Features to Look For in a Food Packaging Machine
A food packaging machine is a valuable asset for any business in the food industry. However, when shopping for one, it is easy to get sticker shock at the price tags.
A used food packaging machine offers the same functionality and benefits at a more gentle price. This article will explore what factors into the price of a packaging machine and how to shop for one that fits your budget.
Adaptability
Adaptability is one of the most important features that food packaging machines need to have. The ability to change quickly from one product to another is vital in the rapidly changing landscape of food production and consumption. This is why companies of all sizes are increasingly prioritizing flexibility and scalability in their production lines.
Food packaging machines offer a number of benefits beyond their ability to change quickly between products. They improve consistency and efficiency, reduce reliance on manual labor, and create a safer working environment for employees. In addition, they help brands build customer trust by ensuring that all packages are consistent in appearance and content.
In addition to improving productivity, these devices can help you save on energy costs by minimizing waste. They also provide a high level of security, which is critical for the food industry. They protect your food from external threats and make sure that all products are safe to consume.
Unlike traditional food packaging machines, which use cables to communicate with each other, a new generation of smart food packaging machines uses industrial wireless automation solutions to connect with robots and line control systems. These solutions eliminate the need for cable-based communication and allow packaging machines to be more flexible. CoreTigo, a leading provider of industrial wireless automation solutions, recently partnered with Rotzinger PharmaPack to develop a food packaging machine that is capable of adapting to different product and package variations. This adaptability is essential to navigating the fast-changing landscape of the food industry and achieving business success.
Durability
If you’re running a small business, your food packaging machine needs to be durable and long-lasting. It should also be able to stand up to harsh cleaning processes, including high-pressure water, chemical solutions, and steam. A food packaging machine that’s built with rugged materials, such as stainless steel, can help minimize damage and premature wear.
Food products are highly perishable, so it’s important to ensure that your packaging protects them from germs and bacteria. A food packaging machine all-bloom Ketchup Packaging Machines with an IP rating and washdown capability is ideal, as it can withstand rigorous sanitation and hygiene standards. This helps maintain product integrity and prevent contamination that can lead to health risks for consumers or damage your brand reputation.
For a large variety of packaging options, consider a chamber vacuum sealer with carriage like the MVS50 XP. This model has convenient wheels for easy movement and is specially designed to pack bigger food products. Its compact dimensions and technological display make it particularly suitable for small businesses and restaurants.
Another great choice for your production line is a heat shrink machine, such as the FM 75 EVO. This model is perfect for packaging food that contains low liquid or can be preserved for some days, such as pasta, vegetables, bread, and bakery products. It’s also a great option for packaging foods that are sensitive to cold, humidity, or dust.
Safety
Besides being easy to operate and maintain, a food packaging machine must be safe. There are many things that can be wrong with a piece of equipment that could lead to contamination, such as a power conveyor with loose belting or an open door that exposes workers to contaminated air. These problems can easily be remedied with regular risk assessments and proper cleaning procedures.
Food facilities are now required to submit their FSMA safety plans, which granule packing machine will likely include an evaluation of the machinery used to package foods. This will include a thorough examination of the contact parts on machines such as power conveyors and filling equipment. This will allow manufacturers to create machinery that complies with the new proposed rules.
The most common accidents involving packaging machinery in the food industry involve thermoform, fill and seal machines. These are involved in around 50 percent of the accidents that HSE investigates. In most cases, these injuries are caused by the forming dies and cutters. Other causes of injuries include guards that have been removed, not provided or fallen into disuse, and unsafe systems of work, particularly during maintenance.
The most important thing that manufacturers need to consider is the sanitary design criteria of their equipment. This will help them choose the right packaging machine for their needs and avoid the pitfalls of contamination that can occur from improper design. This includes the use of sanitised belting, appropriate material choice and hygienic cleaning methods for conveyors.
Efficiency
A food packaging machine can greatly increase your efficiency by standardizing the packing process. This means that less staff is needed and errors are reduced. It also reduces the risk of contamination as it eliminates the need for hand contact with products. In addition, it can improve the consistency of packaging, which is important for branding and consumer confidence.
Another benefit of a food packaging machine is its ability to create an airtight seal, which can keep the product fresh for up to 3-5 times longer than conventional storage methods. This can save businesses on the cost of food disposal, and can make the product more appealing to consumers.
Lastly, the machine can also help companies comply with health and safety regulations by ensuring that each package is within the required weight limit. This is especially useful for foods such as meats and dairy products. Checkweighters are very fast and can measure hundreds of items per minute.
There are many different types of food packaging machines available on the market. Some are manual while others are automatic. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider a form-fill-seal machine or a heat shrink machine. Regardless of your choice, be sure to choose a high-quality, user-friendly machine. A reliable company can provide a price list for various models and offer helpful information on their functionality.
