DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF PACKAGING LINES: TYPES AND OPERATION

In the world of packaging, efficiency and precision are key. Packaging lines are a fundamental component in the industry, especially in the food industry, allowing the process automation and production optimisation. In this article, we will explore what a packaging line is, its importance and the different types available on the market.

What is a packaging line?

A packaging line is a system made up of a series of connected pieces of equipment that work together to package products efficiently and quickly. Packaging lines are designed to suit a variety of industries and product types, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and industrial products.. The exact configuration of a packaging line may vary depending on the type of product to be packaged, the type of packaging used and the specific requirements of the production process.

Components of a packaging line:

Product feed

The first step in any packaging line is product infeed, where the product is fed into the line from the production or storage line.

This process may involve manual loading of the products onto the line or the use of automated equipment such as vibrating hoppers, venturi, etc. Accuracy and speed are critical at this stage to ensure a continuous flow of products to the next stages of the process.

Weighed and dosed

Once the product is on the line, it is crucial to dose it accurately to ensure that each pack contains the correct amount. This process can vary depending on the type of product and packaging, using technologies such as multi-head weighers, linear weighers or specific dosing systems. These systems are especially important in the food and pharmaceutical industry, where dosing accuracy is critical to product safety and quality.

Sealing and sealing

Once the containers are full, they are sealed and closed to ensure the safety and integrity of the product. This may involve the use of technologies such as heat sealers, capping systems or automatic labelling machines. Proper sealing is also crucial to prevent leakage and product contamination.

Quality control

Before packaged products are sent to market, it is crucial to carry out quality checks to ensure that they meet the established standards. Inspection systems, such as metal detectors, equipment for weight control  and X-ray systemsThese systems are used to identify quality defects, contaminants or deviations in weight or filling. These systems can be integrated online to perform real-time inspections and ensure that only products that meet quality standards are sent to the next step in the process.

Case Packing and Palletising

Once the products have passed the quality controls, they must be packed and prepared for transport and storage. This may involve grouping products into boxes or palletising for transport. The case packing and palletising systems automate this process, efficiently and safely grouping products into boxes or pallets. These systems can be especially useful in high production environments, where speed and accuracy are crucial to maintaining operational efficiency.

Types of packaging lines:

Vertical packaging lines

Vertical packaging lines are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry to package a variety of products, from dry food to granular products. These lines are known for their ability to fill and seal bags in a vertical position, making them ideal for limited production space. They are ideal for products such as snacks, confectionery, coffee beans and pharmaceutical products in pouch or sachet form.

Horizontal packaging lines

From preformed Doypack bag

A Doypack horizontal preformed bag Doypack packaging line consists of several key components: a preformed bag feeder, a filling and dosing station, a sealing system and an optional labelling device. The pre-formed bags are automatically fed into the line, where they are filled with the desired product. The bags are then hermetically sealed and labelled as required before being discharged for final packaging. Doypack horizontal preformed bag machines are used in a wide variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and more. From coffee grounds to cleaning products, these lines can be tailored to meet the specific packaging needs of any product.

Doypack bag from film reel

A Doypack horizontal bag-from-reel packaging machine consists of several components: an unwinder to feed the film reel, a bag forming and sealing station, a filling and dosing station, and a sealing and cutting system. The film reel is fed into the line, where it is formed, sealed and cut into individual bags. The bags are then filled with the desired product, hermetically sealed and labelled as required before being unloaded for final packaging.

Doypack horizontal reel-fed pouch packaging machines are used in a wide variety of industries, including food and beverage, chemicals, personal care products and more. From snacks to detergents, these lines can be tailored to meet the specific packaging needs of any product.

Flowpack packaging lines

These lines use a plastic film that is wrapped around the product and sealed on three sides to create an airtight package. They are popular in the food industry for products such as chocolate bars, biscuits or bakery products. Flowpack machines are highly versatile and can be adapted to pack a wide range of products in different shapes and sizes.

Semi-automatic packaging lines

Semi-automatic packaging lines are an ideal option for small and medium sized companies looking to improve their packaging process without making a massive investment in fully automated machinery. These lines combine automation with human intervention. Although they require a degree of supervision, they offer a significant increase in efficiency compared to manual processes.

Not sure what type of packaging machine to choose?

When selecting the machine for our project, it is important to take into account the product to be packaged, as well as the production needs such as ease of use, maintenance, automation and speed of the packaging line.

If you want to know the differences between a horizontal and a vertical packaging machine, take a look at this article where we explain it to you.

Why choose YM Packaging packaging machines?

At YM Packaging, we are dedicated to providing you with innovative packaging solutions that will drive your business success.

Characteristics of our packaging lines:

• Versatility: Our packaging lines are highly adaptable and can handle a wide range of products, from solids to liquids and powders.
• Efficiency: We optimise every aspect of the process to maximise packaging speed and accuracy, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
• Quality: We are committed to guaranteeing the quality of your products through quality control systems integrated into our packaging lines.
• Personalisation: We understand that every customer has specific needs. That's why we offer customisation options to tailor our packaging lines to your particular requirements.
• Technical support: Our highly trained technical team is always available to provide you with the necessary support, from installation to ongoing maintenance of your packaging lines.

Contact us at today to find out how our packaging lines can improve your production process.

In conclusion, packaging lines are the cornerstone of the packaging industry, enabling the efficient production and delivery of high quality products to market. With a wide range of types available, companies have the flexibility to choose the solution that best suits their specific needs, whether it is to increase productivity, improve product quality or meet industry standards.