Packaging Machines

One aspect will remain constant whether the world shifts from physical to virtual: packaging will be required in both scenarios. The packaging industry comprises various vast machines that contribute to the final product. Each machine plays a unique and important role in the packaging process for different businesses and sectors. 

In this article, we will analyze the different types of machines that are common and considered versatile in the packaging industry. This will help you understand packaging machines and how multiple processes shape the fast-moving consumer industry. 

Cartoning Machine / Cartoner

A carton is one of the most essential packaging machines in the industry. One step into the grocery store can help you understand how widely a carton is used. The carton machine spans different industries and business sectors, from foodstuff items such as juice boxes and milk boxes to medicine bottles.

A cartooning machine is used to manufacture straight, erect boxes that are folded and sealed with an adherent. There are two types of cartooning machines:

• Horizontal / end-load cartons 
• Vertical cartoners 

In a horizontal cartoning machine, the package is opened from only one side and placed horizontally, through which the cartoning machine fills it with the product. Its sides are then folded, sealed, and tucked with glue or other adhesive. 

However, in a vertical cartoner, the cartons are vertically loaded on the magazine, their open end facing upwards. They are then manually or automatically filled or loaded with the product inside. After loading, the carton package is folded, and its side flaps are tucked in and sealed for dispatch. 

Thermoforming Packaging Machines

 A thermoforming packaging machine is one of the most efficient and flexible machines in the packaging industry. It is quite multifunctional and can be used to package food and non-food products alike. The machine uses several special plastic thermoforming materials, such as flexible or rigid film. 

Furthermore, this machine is also highly customizable, which adds to its popularity. Its molds can be designed according to any business’s specifications or product packaging preferences. The Thermoforming packaging machine specializes in various packaging styles, such as:

• Vacuum packaging 
• VSP vacuum skin pack 
• Dialysis paper or flexible/rigid film packaging 
• MAP-modified atmosphere packaging in flexible film 
• MAP-modified atmosphere packaging in rigid film 

Vacuum Skin Packaging Machines

Vacuum skin packaging machines are used mainly for preserving food items and elongating their shelf life. These machines use high-barrier flexible film that is melted to conform to the shape and size of the pre-made rigid tray or laminated cardboard. The film tightly clings onto the food product, eradicating all traces of the packaging atmosphere to create a second skin surrounding the product. 

Vacuum skin packaging machines utilize high-quality plastic and CPET trays. These materials are durable and heat resistant, making them safe for packaging as they do not harm the food. Various vacuum skin packaging machines have sealing stations that make 20 to over 150 sealed trays per minute. 

Labeling Machine 

A labeling machine is a fundamental automation machine in the manufacturing process essential to the packaging industry. The labeling machine is required here because no packaging is complete without labels stating the product and brand information. 

A labeling machine is used via the barcode for legal purposes, product advertisement, and inventory regulation. Moreover, various types of labeling machines are available in the market, such as:

• Horizontal wrap labelers 
• Vertical wrap labelers 
• Top labelers
• Front and back labelers 
• Top and bottom labelers 
• Print and apply labelers
• Custom labeling applicator 

 Labeling machines are also available for specific purposes. For example, machines are designed to place labels on the surface of cans, bottles, cartons, and vials for the pharmaceutical industry’s automatic barcodes. 

Filling machines 

A filling machine is crucial for packaging liquid and gel products. It allows the liquid product to be pumped consistently and accurately into the product’s container. 

Moreover, filling machines are equipped with timers that allow the pump to fill the container for a pre-set amount of time. For further accuracy, the pump’s speed can be adjusted as well. Some filling machines also employ a pulse-based fill, which measures the movement or revolution of any component of the filling machine for each cycle. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, various machines contribute to the packaging industry. Tens of, if not hundreds, of automotive machines are at work to present consumers with quality-controlled and securely packaged products. The machines listed above are just a few in the packaging industry’s manufacturing process.