Stick Pack Machines

Vertical pouch machines can be used to make from a web of film on a roll which is formed into the pouch. Vertical pouch machines are used for many applications and the types of products filled continues to grow. In stores today you will see liquids, powders, food, candy, detergent, pods, nutraceutical products, energy shots, proteins and more packaged in pouches.

Vertical pouch machines require additional equipment to complete the task, and additional equipment normally employed to develop a turnkey automated packaging system are listed below.

Vertical Stick Pack Machines

Vertical stick pack filling machines use web of film on a roll to form into the pouch. Stick pack machines are used for many applications and the types of products filled continues to grow. In stores today you will see liquids, powders, nutraceutical products, energy shots, and more packaged in stick packs.

Stick pack machines are specialized packaging machines designed to create long, narrow packages, typically used for single-serving portions of powders, granules, liquids, creams and other small portion products. These machines are known for their efficiency in producing stick packs—sleek, tubular pouches that are ideal for products like sugar, seasoning mixes, energy powders, or liquid concentrates. Because the pouches are small the option to create many pouches per cycle is possible. Stick pack machines require additional equipment to complete the task, and additional equipment normally employed for a turnkey automated packaging system are listed below.

Film Feed: A roll of packaging film is unwound and fed into the machine. The film is usually a composite of materials like plastic, foil, or paper, chosen based on the product’s needs and shelf life requirements.

Forming: The film is shaped into a long, narrow tube that will eventually become the stick pack.

Filling: The product is inserted into the tube of film. The filling mechanism is tailored to the type of product being packaged—whether it’s a powder, granule, or liquid.

Sealing: The tube is sealed on three sides—typically through heat sealing or cold sealing—ensuring that the product is contained within the stick pack.

Cutting: The sealed tube is cut into individual stick packs of the desired length.

Types of Stick Pack Machines

Single Lane Stick Pack Machines

Operation: These machines form and fill the stick packs with each form, fill and seal cycle of the machine. The film is fed vertically, and the product is inserted into the vertical film tube.

Advantages: Suitable for products that need to be oriented in a specific way or for situations where space is a concern.

Multi-Lane Stick Pack Machines

Operation: These machines produce multiple stick packs simultaneously by using multiple lanes or tubes.

Advantages: Increases production speed and efficiency, making them ideal for high-volume operations.

Key Considerations

• Product Type: The machine must be compatible with the type of product being packaged—powders, granules, or liquids. The filling system should be appropriate for the product’s characteristics (e.g., bulk density for powders or viscosity for liquids).
• Package Size and Shape: Stick pack machines can be adjusted to produce various stick pack lengths and widths. Customization options may be available to meet specific requirements.
• Speed and Output: Consider the required production speed and whether the machine needs to integrate with other systems in your production line.
• Film Material: The choice of film material affects the package’s durability, appearance, and sealing properties. The film should be chosen based on the product’s shelf life and protection needs.

• Integration Partner Selection: Finding the right integration partner is a key to success for your packaging automation project. Right Stuff Equipment will help you with the right solution. info@rightstuffequipment.com  303-327-4704.

Integrated pouch equipment packaging will normally incorporate additional equipment to create a turn-key packaging line. Right Stuff Equipment can provide the turnkey system for your facility. Email or call us at 303-327-4704.

Marking and Coding: Incorporated into the filler or executed immediately after the filler to track lot numbers, batch codes and expiration dated. Also used increasingly for track and trace requirements that are becoming more popular. A variety of coding options are available. CIJ, Thermal Transfer, HP, Dot Matrix, Hot Wax, Labeling and Embossing all have their place in packaging automation to identify and code products. Right Stuff Equipment will help you identify the right identification system for your application.

Inspection: These can include metal detection, check weigh, X-ray or vision to identify products or packaging that does not meet quality standards. Many of the larger retailers are requiring X-ray inspection for food products. A letter from Costco is a prominent example.

Structures: Many flexible film automated packaging systems will require a structure of some type. Machine stands, platforms and mezzanines are common.

Feeders: There are many feeders for flexible film packaging equipment. Auger feeders, bucket elevators, incline conveyors, pneumatic conveyors are all used to deliver the product to the filler that then delivers the right amount of product to the flexible film packaging machine.

Product Fillers: There are many feeders for flexible film packaging equipment. Auger fillers, liquid fillers, scales, counters are common fillers used to deposit the product into the flexible film package.

Cartoning equipment and Case Packing equipment: Usually consists of loading the pieces into cartons or master cases.

Robotic Palletizing: Robots have taken a large part of the palletizing automation market share. The advantages include reliability, performance and competitive pricing.

Considering your options for other robotics? Contact Right Stuff Equipment at 303.327.4704, or Email Us for more information.