Vertical Three Sided Pouch

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.

Three-Sided Pouch Machine

Three-sided pouch machines will start with a roll of film and create a fold on the bottom. They will then seal two edges so product can be inserted from the top before the top seal is completed. Then the pouches are separated once the sides are cut. Videos below show some three-sided pouch machines with one including an automated packaging line.

Three sided pouches are manufactured on both horizontal pouch machines and vertical three-sided pouch machines, but we focus here on the vertical method. Another page describes the horizontal three-sided pouch machine.

Three-sided pouches have a bit more usable space than a four-sided pouch since the bottom is folded and not sealed. Folded three-sided pouches, are a popular type of flexible packaging used for various products. Their design involves folding and sealing three sides of a flat film, creating a pouch with an open top that can be filled with contents. Here are some common uses for these pouches:

Food Packaging: These pouches are widely used for snacks, coffee, pet food, dried fruits, and other food products. Their design helps in preserving freshness and extending shelf life.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: They are also used for packaging beauty products, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care items due to their flexibility and ability to maintain product integrity.

Pharmaceuticals: For packaging medications, supplements, and other healthcare products, these pouches provide a cost-effective and hygienic solution.

Household Products: Cleaning supplies, detergents, and other household products often come in three-side-seal pouches, benefiting from their durability and ease of use.

Industrial and Chemical Products: These pouches are used for packaging various industrial and chemical products, offering protection and ease of handling.

Key Considerations

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.

Integrated three-sided pouch machines 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.