5 VFFS Machine Questions

Transcription

1 November, VFFS Machine Questions What to ask when purchasing Vertical Form Fill Seal Packaging Machinery 5 VFFS Machine Questions November,

2 Contents 1 Introduction 2 Question 1 How is the machine constructed? 4 Question 2 How easy is it to operate the machine? 5 Question 3 Can multiple SKUs be packaged on one machine? 6 Question 4 How durable are machine components? 8 Question 5 How is the machine controlled? 9 About Viking Masek 2 5 VFFS Machine Questions November, 2017

3 Introduction Vertical form fill seal (VFFS) packaging is a flexible packaging method in which a specialized machine takes a large roll of film, forms it into a bag shape, fills the bag with product, & seals it at high speeds. There are many great benefits with a VFFS Machine. VFFS machines offer many benefits including: Speed VFFS machines are capable of packaging at speeds of up to 300 bpm, depending on the size of the package and its contents. ROI Vertical Form Fill Seal machines use rollstock film to create the package rather than premade pouches purchased from another manufacturer. This material is often less expensive on a per-bag basis than ordering premade pouches. VFFS machines also provide ROI by greatly increasing the number of packages that can be filled per minute, compared to other methods of packaging. Output VFFS machines can package at very high speeds using large rolls of film. This allows manufacturers to implement longer packaging runs at higher speeds with fewer interruptions than a premade pouch machine. If you re considering a Vertical Form Fill Seal machine, there are some key aspects of the machine that should be evaluated to ensure you choose the best machine to meet your needs. 5 VFFS Machine Questions November,

4 Question 1 How is the machine constructed? 2 5 VFFS Machine Questions November, 2017

5 The best VFFS packaging machines feature welded stainless steel frames and contact parts. Stainless steel construction provides many advantages. It has a high strength-to-weight advantage, making it uniquely resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and high heat at a reduced thickness as compared to other materials. Stainless steel packaging machines are suitable for nearly any industry and facility. Other construction materials such as iron or specialty alloys simply cannot match the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Iron, for example, will rust in reaction to oxygen and water, making it more brittle over time. Be sure to watch the machine do its work. Initially, sturdiness can be evaluated simply by listening to and watching the machine in operation. A loud machine with lots of vibrations will cause excess wear and tear on machine parts, which will equal more maintenance and downtime over the life of the equipment. As an added benefit, a quieter machine provides a safer and less stressful work environment for employees. Another way to evaluate the quality of a packaging machine s construction is to look at the IP rating assigned to the machine s enclosures. IP ratings, or Ingress Protection Ratings, specify the environmental protection the enclosure provides. The higher the IP rating number, the more protection an enclosure provides against dust, liquids, and mechanical impacts. An IP55 rating is standard, but you may want an option to upgrade to IP65 for dairy specifications. 5 VFFS Machine Questions November,

6 Question 2 How easy is it to operate the machine? High-quality VFFS packaging machines are designed for ease-of-use, featuring an accessible open design concept. VFFS packaging machines are more complex than premade pouch machines, but a well-designed machine can keep the learning curve to a minimum. This HMI can store multiple product recipes so operators only need to enter packaging configurations and parameters once. The machine should feature a digital control system, preferably with a touch screen Human Machine Interface (HMI). 4 5 VFFS Machine Questions November, 2017

7 Question 3 Can multiple SKUs be packaged on one machine? A versatile VFFS machine can effectively replace the need for multiple packaging lines. With easy tool-free changeover, the same machine can quickly and easily switch among different bag styles and sizes to package a variety of products with unique features (like zippers) in a relatively short period of time. Forming tube changes and film changes, including threading rollstock through the film path and ensuring accurate film tracking are easier when a machine is built with flexibility in mind. Before purchasing a VFFS machine, be sure you know which bag styles the machine is capable of producing, as well as any available options, such as carry handles, degassing valves, or zippers. If your machine will be running in a wet or dusty environment, either now or in the future, ask about upgrades to electrical and pneumatic enclosures with a higher IP Rating to protect vital machine components from potentially harmful dust and moisture in the environment. Think long-term so you can be confident your machine will produce the bag types you need for years to come. 5 VFFS Machine Questions November,

8 Question 4 How durable are machine components? 6 5 VFFS Machine Questions November, 2017

9 Durability is impacted by both the parts themselves and the mechanism that controls the motion of the machine. If vital machine parts are constructed with plastic or other non-durable materials, these parts can require frequent maintenance and must be replaced at shorter intervals. Time spent maintaining the machine, while necessary, should be kept to an absolute minimum to maximize throughput and plant efficiency. Inferior construction has a negative effect on production line efficiency. The motion of the machine also impacts the machine s overall longevity. Look for a machine that moves as little as possible during operation. Machines built with servo drives are able to more accurately control the electrical signals to the machine motors, resulting in a smoother operation, better accuracy, and a faster packaging process by as much as 50%. 5 VFFS Machine Questions November,

10 Question 5 How is the machine controlled? Packaging machines are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), a digital computer that is programmed to control the machine. The PLC reads inputs from various sensors, executes a user-defined program for machine operation, and writes digital and analog outputs to machine elements for optimal operation. Modern VFFS machinery will come standard with a particular control platform but the manufacturer should also offer upgrades to a different platform if the customer prefers. The machine operator interacts with the PLC using a Human Machine Interface (HMI). The HMI provides a simplified set of controls for ease of use. Although the HMI is an integral part of machine operation, it should not impede the packaging process. A VFFS machine s HMI can be located on either a swivel arm attached to the machine or built into the machine itself. Many companies produce quality PLCs for packaging machinery. In the United States, the primary PLC suppliers for OEMs are Allen Bradley, Siemens, and Schneider. In Europe, Allen Bradley and Siemens dominate the field. Your application and plant environment will dictate which design is best. 8 5 VFFS Machine Questions November, 2017

11 About Viking Masek Viking Packaging Technologies manufactures, sells, and services flexible packaging machinery for food and non-food markets worldwide. With over two decades of industry experience, we offer a broad range of intermittent and continuous motion VFFS packaging machines each with completely customizable features to ensure every customer receives a solution that matches their unique needs. Our baggers integrate seamlessly with weighers and fillers, infeed and outfeed equipment, metal detectors and X-ray systems, cartoners and casepackers, and other automated packaging equipment. Viking Masek has flexible packaging covered from Tote to Pallet. Viking Masek Packaging 40 Woodland Court, Oostburg, WI P