and misaligned films are common causes of poor seal integrity.
Solution: Examine the temperature settings, clean the sealing components, and check the film is aligned correctly.
Conclusion
Still confused about VFFS machines and whether you should buy them? Well, let me clarify again: VFFS machines are among the most reliable machines for your industry, as they can help you to make several pouch styles and handle a wide range of products. It also ensures airtight seals, prevents products from mold, and keeps them fresh.
To get the best VFFS machine, contact HonorPack now.
FAQs
What is the principle of the form fill seal machine?
The principle of the form fill seal machine is to create the bag from the film into different sizes and shapes. Then, it fills the pouches with products and finally seals. Often, some machines come with features like print and weighing the amount of the product.
What is the difference between hffs machines and vertical form fill seal machines?
The critical difference between these two machines is their operating system. For instance, horizontal form fill seal machines package products lying horizontally. On the other hand, vertical or VFFS machines work vertically, which is best for packing grains and liquid contents.
Can I pair my VFFS machine with just any film?
No, unfortunately, you can’t pair your VFFS machine with just any film. The film must be compatible with the machine’s sealing mechanisms, product type, and packaging requirements. If you use the wrong film, it can lead to poor seals, product damage, and machine malfunctions.
