May 5, 2023
A bagging machine allows manufacturers to package products rapidly, including liquids, powders, and solids. From foodstuffs like tea and rice to cosmetics, bagging products is a reliable packaging process commonly used in major sectors such as the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Given these products' stringent regulatory and health aspects, choosing the perfect equipment can be challenging. In this guide, we'll explore the factors to consider, the types of machines available, and the benefits of automated bagging machinery.
No two businesses are the same — considering these factors, such as the specific needs and requirements of your company, will help you determine the best automatic bagging machine for your operations:
Bagged products come in all shapes, sizes, viscosities, and consistencies — liquid, solids, semi-solids, powders, gels, and creams. Your machine’s design and features will reflect the product type being packaged.
For example, liquid products require a machine with a filling nozzle or spout, while solid products require a machine with a weighing scale or volumetric feeder. Moreover, product characteristics, like viscosity or density, help determine the needed filling mechanism, e.g., horizontal or vertical.
How much product do you want to bag in a given time? The industry standard units are capacity per minute and capacity per bag.
High-volume facilities will naturally require a high filling capacity per minute and bag — and vice versa. But you should also consider the requirements for peak periods. In such cases, having an auto bagging machine that can scale to demand is crucial, especially if your products have a limited shelf life.
For instance, if you experience high demand for a particular product around the holidays, you want to ensure that your auto bagging machine can handle the increased production needs.
Choosing the right packaging depends on your product, regulations, and customer expectations. For example, if you're packaging products for retail, use pre-made bags with a high-quality finish.
Whereas, if you're packaging products for distribution, continuous rolls of packaging material may be suitable. A plastic bagging machine that can efficiently convert the rolls into bags may be a better option.
Sealing is a critical component of freshness. Whether you're bagging foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals, specific sealing methods, including heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, and impulse sealing, are the industry standard.
Heat sealing, for instance, is commonly used for packaging food products, while ultrasonic sealing is used for packaging medical products highlighting the importance of both packaging and food safety.
There are two main ways to place a product in a bag — horizontal or vertical bagging equipment. Both versions have their advantages and disadvantages.
These are typically used for products requiring a high level of customization. They can handle different bag sizes, styles, and packaging materials, including laminated films, polypropylene, and cellophane. These machines are ideal for products with printing or labeling on the bag or products relying on high precision, such as medical devices or electronic components.
These are used for products packaged in pre-made bags or pouches. They handle large quantities of the same size and style of bags, making them ideal for products with consistent packaging requirements, such as coffee, nuts, or pet food. A vertical bagging machine is highly efficient and can quickly handle large volumes of products.
Horizontal and vertical aren't the only types of bagging machinery. With many products, machines are designed to accommodate and handle all packaging requirements.
These machines wrap products in a sealed bag with an air-filled cushion for protection. Flow-wrapping machines are commonly used for packaging food products, such as bread, fruit, and vegetables.
They package small amounts of powder or liquid products into narrow, elongated bags, commonly known as stick packs. Consumables like coffee, sugar, and nutritional supplements use stick-pack machines to form paper pouches.
These are used for products like powders, liquids, and creams. These are sealed in flat packets containing a small amount of the product. A tea bagging machine is also commonly used for this purpose. Condiments, like ketchup and mayonnaise, or toiletries, like shampoo, often rely on sachet packaging.
These machines fill bags with a specific weight of the product. These are used for packaging products such as grains, seeds, and chemicals.
Investing in this kind of machine offers several benefits, including:
Plan IT Packaging's impressive machinery catalog can handle all manner of challenges. Our machines prioritize flexibility, accuracy, and speed, making your packaging process as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Book a consultation with our experts, and they'll discuss your unique needs. We'll find a bagging machine that ticks every box, from the product type to the packaging materials to your label requirements.
Contact us today to get started — we're ready to help!
