The Benefits of a Foam Packing Machine
Whether you ship computers, electronic components, automobile parts or anything else, foam packing machine protects them from damage and ensures that your goods arrive in the same condition as they left your warehouse. IPS Packaging offers foam-in-place systems from top manufacturers like Sealed Air and Pregis.
These smart dispensing systems offer on-demand foam production and cellular telemetry. Their intuitive equipment design and robust features empower packers to improve productivity, control packing standards and save on material usage.
EPS Foam Packaging Equipment
EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam is a widely used packaging material, found in everything from coffee cups to refrigerators to insulation. This non-toxic and environmentally friendly plastic is 96 – 98% air, which makes it lightweight and inexpensive. It can also be recycled, further reducing its environmental footprint. It does not release any chemicals or gas during use or disposal, which is why it meets many of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s definitions of a “green” product.
Using a foam packing machine, you can efficiently produce high-quality EPS products to meet your business’s needs. These machines heat, soften and shape the styrene beads to form them into specific shapes or sizes. These are then placed into molds to create the finished product. The molding process is highly efficient and uses a minimum amount of energy. The resulting foam is durable, thermally efficient, and easy to transport.
This packaging material is particularly popular in the construction industry, where it provides lightweight and energy-efficient insulation for buildings and other structures. Its shock absorbing properties also make it ideal for shipping fragile items, such as glassware and ceramics. It is often utilized for e-commerce packaging, too, as it protects items from damage during transit and ensures that they arrive in pristine condition. This type of packaging is also effective in reducing the weight of freight and optimizing fuel efficiency during transportation.
Tape Dispensers
In industrial and manufacturing settings, tape dispensers help to ensure that all boxes are sealed properly before shipment. This helps prevent shipping damage, which can lead to returns and loss of revenue for business foam packing machine owners. A high-quality tape dispenser can also make the process faster and more accurate. In addition, it can reduce the risk of theft and other potential problems.
Typically made from steel or high-impact plastic, these dispensers come in either handheld or desktop/tabletop models. They can be used to cut all types of tape and include a mechanism that allows them to dispense the proper amount. The dispenser can also be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of tape rolls. When choosing a tape dispenser, it is important to consider the quality of materials and the brand. You can also look for accessories, such as a pressure plate, that are compatible with the specific type of tape you need to use.
Handheld tape dispensers are ideal for a variety of projects, including packaging and office/commercial tasks. To use a handheld tape dispenser, first locate the end of the tape roll and place it on the dispenser. If you have trouble finding the end of the tape, check for a tab or ridge that marks the end of the roll. Once the tape is on the dispenser, fold the tape back over itself and secure it with a paperclip or other small item.
Vacuum Chamber Machines
Vacuum chamber machines remove air from the bag to keep food fresh for longer, and they are widely used in sous vide cuisine (an innovative cooking technique in which foods are vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked in water at low temperatures). They are also popular with supermarkets and the commercial industry.
Unlike external pouch sealers, chamber machines are more versatile and can be used to package many different types of products. They are ideal for liquids and soft materials as they create a very tight seal that will not crush or damage the contents of the bag. They also shorten marination, pickling and infusion processes as they create an even pressure on both sides of the bag during sealing.
In a chamber machine, the product is placed inside the vacuum-sealed bag, and a powerful pump draws air out of the entire system. This process is accelerated in a gas flush model, which makes them good for delicate or liquid items. Once the air has been pulled from the bag, a hot seal bar heats and seals the pouch shut – creating an airtight, leak-proof package with ultra-low residual oxygen levels.
Some chamber models can be programmed to perform a certain amount of work each time, which can be useful for high-volume applications. They can also be equipped with filler plates to reduce the amount of time needed for a complete spray gun cycle. They also have programmable settings that can be customized depending on your use case and requirements.
Wrapping Machines
Most warehouses rely on stretch wrap packaging machines to secure product loads for transit. This wasn’t always the case, however. In the past, workers had to use metal straps or shrink bags to secure packages, which was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.
Depending on your needs, you may prefer a fully automatic stretch wrapper that takes care of the whole wrapping operation for you. These machines envelop your load with film and then use conveyors to transport it to the exit point on the line. They are ideal for high-speed and unattended production. They usually require a larger upfront investment than semi-automatic machines.
Semi-automatic stretch wrappers dispense film on a palletized load by rotating it on a turntable or using a mechanical arm to encircle the product. They take less time than the automatic models but still involve some operator intervention and manual adjustments.
A rotary arm stretch wrapper dispenses film from around a ring that surrounds a horizontally-laid product, which makes it ideal for heavy or unstable products. It’s also a good choice for random-sized products like windows, doors, lumber, textiles and copper piping.
For smaller volume applications, a Syntegon flow wrapper produces a high-quality, nearly hermetic pack with minimal heat. These machines can handle various sizes and shapes and are often used in food packing for items like perfume, confectionery boxes, cheese and fresh meats.
