The Complete Guide To Buying Packaging Machinery
The Complete Guide To Buying Packaging Machinery
How To Choose A Packaging Machinery And Materials Supplier:
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When selecting a supplier for your packaging materials and machinery, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and ask yourself key questions. You should evaluate at least three different suppliers and learn about several important dynamics from each of them.
Location
Choosing a packaging machinery supplier located nearby, or one that can easily reach your location, is advisable. This decision can significantly impact your business, especially when you require repairs or emergency services for your equipment. If you opt for a supplier from another country, you may face delays that can hinder your operations. Selecting a supplier with local technicians is always a wise move. For materials, the physical location is less critical, as most supplies can be delivered swiftly.
Technicians
It's essential to select a packaging machine supplier that employs experienced, certified technicians who are professionally trained to work on your packaging equipment. Without the appropriate certifications, you risk damaging your equipment and could incur significant expenses if you rely on non-certified technicians.
Customer Service
Although it may be tempting to source the cheapest packaging materials to save costs, purchasing from a company with poor customer service can negate your anticipated savings. Poor service often translates to lost revenue. Research reviews for each supplier and, if possible, speak to current customers regarding their experiences with the vendor's customer service and whether they would recommend them.
Cost
There is a saying in the packaging industry: "shrink film is shrink film." While some brands may offer flashy marketing at a premium price, numerous less expensive alternatives exist that maintain equal quality. Generally, low-cost films may exhibit lower clarity, while higher-cost films offer superior clarity and appearance. Choosing an inexpensive film may result in a lack of shelf appeal.
Beware of misleading information and exaggerated sales pitches that can blur the lines between reality and illusion. Ultimately, it's best to buy from an honest supplier who offers multiple products at different price points and provides excellent customer service.
Parts
Your machinery's operational frequency will dictate your downtime due to repairs or emergencies. Since time is money, ask potential machine suppliers about lead times, parts availability, and preventive maintenance programs.
Inquire about the average response times for emergency calls; ideally, it should range from 24 to 48 hours.
Which Packaging Materials Should You Use?
Different types of machinery demand various materials and utilize different amounts based on their make and model. For instance, while a manual L-Bar Sealer may appear to have lower upfront costs, your overall costs may increase as automatic sealers typically use less material due to better optimization.
Production quantities must also be considered. An automatic sealer is unsuitable for a small business producing only a few thousand items per week.
Each model is designed with specific maximum and minimum capabilities. The unique requirements of your packaging line should guide your machinery choice. Choosing the right equipment is crucial, as selecting machinery that cannot handle thinner gauge shrink film might lead to higher production costs. Utilizing thinner gauges can yield significant savings.
Conclusion:
Purchasing packaging machinery is a significant investment. Various dynamics in the purchasing process include safety, budget, physical layout, electrical supply, materials, and a range of additional factors.
Begin the buying process by reviewing relevant KPIs, prioritizing safety. Next, complete the packaging machinery pre-investment checklist. Afterward, gather quotes from at least two or three vendors.
Analyze your packaging department by collecting data on your current machinery, manual labor, materials, physical footprint, electrical requirements, production levels, product types, and other vital factors for a safe and effective packaging line.
Thoroughly assessing your packaging line allows you to request quotes from the vendors you're evaluating, ensuring you secure the best deal with each vendor's optimal offerings.
Besides pricing for the machinery, gather information about costs related to service, installation, training, supply, and repairs. Consider requesting a long-term preventative maintenance plan quote, which will help ensure your machinery operates at peak performance while limiting downtime.
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After selecting a vendor, meet with your representative to discuss the machinery offerings. Use this opportunity to inquire about special promotions, rebates, add-ons, leasing versus purchasing, and other factors that could assist you in getting the best deal and plan that meets your budget and packaging line needs.
Lastly, consider scheduling quarterly, biannual, or annual reviews with your chosen vendor's sales representative and maintenance technician to assess data, identify improvements, and optimize efficiency in your packaging line KPIs.
After purchasing and installing your new machinery, training your operators, and finalizing everything, remember to schedule your first review before your representative departs.
If you follow the insights in this guide, you’re likely to choose the best packaging machinery for your department. Additionally, you'll ensure the implementation of optimal materials for your products, providing reassurance that you have established an excellent packaging line for your business.
If some of your questions remain unanswered or if you require content related to your specific needs in purchasing new machinery, please contact us. Your input can assist others in similar positions in the future!
Our dedicated packaging professionals are ready to answer any remaining questions. We invite you to explore our blog, which is filled with useful information, free tools, and quality content to complement this guide.
Lastly, you will find a selection of free tools below to help you in your search for the best packaging machinery for your operation.
All of us at Industrial Packaging wish you success on your journey, and we encourage you to reach out if you need further assistance that this guide did not address.
Questions To Ask When Shopping for Packaging Machinery
You're ready to purchase a new machine for your facility. You’ve contacted a few different manufacturers for more information, but instead of providing answers, they bombard you with question after question of their own. “What’s your budget?” “What kind of products do you need to package?” “Tell us about your facility.”
Why? Because these questions are essential in finding the right piece of equipment that aligns with your needs. Machines aren’t one-size-fits-all, and selecting a machine that isn’t compatible with your products, materials, or facility could lead to complications. Here are some critical questions to ask when shopping for packaging machinery, and be prepared to provide your answers.
The Basics
Some businesses have an unlimited budget, while others operate on a modest one. Some can wait for months for their new machine, while others need immediate delivery. It’s crucial to clarify a few fundamental details before beginning your search for new machinery.
Your budget is one of these essential details. Packaging machinery can vary widely in cost, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. For example, a turntable stretch wrapper typically costs between $9,500 and $17,000, while an automated guided vehicle (AGV) ranges from $100,000 to $150,000. Case packers generally fall between $100,000 and $500,000 in price.
Used machines can be less expensive, but if your budget permits, it's generally better to purchase new machinery. Used machines are more liable to malfunction and have shorter lifespans compared to new ones, as they often lack several quality-of-life (QOL) features. Determine the average cost of the machine you need and set your budget accordingly before you shop.
Timeline is another crucial detail. When do you need your new machine operational? Is there urgency, or can you wait? If you need it quickly, opt for local manufacturers or those promising rapid delivery and assembly.
Your Products
The size, shape, and weight of your products or pallets will significantly impact your choice of the suitable machine. For example, stretch wrapping machines come in various types. Turntable wrappers accommodate most standard-sized, regular-shaped loads. In contrast, rotary arm wrappers suit heavier or lighter loads that are incompatible with turntable wrappers. Horizontal stretch wrappers are used for longer items, such as lumber, doors, windows, carpets, and textiles.
Moreover, the types of materials you use (film, containers, etc.) also matter. Not all machines guarantee compatibility with your chosen materials. Unless you're willing to switch materials, be sure to find machines that can work with your existing supplies.
Your Facility
Ensuring that the machine you select is compatible with your facility is vital. If it’s too heavy, tall, or incompatible with your electrical setup, you won't be able to use it effectively.
The first question to consider is, “How much weight can the floor support?” Most floors can generally support a minimum of 40-50 pounds per square foot. It's important to confirm that your floor can handle the machine's weight to avoid cracking or collapse. Remember, other machines, pallets, boxes, and foot traffic also count towards the total weight.
Another consideration is, “How much space will this machine occupy?” Each machine occupies a certain area; you must verify that there's sufficient room in your facility prior to purchase.
A key measurement that is often overlooked is the machine’s height. If your facility has high ceilings, the height may not pose a problem, but if you have low ceilings, be sure to confirm that any machines you’re considering will fit within that height.
Lastly, check that the machine is compatible with your facility's energy source and electrical specifications. Many machines manufactured overseas have different components than those sourced domestically.
If you choose a machine that is incompatible with your facility’s power supply, you’ll have three potential solutions: purchasing a different machine, buying expensive adapters, or completely overhauling your facility's electrical setup. Each option could be costly!
Maintenance and Repair
Machines are typically reliable if you adhere to regular preventative maintenance. However, machines can surprise you with breakdowns at times.
Fast action is crucial when repairs are necessary to avoid extended downtime and productivity losses. One important question to ask while selecting packaging machinery is how easy it is to source parts for the machine. How accessible are they? What are the manufacturing lead times? How long will delivery take?
Long lead times can cause significant downtime. Generally, older machines or those sourced from overseas are more challenging to find parts for quickly. To minimize downtime, choose a manufacturer capable of producing and shipping parts promptly. Your machine manufacturer should also offer:
- Warranties
- Live technical support
- Maintenance and installation services
- Same-day emergency repairs
- Options for retrofitting and upgrades
The quicker your machines are repaired, the sooner you can resume production. Purchasing from a reliable local manufacturer enhances your machine's utility.
The Manufacturer
Many manufacturers are available. What attributes should you seek in a packaging machinery company? Reputation is crucial. Look for their online reviews and ratings by customers to gauge satisfaction.
Additionally, ensure that the manufacturer offers ample support if your machine malfunctions. A strong selection of high-quality machines is equally important. It’s wise to review the manual for any machines you're considering to evaluate their quality-of-life features.
Robopac USA stands as the world’s largest secondary packaging equipment company and is the premier source for state-of-the-art, high-tech machinery suitable for your facility. We offer case packer machines to streamline the packing process and other machines capable of stretch wrapping, packing, palletizing, erecting, and sealing products. Explore our offerings today or contact us to learn more about our products and services.
The company is the world's best automatic packaging line supplier. We serve as your one-stop shop to meet all your needs. Our highly-specialized staff is ready to assist you in finding the products you require.
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