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

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

Perhaps you've decided to bring your packaging in-house instead of outsourcing.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

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 within which it must operate. Bag types, sizes, and fill weights are prime examples. Some machines cannot accommodate very large bag sizes, while others excel at producing small single-serve packs. Additionally, certain packaging machines may not support more complex bag styles like Doypacks, whereas others can produce virtually any bag type.

It's critical for your packaging equipment manufacturer to know your bag parameters, styles, and target fill weights. This information helps them select the right packaging machine to fit your needs and is essential for choosing auxiliary equipment such as multi-head scales, auger fillers, checkweighers, and conveyors.

2. Describe Your Product in Detail.

When packaging coffee, specify whether it is ground, whole bean, or instant. For powder products, clarify if it is free-flow or non-free-flow. Is your product sticky, wet, dry, or frozen? Will it be filled hot or at room temperature? What is its viscosity or bulk density?

A comprehensive product description that includes quantitative and qualitative data is vital when quoting packaging machinery and related equipment. Each attribute will aid in depicting the product, ensuring the selected equipment is optimal.

The best way to obtain the most accurate proposal is to send product samples to the packaging machine manufacturer for testing. This allows for realistic speed assessments, identifies unexpected issues, and determines the best equipment for your application through thorough testing.

3. Do You Have Ceiling Height or Other Space Restrictions?

Packaging machines require dedicated space in your facility. Vertical form fill seal machines occupy less floor space but require more vertical space, making ceiling height crucial.

When adding a product filler, it is typically placed on top of the machine, consuming additional vertical space. Your packaging OEM should be informed of any space constraints in all dimensions.

4. What is Your Plant Environment?

Does your product require a washdown environment? If cleaning needs involve jets of water or corrosive chemicals, components must meet higher IP ratings. Washdown construction is not standard; thus, you must communicate these needs to your packaging machine manufacturer.

If your plant operates under specific industry regulations, the packaging equipment must be constructed accordingly. These modifications may include sanitary design elements such as angled surfaces, continuous welds, hole coverings, and stainless steel upgrades. Such enhancements usually are not covered in basic machine pricing, underscoring the need for clear communication with your packaging machine manufacturer when requesting proposals.

Is your plant climate-controlled, or do temperatures fluctuate? What is the humidity level? Is it dusty or wet? Environments that are not clean and dry require packaging equipment built to protect against airborne particulates or moisture.

5. Do You Need to Integrate Other Equipment?

If you have existing packaging machinery or ancillary equipment you want to integrate with a new system, your packaging machine manufacturer needs to be made aware.

Often, it is possible to integrate current equipment with the new packaging machine, but this may require additional labor, engineering, and slight modifications to certain machine components. Therefore, this information should be communicated upfront to enable your packaging OEM to provide the most accurate proposal.

Nail Down Every Last Detail Before You Request a Proposal

Are you unsure where to begin with your packaging machine project? Start by downloading our Packaging Equipment Project Scope Planner, which lays out in clear terms every detail your packaging equipment manufacturer will need to provide an accurate quote for your project: