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How to Troubleshoot VFFS Packaging Machine Sealing Issues

Like other pieces of packaging equipment, vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines require occasional preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns. If your VFFS machine malfunctions or operates inefficiently, it’s important for packaging line operators to accurately identify and address the issue before it can result in avoidable downtime. There are many components that keep VFFS machines functioning the way they should, which can make diagnosing an issue difficult. Here are some common sealing issues, along with possible causes, that can give you an idea of how to troubleshoot VFFS packaging machines. In cases where issues are more extensive, packaging lines may benefit from replacement new or used packaging machines, which we can provide with a wide selection of reliable equipment.

Poor Seal Integrity

One problem that can arise is a lack of seal integrity. VFFS machines should be able to form seals that consistently meet industry standards. When these seals aren’t as tight as they should be, there are several steps that operators should take to fix the issue:

  • Make sure sealing jaws are parallel, which you can test by sealing on a sheet of A4 paper and examining the trace.
  • Keep temperature settings consistent, and ensure that they apply to the sealing jaws. If you need to increase or decrease the temperature, adjust both time and pressure as well.
  • Clean sealing tools that look even mildly dirty.
  • If a machine has gusset areas, leakage may be present, in which case you should check the gusset area pressure.
  • If contamination is too prevalent to allow for proper cleaning, you may need to replace the sealing components.

Seal/Peel Weaknesses

Another potential problem is a weak seal or peel. The most common solution for both is to adjust temperatures to the correct settings. However, problems with seal strength may involve the thickness of the base film and the specific type of seal layer. Normally, thicker base films result in stronger seals, but at the same time, thicker materials allow for a shorter temperature range.

Hot-Tack Problems

If the packaging material at the bottom seal cannot hold the packaged contents while heated, there are several ways you can fix this:

  • You may need to increase the temperature of the sealing area to create a stronger seal. Operators should perform regular checks to make sure that the temperature settings are where they need to be.
  • If necessary, cooling air blasts may help increase hot-tack strength.
  • If a lack of pressure is the problem, increase the pressure of the sealing jaws.
  • Replace the current sealant design with a new one if needed.

Of course, there are many other types of problems that can occur with VFFS equipment. Performing regular preventative maintenance checks will allow operators to determine which type of issue the packaging line is experiencing, and subsequently make it easier to troubleshoot VFFS packaging machines and other machinery. If you require the expertise of experienced technicians, packaging companies like High Performance Packaging can send packaging machine experts to your facility who can identify technical problems and also further train your operators.

Replacing VFFS Machinery

If your VFFS machines are damaged beyond repair or won’t be able to perform to your project specifications, you may need to replace the equipment. In addition to assistance for troubleshooting VFFS equipment, we offer a selection of reliable used VFFS machines and much more. You can find some of the best packaging equipment available anywhere when you browse our full inventory of products, with VFFS machinery from some of the top brands, and we also carry many other top-quality packaging machines, including complete form fill and seal systems.

Connect with High Performance Packaging for All of Your VFFS Machine Needs Today

We can make sure you get everything you need to keep your packaging systems operating optimally. You won’t need to worry about inefficiency or a lack of productivity with our preventative maintenance services, along with the other services we offer. You’ll see a difference when you work with High Performance Packaging for all of your VFFS machinery needs. If you would like to benefit from our maintenance services or learn more about our VFFS equipment, contact us today.

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Using Cryovac Liquid Filling Machines for Production Lines

Cryovac liquid filling machines are among the best in the packaging industry. Sealed Air manufactures them to provide high-quality packaging for many liquid food items, across a variety of industries. They have both one- and two-phase VFFS packaging machines to contribute to many different types of facilities. The different models they manufacture can accommodate for the specific needs of various liquid packaging applications.

One-Phase Liquid Filling Machines

Certain packaging facilities may benefit from implementing one-phase Cryovac liquid filling machines, depending on the type of product they’re intended to handle. Cryovac has different models based on the type of packaging a product requires. Their equipment can handle food products that may or may not contain particulates, as well as hot or cold fluids. They are designed to maintain efficiency in nearly any type of facility, requiring minimal maintenance because of their top-quality construction. Some of the products they can package include:

  • Soups
  • Sauces
  • Processed vegetables and fruit
  • Jams and jellies
  • Oils
  • Condiments
  • Dairy Products

Two-Phase Machines

For other food products that are mixtures of liquids and solids, Cryovac manufactures a two-phase machine. This equipment can either combine liquids and solids into a single product, or keep them separate. Like the one-phase models, the two-phase packaging machine is efficient and built to last through years of operation. Applications for two-phase Cryovac liquid filling machines handle include:

  • Vegetables in liquid
  • Meat and poultry in sauces or marinated liquid
  • Fruits in syrup
  • Olives in brine

Combine with Other Used Food Packaging Equipment

Along with Cryovac liquid filling machines, food packaging lines often require many other types of machinery. Facilities are able to implement Cryovac equipment with other brands of packaging machines to form a complete, efficient production line. To help save money, packaging line operators can invest in used Cryovac machines and others, without experiencing any compromise in efficiency. Like Sealed Air’s Cryovac machines, other top manufacturers fabricate machinery with materials that aren’t as vulnerable to wear as others, maximizing their longevity.

Purchasing used packaging equipment can save money for packaging line owners who want to renovate or move their packaging facilities. Used machinery also reduces the need to consume resources and spend money on manufacturing new equipment. Companies can also sell any used equipment they no longer need to help fund the purchase of other equipment or the setup of a new facility. Recirculating used machinery lowers costs for both manufacturers and customers, and with high-quality, well-maintained equipment, there is minimal risk of breakdowns.

Buy Used Machinery from Reliable Companies

A good packaging company makes sure that all used packaging equipment for sale is in working condition and ready for immediate installation. Cryovac liquid filling machines and many others should undergo inspection and restoration until they are suitable for operation, and reliable packaging companies such as High Performance Packaging perform these tasks. Companies should also develop preventative maintenance programs to make sure each component is in good shape, avoiding potential costly breakdowns.

In addition to Cryovac VFFS machines, Sealed Air is also a leading manufacturer of other products that assist in food processing, medical device manufacturing, infection prevention, and more.

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Purchasing Used Ishida Machines to Improve Efficiency

Ishida is regarded as one of the best brands of packaging machinery in the industry, with various types of machines available to maximize production line efficiency. Like other top packaging equipment manufacturers, Ishida’s machinery is built to work consistently through years of use, making it ideal for reselling and repurposing. Commonly used Ishida machines include equipment for weighing, packaging, wrapping, labeling, and inline inspection. Their versatility allows packaging line owners to combine them with other types of machines to form complete systems.

Ishida Weighing & Packaging Machines

Weighing and packaging machines are among the most heavily used Ishida machines. They manufacture several types of machines including multihead weighers, cut-gate weighers, case packers, scales, and conveyors. Production lines can combine these with other required machinery to create entire packaging systems for food or nonfood items. For example, Ishida scales are compatible with other brands of VFFS equipment, including Bartelt and Altamat.

Wrapping & Labeling Machines

Ishida equipment is also useful during the final steps of the packaging process, wrapping and labeling products before final inspection and shipping. Automatic wrappers and labelers allow for full automation in a packaging facility. Wrapping equipment applies airtight seals when wrapping products, while an Ishida weigh price labeler can apply high-quality labels to cheese, meat, or other types of food items, along with nonfood products. Each machine is designed to keep the end of the packaging process as efficient as the rest.

Inline Inspection Equipment

Ishida also manufactures state-of-the-art inline inspection machinery to help with the final examination of products before shipping. Their inspection equipment includes checkweighers, metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, and seal checkers. Their inspection machinery is designed to quickly provide operators with accurate data, using interfaces installed with Ishida’s i-STATION LINK software. This software gives operators the ability to see production status in real-time and further analyze weighing data with other computers. Once Ishida’s machinery has effectively collected inspection data, your products will be ready for shipment.

Buying Used Ishida Machines vs. New Models

Purchasing new equipment may seem ideal to many production line owners, but there are multiple reasons to buy used Ishida machines instead. Ishida’s packaging machinery is constructed using long-lasting materials that can endure years of heavy use. Buying used equipment can help companies save money when revamping their production lines without compromising overall efficiency. Selling used equipment can also help provide companies with additional funds when purchasing replacement equipment or renovating a facility. Recirculating used Ishida machinery and other packaging equipment also helps the overall economy of the packaging industry by reducing the need for expenses on manufacturing new equipment.

Companies like High Performance Packaging can also develop custom preventative maintenance schedules to make sure each machine’s components are working the way it should. High-quality packaging machinery such as Ishida’s uses top-tier construction and parts, allowing for minimal maintenance requirements. Inexpensive replacement parts are often available if you require an individual component instead of an entire replacement machine. Having used Ishida machines implemented in your packaging facility will help reduce installation and operation costs while maintaining efficiency.

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What Types of Matrix Packaging Machines Do Production Lines Use?

Matrix is known as one of the most reliable manufacturers of packaging machines. Their machines are constructed using durable, long-lasting materials, which is why facilities can benefit from maximized efficiency with both new and used Matrix packaging machines. They offer several different types of packaging machines, which are useful for a wide range of applications. The machines they manufacture include pre-made pouch packaging machines and vertical form fill seal machines. Companies like High Performance Packaging buy, refurbish, and resell this equipment for repurposing in other production lines.

Pre-Made Pouch Packaging Machines

One commonly used Matrix packaging machines is their pre-made pouch packaging machine. Packaging facilities use these state-of-the-art rotary bagging machines to package many types of bagged items, including dry, frozen and liquid products. These machines can help increase the efficiency of many different types of packaging facilities, improving the overall production of products. Whether for food or nonfood products, they are ideal for many types of applications, new or used.

Vertical Form Fill Seal Machines

Matrix’s vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines are also popular, and many different industries can use them. They are designed to be easy-to-use, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. Using a complete Matrix VFFS system can further improve the efficiency of your packaging line, bagging products at a consistent rate with minimal maintenance required. Matrix manufactures several different models of VFFS machines to accommodate for different industries and applications. Each machine is designed to work with different shapes and sizes of bags, meeting the strict specifications of many product packages.

Applications for Matrix Packaging Machines

Many industries rely on both new and used Matrix packaging machines to meet their specific packaging requirements. Some industries produce products that require pouches for smaller items, while others need heavier bags in order to properly preserve meat and other food products. Some of the specific applications for Matrix packaging equipment include:

  • Cheeses and dairy products
  • Meat and poultry
  • Confections
  • Pet foods
  • Non-food powders, liquids and chemicals
  • IQF products
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Ground coffee and powdered food

Matrix Packaging Machinery manufacturers top quality equipment that’s used for handling many different types of bags depending on the products. These bag styles include pillow bags, gusseted pillows, flat bottom style bags, quad bags, stand-up pouches, and more. Because of their high-quality construction, used Matrix VFFS systems and pouch machines can provide the same level of reliable service as newer ones. Facilities can combine them with other types of new or used machinery to maximize the efficiency of nearly any production line.

Along with many other top brands of packaging equipment, High Performance Packaging carries used Matrix packaging machines. Our technicians heavily inspect each unit to make sure there are no weaknesses in operation that can negatively affect efficiency. Any of the Matrix machinery and other equipment we sell is ready for installation, and can provide years of continued use in packaging lines. We also offer preventative maintenance services to keep your Matrix equipment in good shape.

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Where to Sell Used Markem-Imaje Printers

Markem-Imaje printers are among the most reliable in the packaging industry. Many packaging companies use these printers to apply high-quality labels to product packaging, and preowned models can work as efficiently as newer ones because of the materials used in their construction. If you would like to sell your used Markem-Imaje printer for any reason, companies like High Performance Packaging will accept and resell these printers to maximize their longevity. There are multiple reasons why packaging facility owners should sell used Markem-Imaje printers they no longer need.

Benefits of Selling Used Markem-Imaje Printers

Less money and resources are required in the industry when packaging machine companies recirculate equipment that’s still in working condition. Like with other used packaging equipment, selling used printers helps reduce the costs associated with manufacturing new equipment. At the same time, packaging line owners don’t need to spend as much on new equipment when they can purchase used Markem-Imaje printers and others, while experiencing the same results following installation. Packaging machine technicians can also fully refurbish used printers if required.

Another benefit of selling used printers is the profit that packaging line owners can make, which can help fund a new or restored packaging line. When selling used packaging machines, people can also choose from other used machinery to purchase from the same location, reducing overall expenses. Purchasing other used machinery can keep packaging lines as efficient as they would be using newer models. The top manufacturers in the industry fabricate machinery with the best available materials, which helps ensure that they can experience years of use.

Experts in Refurbishing Used Printing Equipment

Along with used Markem-Imaje printers, trained technicians can fully restore many types of packaging equipment to work as well as newer models. Whether heavily used or almost new, trained experts can thoroughly inspect and restore equipment, making sure that it’s in working condition prior to reselling. After undergoing proper restoration, most used packaging equipment can provide years of efficiency. A good packaging company also normally offers preventative maintenance services to make sure each component of your equipment is working the way it should. The company should also offer replacement parts if you require them.

Sell Other Used Packaging Equipment

Packaging lines may experience changes over time, particularly if products and their packaging methods change. In order to accommodate for new or altered products, facilities may require new types of packaging machines as others become obsolete. Replacing equipment may result in many expenses, but packaging line owners can effectively reduce them by selling machinery they no longer need.

If you have any machinery in your facility that isn’t needed, free up space in your facility and make money by selling it today. Selling multiple used packaging machines can also help fund relocation or renovation of packaging facilities. You can sell used Markem-Imaje printers along with any other packaging equipment to companies like High Performance Packaging, and purchase equipment from the same location to improve your current production line or contribute to a new one.

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What Are Commonly Used Yamato Packaging Machines?

Yamato packaging scales are found in many types of packaging facilities, with a wide variety of options used for weighing different products. Their selection includes food service scales, combination scales, checkweighing scales and many others. Here are some of the particularly popular Yamato packaging machines you can find at High Performance Packaging.

Combination Weigher Scales

Yamato combination weighers are manufactured for a wide variety of applications, including mixing, blending and counting. Production lines can combine these combination weighers with VFFS and HFFS packaging equipment to help improve the overall efficiency of the line. Their combination weigher systems include the Sigma and Alpha series, as well as Dataweigh Omega and semi-automatic units. Packaging facilities can use these in both washdown and non-washdown environments, and they are ideal for both fragile handling and high-speed packaging facilities.

Platform Scales

Along with combination weighers, another commonly used Yamato packaging machine is the platform scale. Yamato manufactures stainless steel platform scales that are also splash-proof. Packaging facilities can combine platform scales with mezzanines to help form a complete packaging system.

Washdown Scales

Another common type of Yamato packaging machine is the washdown scale. Yamato’s washdown scales are all made of stainless steel and perform a variety of functions. They are intended for harsh washdown environments, remaining invulnerable to heavy exposure to water. They also include an LCD display with annunciations.

There are also other scales that Yamato manufactures, including baby scales, bench scales, digital scales, food service scales, hanging scales, grading and packing scales, kitchen scales and legal or trade scales. They have plenty of scales for a wide range of industries.

About Yamato

Starting in 1922, Yamato began as a manufacturing division of Kawanishi Machinery Co., Ltd in Japan. In 1945 it became and independent company called Yamato, and has since established itself as an industry leader in weighing equipment and systems. The company started manufacturing digital electronic scales in 1969, and eventually moved on to produce computerized multihead scales. Yamato has continued to develop new, innovative packaging machines using the latest in packaging industry technology.

High Performance Packaging carries several models of used Yamato packaging machines, including combination weighers, platform scales and washdown scales. All of our Yamato packaging equipment is in working condition and can improve the efficiency of nearly any production line. We can also fully refurbish any piece of equipment at the buyer’s request if required. You can request a free quote for any of our products on our website.

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What Are Popular Hayssen Packaging Machines?

Hayssen is one of the most reputable manufacturers in the packaging industry, with several popular packaging machines that they continue to develop. Their machinery is known for its reliability, with options that can maximize the efficiency of your production line. High Performance Packaging carries used and refurbished Hayssen machines of various types to improve production line quality.

VFFS Baggers

Some of the most used packaging equipment from Hayssen is their line of VFFS baggers. Hayssen’s vertical form, fill and seal bagging machines are ideal for high-speed packaging applications for mass production as well as medium-speed packaging lines, with both continuous and intermittent motion baggers available.

Hayssen VFFS baggers are used for various packaging types such as quad packs, flat bottom bags, doy packs and pillow bags, along with other stand-up pouches.

HFFS Flow Wrappers

In addition to vertical form, fill and seal baggers, Hayssen also manufactures a line of horizontal form, fill and seal wrappers. Hayssen HFFS flow wrappers are useful in high-speed packaging applications, with units running at speeds of up to 800 ppm.

HFFS flow wrappers are used for wrapping many different types of products, including fruit, vegetables, chocolates, pastries and other food items, as well as nonfood items.

Packaging Feed Systems

Hayssen also produces a line of packaging feed systems, with many different machines available to incorporate in various types of production lines. Some of their many machines include scales and computer combination weighers, augers, volumetrics, pumps, counters, infeeds, elevators and take-away conveyors.

Production lines can combine the different types of equipment in their facilities to maximize efficiency; production lines can utilize combination weighers, augers and other parts paired with VFFS or HFFS baggers for packaging, or facilities can use them for stand-alone applications.

Applications for Hayssen Packaging Machines

Hayssen packaging machinery is used for many types of packaging lines, for food products such as snack foods, fresh foods, dried pasta, frozen foods, granular and powdered sugar, candy and salads. They are also useful for packaging nonfood products that require smaller packages. Some more specific products that are packaged using Hayssen packaging machines include chips, cookies, cheeses, gum, puppy treats and coffee, while other products include Post-it notes and baby wipes.

Along with equipment from other top brands in the industry, High Performance Packaging carries many used Hayssen packaging machines that are in working condition, and work as efficiently as they did when first manufactured. You can contact us for a free quote for any of our equipment, and we can also fully refurbish our Hayssen machinery at the buyer’s request.
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What Supplies Does a Packing Machine Need to Run Properly?

In order for your packaging machinery to run in your facility, several crucial parts are required. These main parts include forming tubes, sealing bars, control boards, power supplies and more. All of these parts work cohesively to keep your equipment running at maximum efficiency. Here’s a closer look at the specific parts your production line needs.

Forming Tubes

Forming tubes are necessary for packaging, distributing and containing loose products. They prevent product loss and ensure that packaging is consistently filled and shaped at all times. A couple of the more popular forming tube brands in the industry include Matrix and Hayssen, among others.

A good packaging machine company will provide replacement forming tubes from some of the best manufacturers, helping packaging lines retain optimal efficiency.

Sealing Bars

Sealing bars are also important packaging machine supplies, providing packaging with airtight seals to prevent leakage or contamination. Without this airtight seal, this problem will be detrimental to your packaging line. You should consider a replacement if a sealing bar isn’t performing the way it should.

Parts for Scales

One electronic component that is needed among other packaging machine supplies is a circuit board for scale systems. Other scale parts include vibrator motors, load cells, buckets, and sheet metal. Without this packaging machine supplies, your packaging line scales won’t operate efficiently.

Other Parts

Some other parts that packaging machinery may require, from brands such as Hayssen, include key boards, power supplies, temperature controllers, electrical cabinets, clutch brake assemblies, transmission assemblies, control boards, clutch brake boards, relay boards, input boards and output boards. Packaging equipment is complex, and requires top-of-the-line packaging machine supplies, whether new or used.

At the right packaging equipment company, you will find the right replacement packaging machine parts to keep your production line running the way it should. Performing regular maintenance is important in preventing packaging machines from breaking down because of worn parts. In order to avoid frustrating and costly downtime, packaging line managers and operators should understand the different parts that their packaging machines use, and ensure that there are no weak points in production because of a malfunctioning or entirely nonfunctional part. With the right packaging machine supplies operating in your facility, combined with knowledgeable and productive operators, your production line should function with the efficiency you want.

If you experience issues with the machinery itself and can’t identify it as a problem with a part, you may need to replace the entire packaging machine, but replacing parts when needed will help prevent issues with the machinery itself.
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How to Implement an OEE Program

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) programs help to guarantee that packaging equipment in facilities works the way it should, operating without any lack of efficiency that can cause downtime. OEE is a great way to carefully monitor facilities to determine how effective they are, and facilities can either rely on software to perform detailed analytics, or measure effectiveness manually.

The Basics of OEE

There are three basic aspects of OEE to consider when getting started on an OEE program. These areas include: availability, performance, and quality. OEE Availability is the specific ratio between scheduled run time and actual run time, without including lunches, breaks and other exceptions when a packaging line may be down. OEE Performance is the ratio between the number of units that a facility can potentially produce and the actual number that is produced, and the former is what packaging equipment is designed to achieve. OEE Quality is the ratio between the total units to be produced at the start of production and the actual number of good units produced.

While these aspects may at first appear to be simple, it can be difficult to implement these aspects in your business and use them to your advantage. You should first determine if your business needs OEE.

Determining if OEE is Right for You

There are several factors that you should consider before implementing an OEE program. You should consider a program if:

  • Your company has competitors
  • Your competitors have OEE programs in their operation
  • Your competitors are more profitable than you
  • Can redistribute money saved with reduced operating costs
  • If your company truly requires OEE to increase profits

If these are relevant factors, you should consider implementing an OEE program to improve packaging line operations.

Implementing an OEE Program with a Packaging Equipment Company

If you believe your business can benefit from an OEE program, you should consider consulting packaging professionals with experience who can effectively train your staff. An OEE program with a packaging equipment company will not only improve the efficiency of your current packaging equipment with a better understanding of measurements, but will also serve as a training program that improves the productivity of your packaging line operators and maintenance staff.

The implementation of an OEE program could take weeks to months, depending on the size of your packaging line operation. During implementation of the OEE program, experts will work with your staff in order to help increase line speeds, productivity, reductions in yield losses, and overall efficiency of operations.

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Who Will Buy My Used Packaging Line Machines?

Unneeded packaging machinery can make your packaging line less efficient, and selling it isn’t always an easy task when you don’t know where to find a buyer. As long as your packaging equipment is functional, a good packaging equipment company will be able to purchase and refurbish it for future use in another facility. The selling and buying of used packaging line machines serves the industry in several ways.

Lowered Costs of Manufacturing Packaging Equipment

One of the benefits that a packaging machine company should recognize is the lowered cost associated with the circulation of used equipment. Less money is spent on resources to fabricate new packaging machines, and packaging facility owners won’t spend as much when purchasing used machines. Used packaging machinery is restored to function as efficiently as a newer model, while some companies can refurbish equipment entirely at a buyer’s request.

Less Consumption of Resources

As previously mentioned, the selling and purchasing of used packaging machinery lowers the costs associated with manufacturing new equipment, but this is also good for environmental reasons. The reselling of used packaging equipment allows large machines to experience longer periods of use, contributing less waste. Less energy and other resources are required for fabricating new equipment as well. An environmentally conscious company will acknowledge this.

Make Money Back When Closing Facilities or Opening New Ones

Another benefit to selling used packaging machinery is the fact that facility owners can recover costs when shutting down a production line. Production line managers can use the money recovered from selling used machinery to cover some of the costs of newer equipment, or invest that money in the move to a new facility.

Many packaging facilities can take advantage of your unneeded used packaging line equipment as long as it’s still operational. Whether it’s a VFFS or HFFS packaging machine, scale mezzanine, cartoning machine, palletizer or conveyor, if your packaging machine still functions, you can sell this equipment to a packaging company that buys and sells used packaging machinery.
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