Form-fill-seal machines have two main types: horizontal filling and sealing machines (HFFS) and vertical filling and sealing machines (VFFS). Both types have unique features. To accommodate a variety of different products, pick the equipments that suit you best. I will dig into their differences to give you a clearer understanding of them.
Understanding VFFS vs HFFS
VFFS machines, known as vertical form fill seal machines, produce packages in a vertical system. First, form a tube from flat film, moving downwards, filling it with intended material, and then sealing it. They need less investment. On the other hand, HFFS machines, or horizontal form fill seal machines, make packages by forming a pouch from a flat roll of film, filling it with the material, and sealing it. You can put the product between two films, then seal the ends of packs when they moving on the conveyor belt. They can produce better quality and more complex packaging bags.
Key differences between VFFS and HFFS
Packaging process
VFFS machines work vertically, with the packaging film being fed downwards.
- It works by pulling a roll of film which is a continuous web of flexible heat seal material through a tube.
- Sealing the tube at the bottom to form a bag.
- Fill the measured material into the bag.
- Then seal the bag on the top, which forms the bottom of the next bag. The whole process is ongoing.
- Finally, the bottom of the bag is sealed and cut into individual packages, which are then outputted by conveyor belt.
HFFS machines work horizontally, with the packaging film being fed horizontally.
- The film continuously passes through the forming device to form a tube.
- Materials are filled through the weighing and feeding system.
- According to the set bag length, the longitudinal seam is sealed by rotating fin seal wheels.
- Cut into individual packages and output by conveyor belt.
Speed
Generally speaking, the HFFS machines share a higher velocity than the VFFS machines, especially for small size pouches. This makes them especially well-suited for high-volume applications. Technically speaking， the Servo drives allow HFFS machines to remain precise at high speeds. For instance, high-speed HFFS machines can produce 300 pouches every minute. In contrast, the VFFS machines can produce around 50-70 pouches every minute. Now you can see an HFFS machine’s efficiency intuitively. But it should be based on the machine’s specifications in the end.
Cost
HFFS machines need higher initial investment. Generally, the cost of HFFS machine ranges from USD 4500 to USD 140000 or more. While the cost of a VFFS machine ranges from USD3000 to USD90000 or more. Both kinds of machines have problems periodically.
Similar to mechanical component wear, the film may not align correctly and the product may get trapped in the seal. The HFFS machine is generally bigger and more complicated than the VFFS machine. It requires regular inspection and maintenance more often. So it requires a higher maintenance cost.
Footprint
Apparently the horizontal layout occupy more footprint. Also considering the complicity of its system. HFFS machines tend to need more space than VFFS machines. If you want to purchase one of them, you need to prepare a large floor space first.
HFFS Machine
| Length | Width | Height |
| 3-10meters | 1-3meters | 1.5-2.5meters |
VFFS Machine
| Length | Width | Height |
| 1-2meters | 1-1.5meters | 2-3.5meters |
Fitness for Products
HFFS machine can pack a wide range of products. One of its features is HFFS machines are more suitable for single solid goods or the products that are sensitive, have complicated shapes, and need to be processed exquisitely. Like bakery products, cereal bars, preformed containers.
Vertical machines are ideal for products with varying consistencies and those that are challenging to handle manually. On the other hand, VFFS machines are particularly suitable for powder, liquid, sticky, doughy, or granular products. Like candies, coffee, sugar, flour, rice, chips, nuts, spices, and protein powders.
The Usage of Material
Because of HFFS machines’s horizontal fill and seal method, it can control the amount of packaging material used more precisely. They often utilize single-layer materials, which are easier to recycle. Their systems are more accurate, they can use the film more effectively, and have less material waste than VFFS machines. What’s more, HFFS bags usually weigh less, which can reduce transit costs.
Packaging Styles
Speaking of packaging styles, VFFS machines are more used to produce pillow bag style or gusseted packages. In contrast, HFFS machines produce flat, rectangular packages. One of the distinctions between two machines is HFFS machines can make the stand-up pouch for example with zipper, suction nozzle, etc.
Both machines are flexible in packaging, but HFFS machines can handle a wider variety of types and closures. After all, they have a more refined system and more components.VFFS machines are more compact and easier to operate。
Operational complexity
As mentioned earlier, HFFS machines’s body is larger and the constitution is more complex. They have multiple filling stations. Therefore need to pay more attention to operator’s training. In contrast, VFFS machines feature a user-friendly control panel and modular design, making the machines easy to operate.
Conclusion
Both HFFS and VFFS machines are good choices. Based on the above discussion, you can choose according to the characteristics of the two machines. If you need large-scale production, the HFFS machine is a good choice. If your factory is small, you can choose a VFFS machine to make full use of the available space. Of course, you also need to fully consider your budget, product type, product material, and other factors.
