Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS) machines play an important role in the packaging of goods. They are especially important because they increase the speed of filling—which has become a major concern for many food processors as they try to cope with the ever-increasing operational costs and high demands.
VFFS machines are automated heavy machinery that can help you in your packaging assembly line. These machines begin by forming the package and then filling the package with the intended product before they seal it for shipment to stores. Vertical form fill machines work with both dry or liquid goods, and you can use them for any type of packaging and different types of products, from pharmaceuticals to foods.
Vertical form fill seal machines occupy less space on the plant floor than their horizontal counterparts. VFFS machines are often better when you are working with products that can be difficult to handle by hand—such as liquids, grains, chips, and other types of foods.
How to Choose a Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine
To grow your manufacturing company, you need to adapt new technologies. VFFS machines, like those that are designed by Matrix Packaging Machinery, can be of great help, especially in paper and plastic packaging operations. Here are a few tips to follow when purchasing a VFFS machine:
- Choose a VFFS machine that is most appropriate for your top products.
- Seek VFFS machines that require less technical maintenance.
- Analyze the initial cost, quality, and cost of operations.
How a VFFS Machine can Help Improve Operations in your Business
It’s Broadly Deployable
VFFS machines have many benefits and uses. For one, you can use a single VFFS machine to produce a variety of bag shapes. This is possible because of several simple-to-exchange parts, such as forming tubes and forming shoulders.
For instance, chips are often packed in brightly colored, simple, pillow-shaped bags, while fragile or breakable cookies are packed in a transparent, deluxe bag with a block bottom. Both types of bags can be easily produced by the same VFFS machine.
Ability to Use a Wide Variety of Materials
There are several different packaging materials that a VFFS machine can process. However, different products will have their own unique packaging requirements. Salty foods or snacks should remain crispy for as long as possible, screws should never poke through their packaging material, and the coffee aroma should never be lost. Additionally, other than the single-layer used in the packaging materials, lamination should be employed. Each packaging layer has specific functions that are attuned to the product.
Low Operational Costs
One other common factor as to why VFFS machines help in improving operations is the low cost of packaging. These machines enhance packaging speeds for greater throughput per operational hour. Also, when they are well maintained and optimized, they can last a lifetime.
Secure Products in an Airtight Package
One frequent packaging requirement is that products must be secured in air-tight packages. There is an additional protection level that usually occurs in a MAP (Modified Atmosphere Package), where air in the package is exchanged with an inert gas to combat oxidation and extend the product's shelf life.
Has Labeling and Printing Features
Both labelers and printers can also be added to your VFFS machine (either combined or separately). The printer is often used to print the “use by” date for perishable goods or vital information about specific products. On the other hand, a labeler is often used to apply labels on products, and they are pre-printed by the labeler that is automated within the vertical form fill seal machine.
Extras
Other than labels, you can add other extras to the VFFS packaging machine to enhance the packaging process and open aids that will make it possible to reclose the packaging bags much faster.
A vertical form fill seal machine from a reliable manufacturer will provide you with reliability, optimal performance, and quality packaging. These machines have a high value per investment dollar, seamless changeover speeds, and minimal maintenance. Therefore, these machines will eventually pay you back your investment, especially after you automate the whole packaging process. To learn more about how a vertical form fill seal machine can improve operations in your manufacturing business, contact us as soon as possible.
