A&#;Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine, also known as a VFFS, is a common bagging machine used to package goods into bags as part of a production line.
Just as the name suggests, this machine starts by helping to form the bag from roll stock. Then, the bag is filled with product and sealed in preparation for shipment.
These bagging machines can be configured in a multitude of ways and are available in a variety of sizes with different features. While the most common examples of VFFS bags might be potato chip bags, they can be used with liquids or dry goods in a variety of settings.
Vertical Form Fill Seal machines can run at very high speeds &#; nVenia's OHLSON Brand offers system speeds of up to 200 bags per minute on a duplex line. Because the machine is forming the bags from roll stock, each package costs significantly less than those utilizing pre-made pouches.
Here&#;s a quick look at the basic functions of the machine.
Step 1: Bag Forming
The initial step performed by the machine is forming the bag from the roll of film.
To do that, the VFFS machine feeds the film over a cone shaped tube called a forming tube, which shapes the film into the correct bag size and seals the bottom, as well as the vertical seam where the two edges of the film come together.
The forming tube&#;s design sets the width of the bag, with the length ultimately controlled by the bagging machine itself. To switch over to a different bag width, an operator can quickly swap in a new forming tube.
There are a few different types of seals, but the two basic types used are a lap seal and a fin seal. In a lap seal, the two edges of the film overlap and are sealed together, with the back of the top side sealing to the front of the bottom side.
In a fin seal, the forming tube brings the edges of the film together so that it seals the inside surfaces together.
By its design, a lap seal uses less film &#; the equivalent of the width of the seal &#; on every bag. However, some films have special barrier layers, such as odor, heat, etc., which don&#;t allow for the bag to seal properly unless a fin seal is used.
Films for vertical form fill seal machines may come with various features, such as zippers or gas release valves to keep products fresh.
Step 2: Dosing and Filling the Product
The next step in the process is filling, which is accomplished by connecting the bagging machine to&#;multi-head scale&#;or other filling machine, such as a multi-head weigher or other filler.
Those two machines are synced electronically, so that as soon as the bag is ready, the product is dropped in automatically.
Step 3: Sealing and Finishing
Once the product has dropped into the bag, the top is sealed, and the bag is completed and cut away.
That top seal on the first bag becomes the bottom of the next bag, and the process repeats.
Depending on how they will be used, the machine may also add a date/batch code, a tear notch for easy opening, or a hole punch/euro punch to allow it to hang on a wall display.
From there, the bags are collected and organized into cases for shipment to stores or end-users.
nVenia designs and manufactures a full range of vertical form fill seal (VFFS) bagging machines under our OHLSON Brand, with options to accommodate nearly any type of bag requirement.
Please&#;request a quote&#;or give us a call to learn more!
Introduction to VFFS Machines
Vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) machines are a popular packaging solution in various industries. They automate the packaging process by creating bags, filling them with the product, and sealing them shut. This article will dive deep into the workings of VFFS machines and explore their various components, process, types, applications, and benefits.
Key Components of a VFFS Machine
A VFFS machine consists of several key components that work together to create, fill, and seal bags efficiently.
The film transport system feeds the packaging film from a roll into the machine. It controls the tension and alignment of the film to ensure a smooth and precise process.
The forming tube and collar shape the packaging film into a cylindrical tube. The collar wraps the film around the forming tube, ensuring the correct size and shape for the final bag.
The vertical sealing system seals the edges of the film to form a continuous tube. It uses heat or pressure to create a strong and reliable seal.
The horizontal sealing and cutting system forms the top and bottom seals of each bag. It uses heat or pressure to create a seal and a knife or cutting mechanism to separate the individual bags.
The filling system is responsible for dispensing the product into the bags. There are various filling systems, such as volumetric cup fillers and auger fillers, depending on the product type and requirements.
The control system monitors and manages the entire VFFS process. It ensures that all components are working in harmony and that the machine is producing consistent, high-quality packaging. Modern VFFS machines often feature touchscreen interfaces and advanced software for easy operation and monitoring.
Working Principle- How VFFS Machine Works
Let&#;s explore the VFFS process in detail, from the unwinding of the packaging film to the discharge of the finished bags.
The process begins with the film transport system unwinding the packaging film from a roll. The film is guided through a series of rollers to ensure proper alignment and tension control.
The film is guided through the machine using a combination of sensors and rollers. Tension control is essential for maintaining the film&#;s position and preventing wrinkles or misalignment, which could lead to defective bags.
The film is then wrapped around the forming tube and collar to create a cylindrical tube. The size and shape of the forming tube determine the dimensions of the final bag.
Once the film has been formed into a tube, the vertical sealing system applies heat or pressure to seal the overlapping edges together, creating a continuous tube.
Kinsun are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
The filling system dispenses the product into the formed tube. The type of filling system used depends on the product&#;s properties and desired packaging accuracy. Volumetric cup fillers and auger fillers are examples of commonly used filling systems.
The horizontal sealing and cutting system creates the top seal of the current bag and the bottom seal of the next one. Simultaneously, a cutting mechanism separates the individual bags.
The finished bags are discharged from the machine, ready for further processing or packaging.
Types of VFFS Machines: Comparing Pneumatic and Servo-Driven VFFS Machines
Understanding the differences between pneumatic and servo-driven VFFS machines can help businesses choose the right packaging solution for their needs. In this section, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of machines.
Pneumatic VFFS machines use compressed air to power their sealing and cutting systems. They are reliable and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Servo-driven VFFS machines use electric motors for precise control of their sealing and cutting systems. They offer higher speed, accuracy, and flexibility, making them ideal for larger businesses and more demanding applications.
Packaging Materials and Formats
VFFS machines can handle a wide range of packaging materials and formats, including pillow pouch packaging and customized shaped bags.
Pillow pouch packaging is a simple and cost-effective packaging format suitable for various products, including snacks, powders, and granular products.
Customized shaped bags are an attractive option for businesses looking to stand out in the market. These bags can be designed to match the product&#;s shape, brand identity, or consumer preferences.
Applications of VFFS Machines
VFFS machines are widely used in various industries due to their versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Food packaging is a common application for VFFS machines, as they can handle a wide range of products, including powders, liquids, and solids. They are used for packaging products like sugar, salt, spices, and more.
VFFS machines are an ideal solution for coffee packaging, as they can create airtight seals to maintain freshness and accommodate various packaging materials, such as laminated films and foil.
Snack food packaging is another popular application for VFFS machines. They can efficiently package chips, popcorn, nuts, and other snack items in pillow pouches or customized shaped bags.
VFFS machines are also used in the pet food packaging industry. They can package various pet food products, including kibble, treats, and supplements, in a range of bag sizes and materials.
Different Filling Methods for VFFS Machines
VFFS machines can be equipped with various filling systems to accommodate different product types, ranging from liquids and powders to granules and solids. In this section, we will discuss the most common filling methods used in VFFS machines.
A volumetric cup filler is a filling system that uses a series of adjustable cups to measure and dispense products. This filling method is ideal for free-flowing granular products, such as rice, sugar, and seeds.
An auger filler is a filling system that uses a rotating screw or auger to dispense measured quantities of powders and granular products. This filling method is suitable for products such as flour, spices, and powdered milk.
A piston filler is a filling system that uses a piston to dispense measured quantities of liquid and semi-liquid products. This filling method is ideal for products such as sauces, dressings, and creams.
A combination weigher is a filling system that uses multiple weighing units to measure and dispense products. This filling method is suitable for a variety of products, including snack foods, candies, and frozen items.
Choosing the Right VFFS Machine for Your Business
Selecting the right VFFS machine for your business depends on several factors, including the product type, packaging materials, production speed, and budget. For more information on choosing the right packaging machine, visit this guide.
Benefits of VFFS Machines
VFFS machines offer numerous benefits, including:
In-House vs. Contract Packaging
When deciding between in-house packaging using a VFFS machine or outsourcing to a contract packager, businesses must consider factors such as production volume, cost, and control over the packaging process. For more information on the pros and cons of each option, visit this guide.
Conclusion
VFFS machines are a versatile and efficient packaging solution suitable for various industries. Understanding their components, process, types, and applications can help businesses select the right machine for their needs and leverage the many benefits of automated packaging.
FAQs
A: A VFFS (Vertical Form, Fill, and Seal) machine is an automated packaging machine that creates bags from a roll of film, fills them with the product, and seals them shut.
A: The key components of a VFFS machine include the film transport system, forming tube and collar, vertical sealing system, horizontal sealing and cutting system, filling system, and control system.
A: VFFS machines can package a wide range of products, including food items, coffee, snacks, pet food, and more.
A: The main types of VFFS machines are pneumatic and servo-driven machines.
A: VFFS machines offer high efficiency, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, making them an attractive packaging solution for many businesses.
Are you interested in learning more about VFFS Packing Machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!