5 Things to Know Before Requesting a Packaging Machine ...

5 Things to Know Before Requesting a Packaging Machine

According to I Bottling, "understanding the scope of application, equipment classification, acceptance technical requirements, and inspection methods is crucial before investing in a packaging machine." This highlights the significance of being well-informed to make a successful investment in a packaging machine. Here are five key factors to consider before requesting a packaging machine for your production needs:

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Maybe you already have multiple packaging lines and are looking to expand to accommodate growth or a new product launch.

Whatever the reason, you've narrowed your selection down to a few packaging machine manufacturers and are ready to start requesting proposals. Here are a few important things to know beforehand to ensure the most accurate equipment recommendations from your OEM.

Unsure where to start? Download our packaging machine project scope worksheet to nail down every last detail for your next equipment purchase. >>

1. What are your bag parameters?

Every packaging machine has constraints in which it must operate. Bag types, sizes, and fill weights are prime examples. Certain machines cannot accommodate very large bag sizes, and others excel at producing small single-serve packs. Some packaging machines may not accommodate more complex bag styles like Doypacks, and others can produce almost any bag type possible.

Either way, one of the most important things your packaging equipment manufacturer must know to accurately quote a machine is your bag parameters, styles, and target fill weights. This not only helps them select the proper packaging machine to best fit your packages, but is also key when selecting ancillary equipment like multi-head scales, auger fillers, checkweighers, and conveying equipment.

Understanding Machine Constraints

Each packaging machine has its unique set of constraints and capabilities. It's crucial to know whether the machine you're considering can handle the type, size, and weight of the bags you need.

2. Describe your product in detail.

If you're packaging coffee, is it ground, whole bean, or instant? If you're packaging a powder product, is it free-flow or non-free-flow? Is your product sticky or wet, dry, frozen? Will it be filled hot or at room temperature? What is its viscosity or bulk density?

A complete product description inclusive of quantitative and qualitative data will make all the difference when quoting packaging machinery and related filling and ancillary equipment, as each attribute will build a better picture of the product and which equipment will provide the best fit.

The very best way to ensure the most accurate proposal is to send product samples to the packaging machine manufacturer for testing. Realistic expectations for speeds can be set, previously unseen issues can be resolved, and the best equipment for your application can be ascertained, all with thorough product testing.

Importance of Product Testing

Sending product samples for testing helps ensure accurate proposals. It allows manufacturers to pinpoint potential issues and determine the best machine settings for your product.

3. Do you have ceiling height or other space restrictions?

Packaging machines require a commitment of space in your facility. Vertical form fill seal machines are built to occupy less floor space and more vertical space, so ceiling height is a major factor.

When adding a product filler, it is usually placed on top of the machine, taking up additional vertical space. Therefore, your packaging OEM must know if you have any space restrictions, in all dimensions.

Space Considerations

Before making any purchases, measure the available space in your facility to ensure the new equipment will fit without any issues.

4. What is your plant environment?

Does your product necessitate a washdown environment? If you need to clean your equipment with jets of water or corrosive chemicals, certain components will need to be built with a higher IP rating to accommodate those specifications. Washdown construction is usually not standard, so be sure to communicate these needs to your packaging machine manufacturer.

Additionally, if your plant environment must meet certain industry regulations, packaging equipment must be constructed to comply. This could include sanitary design modifications like angled surfaces, continuous welds, hole coverings and stainless steel upgrades to some components. Again, this is usually not included in basic machine pricing, so it is very important to communicate these specifics to your packaging machine manufacturer when requesting a proposal.

Is your plant climate-controlled or do temperatures vary? What is the humidity? Is it dusty or wet? Environments that are anything other than clean and dry require packaging equipment that can protect itself against airborne particulates or moisture.

Understanding Your Plant's Environment

The environment of your plant will greatly influence the type of packaging machinery you need. Ensure your machinery can withstand the specific conditions of your workspace.

5. Do you need to integrate other equipment?

If you already have packaging machinery or ancillary pieces at your facility that you would like to integrate with a new system, your packaging machine manufacturer needs to know about it.

Much of the time, it's possible to integrate your current equipment with a new packaging machine, but it requires additional labor, engineering, and may require a slight alteration of certain machine components to accommodate. As such, this needs to be known upfront so the packaging OEM can provide you with the most accurate proposal.

Integration of Existing Equipment

If you have existing machinery you want to integrate, discuss this with your packaging machine manufacturer to ensure compatibility and to avoid unexpected issues.

Nail down every last detail before you request a proposal

Unsure where to start with your packaging machine project? Begin by downloading our Packaging Equipment Project Scope Planner, which will spell out in plain language every detail that your packaging equipment manufacturer will need to know to be able to most accurately quote your project:

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