Vertical Pouch 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 Pillow Pouch

Pillow pouch machines are the most popular style of vertical form fill and seal pouch machines. These are often referred to as VFFS pouch machines. VFFS pouch machines are very versatile and capable of handling many products and packages. Examples of common products made on a VFFS pouch machine include: Snacks, granola, powders, candy, frozen foods, beans, produce, parts, hardware and more. Pouch zippers and Doy style stand up pouches are options, but require special considerations.

The pouches are normally made from a web of film on a roll which is formed into the package. Vertical machines are used in many applications and the types of products filled continues to grow. The types of pouches typically produced using VFFS pouch machines include pillow, gusseted, block bottom and quad seal pouches.

There are basic divisions in the types of VFFS pouch machines produced.

Pneumatic intermittent motion machines operate with air pressure activating many of the functions of the machine including the opening and closing of the jaws. Using air pressure reduces the overall cost of the machines but also limits some of the functionality. Speed, pressure precision, film pull consistency and jaw obstruction functions are some of the limits of pneumatic machines.

Stepper and servo intermittent motion machines use stepper or servo motors to regulate most of the movements in the machine. This allows better control of those motions by controlling the precision of the movements. This ability allows increased overall speed at the same time a improving the consistency of each pouch produced. The maintenance of these machines tends to be less than the pneumatic machines as well resulting in more uptime and improved OEE.

Servo continuous motion machines operate with precise timing between the filler and the VFFS pouch machine. That is because the film pulls on a continuous basis eliminating the start and stop cycle of the film movement. This is an advantage in achieving higher speeds. The product being run should have properties to take advantage of the continuous process. Products that are dense and free flowing are good candidates for continuous machines.

When considering the purchase of a VFFS pouch machine or a turnkey automated pouch line there are some key considerations to review internally and with your integrator.

Product Type: The machine should be suitable for the type of product being packaged, whether it’s powder, liquid, granules, or solids.

Package Size and Shape: VFFS machines can be adjusted to produce various pouch sizes and shapes. Customization options are available for specific packaging needs.

Speed and Efficiency: Consider the required production speed and whether the machine needs to integrate with other systems in the production line.

Film Material: The choice of film material affects the package’s durability, appearance, and sealing properties. The film should be selected based on the product’s requirements and shelf life.

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.

A typical automated pouch packaging line with a VFFS pouch machine is shown below and some of the additional equipment before and after the pouch machine are noted below. An experienced integrator can help you select the right packaging equipment to deliver a balanced line right for your needs.

Pillow Pouch Packaging Automation

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 RSE at 303.327.4704, or Email Us for more information.