Evaluate the Packaging Machinery Suppliers: All You Need to Know

1. The best way to evaluate packaging machinery manufacturers

The following are some of the best ways to evaluate packaging machinery manufacturers for your reference.

1) Understand the complete process of the packaging machine you want

When looking for a packaging machine, it is important to understand the complete process of the machine you want. This will help you determine which suppliers are best suited to meet your needs.

There are many different types of packaging machines available, so it is important to understand the specific processes each type of machine can perform. This will help you to request quotes from suppliers offering the machine you are interested in.

It will be easier for you to make a decision if your machine supplier can give a thorough and professional explanation of the machines they offer.

2) Know what your business needs are

Before requesting a quote from a packaging machine manufacturer, it is important to understand your business needs. This will help you narrow your search and find the best supplier for your needs. Some factors to consider include:

• Packing products of different types
• Speed of the packaging process
• The space size of the packaging machine
• Your budget

Finding a packaging machine supplier is easier if you know what your business needs are.

3) Identify what the machine is made of

The top packer has a frame and contact parts made of welded stainless steel. It has a significant strength-to-weight ratio advantage over other materials and is therefore very resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and high temperatures.

Almost every business or facility could potentially benefit from stainless steel packaging equipment. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is unmatched by other construction materials such as iron or specific alloys. Iron, for example, rusts when exposed to oxygen and water and becomes more brittle over time.

Its durability makes stainless steel suitable for a wide range of applications, from dusty manufacturing facilities to very sensitive facilities requiring regular cleaning with aggressive chemicals. Due to the high quality of the materials, this is a smart long-term investment for your business.

4) Ask about the durability of key machine components

What matters is what happens behind the scenes of the packaging machine.

Poor construction can result in higher bills due to the need for ongoing repair of components, unplanned downtime, and costly upgrades or rebuilds. Please pay close attention to the following as it is critical:

#1. Drawstring

Pull belts are critical to the operation of the machine as they move the packaging film through the machine. Therefore, leashes must be made of strong and durable materials.

Keep an eye out for plastic parts; this could be a warning sign of lower-quality construction, which will cause components to wear out faster, meaning more costs for you and an increased risk of unexpected failure.

#2. Sealing pliers

This component uses heat and pressure to successfully close the package. Your package will end up with a poor seal, which can lead to leaks and contamination if the seal jaws are of low-quality construction.

To avoid this from happening, choose a machine with sealed jaws that are made from a single piece of material throughout the manufacturing process.

This will keep pressure and heat transfer consistent and equal. So you can be sure your package has an excellent seal.

5) Consider the complexity of the machine

The best packaging machines on the market are those that come with a variety of features and functions. The humanized open design concept and modular layout are the two characteristics of high-quality packaging machines. These machines are also meant to be easy to maintain.

Multiple product recipes may be stored in the digital control system, the best product recipes are equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) with a touch screen. Because of this, it is now easier for operators to input many packaging configurations and parameters into the system simultaneously. Additionally, top-of-the-line machines will have a self-diagnostic system that can detect and correct errors on its own.

6) Understand the conversion process

The packaging machine must be able to switch to various bag types or sizes without requiring any additional equipment, and this should be done smoothly and seamlessly. Due to the ensuing reduction in the time required for changeovers and the associated cost savings, companies can increase efficiency, output, and profitability.

Among other things, it enables personnel involved in maintenance and packaging line operations to understand their work more quickly. To switch to the pre-bag machine, simply press a button on the HMI and put a new bag into the machine. All that’s needed is this. Modular components, such as forming tubes, jaw assemblies, and film rolls, should make it easy to switch to a VFFS machine and achieve the desired results.

7) View reviews online

A great way to evaluate a potential packaging machine supplier is to read customer reviews online. You can learn a lot about a company by seeing what other customers have to say about their experience. When you read customer reviews, look for common themes. If a lot of customers are saying the same thing, it’s likely to be valid. Some things to look for include:

• Is it easy to contact customer service?
• Are they responsive to questions and concerns?
• Do they seem to care about their customers?
• Is the machine easy to use?
• Do they require a lot of maintenance?
• Are they durable?
• Are the customer service representatives knowledgeable about the product?

8) You can test the machine yourself

If you are seriously considering purchasing a packaging machine from a particular supplier, requesting a demo is definitely worth your time. This way you can see the machines in action and get a feel for how they work. You can also ask questions and get more information about specific features that interest you.

When testing machines, pay attention to their ease of use. Are the controls intuitive? Make sure the packaging is of high quality as well. Does it meet your standards? Do you see any flaws? Testing machines for yourself is the best way to see if they are right for your business.

9) Is the manufacturer a good long-term partner?

Buying packaging equipment is not just a transaction; rather, it should signal a commitment to working together for years to come. Packaging machines can last decades, and you can trust your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to make your company’s success a top priority.

Here are some indicators that an OEM will be a good business partner:

1. The company has a good reputation – do they have a bad track record? Are they in financial difficulty?
2. They offer full service – will they provide support and maintenance?
3. The company is financially stable – this is important because it shows that they can support you over the long term.
4. They offer a wide range of products – it shows they’re invested in your success and they have the resources to support you as your needs change.
5. Companies are committed to innovation – which shows that they are always looking for ways to improve their products and services.
6. They have a global reach – which is important because it means they have the resources to support you wherever you are.

10) Consider the total cost of ownership

A packaging machine supplier’s total cost of ownership (TCO) should be considered when evaluating them. It also takes into account the cost of training employees to use the machines. In general, you should expect the TCO to be around 20-30% higher than the purchase price of the machine. However, it’s important to get quotes from each vendor so you can compare TCO side-by-side.

11) Write everything down