If you are purchasing a vertical form fill seal machine for the first time, you may find the task to be somewhat complex. Each model and manufacturer features its own unique technology. Even the machines that seem to be comparable have great variances in price. Therefore, it is crucial that you understand a few guidelines and the importance of sticking to those guidelines as you shop for your new machine.
Size Really Does Matter
One of the biggest mistakes that people make with their first purchase of a vertical form fill seal machine is buying a machine that is not the right size for their applications. The problem comes in when they invest in a machine that is both large enough to accommodate their largest bags, but also takes the smallest bags as well.
At first glance, this looks like the best option. You would think that you are purchasing a single machine that is going to automate your whole operation. However, the bigger the bag you are using, the larger the machine you need and the more money you are going to have to spend. In addition, while the larger machines may do well with the wider bags, the performance with the smaller bags is not likely to be as favorable.
The most effective solution for this initial investment is to purchase the vertical form fill seal machine in the size that is best suited for your highest volume of bags. This will be the size that requires the most automation. This way, your machine is going to be correctly optimized for the package size that is your bread and butter. In addition, production is going to run much faster and the amount of material that you use is going to be much less. This will also be the most financially wise option when it comes to the cost of operations.
Fight the urge to designate a single machine that you want to use for all operations. As the saying goes, a jack of all trades is a master of none.
If you have one machine doing all of the work, you will not be able to feel confident that the work is being done well. The primary goal when shopping should be to find a vertical form fill seal machine that more than lives up to your expectations and is not going to become a headache in the near future.
