What is Horizontal packing machine?
The multifunctional horizontal packing machine can perform two or more packaging operations on a single machine. These operations include forming the package, opening the bag, filling, sealing, vacuum drawing, and inflating. Suitable for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, hardware, plastics, and industrial products, this machine can achieve packaging speeds of 40-180 packages per minute.
How does flow packing machine work?
Packaging Process for Horizontal Three-Side (Four-Side) Seal Packaging Machine:
- Step 1: Packaging material is pulled from reel 1 and guided by guide roller 2. It passes through a triangular former 3 and a U-shaped rod 4 to be folded into a U-shaped strip. A photoelectric detection control device 5 monitors and controls the feed of the packaging material based on the printed trademark patterns. The U-shaped folded strip is then thermally sealed by heating device 6, sealing both side edges (and the bottom edge) to form the bag.
- Step 2: A traction feed device 7 performs a reciprocating linear motion to advance the formed bag and packaging material, moving a distance equal to one bag width each time. The cutting device 8 then cuts the material into individual bags, which are then gripped and advanced by a bag-gripping device. At the bag opening station, a bag-opening device vacuums open the bag mouth and blows pressurized air inside to expand it, while the gripping device holds the bag open for smooth filling.
- Step 3: As the bag reaches the filling station, materials are loaded into the bag through a filling funnel. At the shaping station, a shaping device compacts the loose materials inside the bag to facilitate sealing. The gripping device then moves outward to straighten and close the bag mouth at the sealing station, where the bag mouth is sealed. The finished package is then discharged from the machine.
If you’re interested in learning about flow pack packaging, please leave us a comment. Upon receiving your request, we’ll cover it in an upcoming article.
Types of Flow packing machines
Pillow packing machines are generally categorized into top film feed and bottom film feed. Wondering how to choose the appropriate model? Here’s a simple guide:
- Bottom film feed is suitable for packaging loose items with the seal on the top.
- Top film feed is ideal for packaging individual products, with the seal on the bottom. This type is suitable for products that require a tray (like mooncakes) and need to distinguish the front from the back, such as individual bread or cakes.
Based on this, you can further select the appropriate machine model according to the weight and length of the material.
Packing Solution Examples
To choose the right machine for packaging, you need to consider the characteristics of the materials, production scale, the materials used, and the shape and size of the packages. If you are unfamiliar with these aspects, you should consult with the customer manager of your machine manufacturer.
To select the appropriate length for back-seal packaging, use this formula: Film width = Bag width * 2 + 20mm. For example, if you need to package a product with a maximum bag width of 210mm in a back-seal format, you would require a film width of 440mm (210mm * 2 + 20mm). Therefore, you would need a machine model 450. Choose the specific machine based on the method of packaging the material.
For a practical example, consider the packaging of biscuits, lollipops, and cream puffs using a model 250 machine.
- Models 250X & 350X pack biscuits and masks.
- Model 320 packs bubble gum.
- Models 350 & 400 pack biscuits, chocolates, and snacks.
- Models 450 & 600 are used for larger packages.
- Model 720X Servo Packaging Machine is used for instant noodles.
- Model 800 is a high-speed machine designed for packing granulated sugar candies and similar granulated products.
Why do you need flow packing machine for your product?
Why do we use bag packaging? Bag packaging is favored because it is versatile, compact, and occupies minimal space, resulting in lower transportation and recycling costs. Bags are cost-effective, come in a variety of designs, and can accommodate different sizes and types of materials.
Reasons we recommend the pillow packing machine:
- Continuous Operation: A pillow-style automatic packaging machine can operate continuously for 24 hours, saving labor costs and enhancing productivity.
- Advanced Controls: The machine features an advanced PLC control system with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to set parameters like bag length and output, thereby increasing packaging precision.
- Quality Packaging: It produces aesthetically pleasing bags with good packaging effects, ensuring excellent seal quality which enhances product competitiveness in retail markets such as food, cosmetics, and daily necessities.
- Adjustable Size: The adjustable pillow machine can adapt the packaging size based on the product dimensions, reducing material waste and minimizing packaging material use.
- Hygienic Materials: Made from all stainless steel, it meets international standards for food safety and medical packaging, ensuring hygienic conditions during production, suitable for industries with stringent hygiene requirements like food and pharmaceuticals.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial investment in a pillow machine is higher, the increase in productivity and reduction in labor can lead to substantial financial returns in a short period.
Conclusion: The pillow automatic packaging machine combines efficiency, intelligence, and economy, making it an ideal choice to enhance the competitiveness of your production line. It offers non-stop operation, significantly boosting productivity and reducing dependence on labor. Equipped with a state-of-the-art PLC control system and an adjustable bag-making system, it ensures precise packaging and minimal material waste, improving your product’s market appeal with its superior packaging quality and appearance.
Flow Packing Machine Operational Guidelines
If you are flow wrap machine operator,there are certain things you must know:
Setup and Installation: Begin by unloading and setting up the machine, installing the film roll, and adjusting the center sealing position among other settings.
Calibration and Testing: The second step involves testing the machine, starting with the production of empty packages to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Routine Maintenance Procedures: Once the machine is operational, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance and cleaning. Detailed methods for maintenance and cleaning will be discussed later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: If the machine encounters any problems during production, you can refer to the manual for troubleshooting and repairs. We will cover some common issues and their solutions below.
Flow Packing Machine Maintain & Fault Analysis
Once our horizontal flow wrapper is operational, it frequently encounters certain common issues. Here are some typical faults:
- Incorrect Seal Cut Position: This is mainly due to inaccurate positioning of the film during the pulling and feeding process.
- Seal Defects: Contaminants in the middle of the seal interface, and wrinkles or uneven sealing surfaces can occur. These are caused by contamination inside the seal during filling, improper placement or clamping of the film during heat sealing, or incorrect adjustment of the heat sealing parameters.
Maintenance and Repair Methods:
- Before normal production, the machine should be preheated and tested on the intended sealing film.
- Regularly check and clean any residual plastic near the heat sealer. After the heat sealer cools down, wipe it with a cloth or wooden tool dipped in organic solvent.Regularly clean and lubricate the machine to ensure smooth operation.