Defining packaging machines is made easier by knowing the different parts of the manufacturing process. Simply put, it may be a type of machinery that is purposely used for sealing, wrapping, filling, cleaning, packaging and forming goods at varied automation levels. In some industries, the list may include those used while sorting, accumulating and counting items.
Before proceeding to the basic types of machines, it is also best to have a view of the different package types where packaging machinery is often used. Examples range from aerosol containers, blister packs, bags and pouches, pallets and intermediate bulk containers and cartridges to cans, cases, cups and trays, drums, tubes, vials and capsules. As for its applications, there are a number of industries making use of these industrial products. Popular ones are automotive, cosmetic and perfumery, electronics, chemical and petrochemical and food industries. They also cater to military, music, video, software, household products, garment, stationary, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries.
Types of packaging machines
There are a number of classifications when it comes to packaging machines. The list includes accumulators, bagging, batching and bundling machinery as well as box making, capping, closing and cartooning machinery. Below are explanations for all these types of packing machines.
As the name implies, an accumulator or accumulating machinery is used in order to make gathering of goods easier during the manufacturing process. As for bagging machines, expect that products are placed easily in their respective pouches, sacks or bags. Batching machinery on the other hand allows preparation of the goods before they are packaged or processed. Banding machines help secure the items with the aid of bands. At times, this is also called as sleeving machines.
Bundling machines are those that have the capability to pile goods before they are wrapped or banded. Box making machines make it easy for cardboard to be transformed into boxes. The so-called capping machines are responsible for placing or snapping caps into the containers where they are needed. Closing machines are basically made in order to make tying wires or metal straps easier around the neck of pouches or bags. With all these descriptions on each type of packaging machinery, one may conclude that the function of the machine is related to the name given to the equipment type.
Other forms of packaging machinery
There are also manual, automatic and semi-automatic packaging machines that are currently out in the market today. This can be broken down into counting, combining sterilizing and cleaning machinery. Other products found in the category are erecting, decorating, collating, filing, packer, inspection and forming machinery.
Since invention, labeling machines have made everyone's lives in the business and personal world much better. In the office, they allow us to label our personal and work-related belongings without fear of theft and even in these unfortunate cases, it is much easier to find and return the item. Not to mention, they make it easy for that forgetful coworker to remember who she borrowed the stapler from! Labeling machines also allow people to mark important documents, place reminders on various machines or even print shipping labels for packages.
However, small duty labeling machines are not always ideal for large companies since they are severely limited in their capabilities. These smaller systems are designed mostly for office jobs and small tasks, not companies who need to print large quantities of labels. As the saying goes, you should always pick the right tool for the right job!
Labeling Machines For Large Companies
Although shipping labels, stickers for personal items, and memos stuck to microwaves reminding employees to clean up after themselves are great, they are not always ideal for large companies. Smaller machines can certainly come in handy around the cubicles, but large jobs call for a large machine.
Businesses that need to print a substantial amount of labels as fast as possible will definitely benefit from larger labeling sources. These machines even make it possible to label vast quantities of products, such as cosmetics or bottles, rapidly and efficiently all while doing very little work on our end.
When it comes to these labeling machines, you have several options but keep in mind that you will need to purchase a machine that works with the dimensions of the objects you want labeled. For example, "flats" machines are not a good option for round objects or bottles and if you want both sides of your product labeled, you need to pick up a machine that does that since not all of them do.
Semi-Auto - For semi-automatic machines, you will need to load the products in one at a time to label them. After flipping a switch or lever, or pressing a button, the machine will label your item and after removing it, you can insert the next. These machines have a roll-on labeling system that works for flats, rounds, and ovals, depending on the one you pick. Changeovers are quick and simple, so no need to worry about offering training courses to familiarize your employees with the system!
Automatic - Automatic machines are closer to what you see on television shows and movies, where a conveyor belt moves objects along to be labeled, bottled, or packaged. With this, you can quickly and efficiently label large quantities of products ranging in size and shape. Just like the semi-automatic, you need to make sure that you pick one that reflects the products you want labeled. You do not want to pick a "flats" machine to label your bottles!
Print and Apply - Just like the name implies, you will program the machine accordingly, load your products, and watch as it automatically prints labels and applies them to your items. You can even program it to wrap the labels around boxes, bottles, and other objects, making your job even easier.
Applicators - This is another self-explanatory machine. Just like the others that feed the products down a conveyor belt, this machine works in the same manner. Typically, labels are already Sleeve Machine printed and are applied overhead (sides are an option) as the product moves down the belt.
Regardless of which system you decide to go with, one thing is for certain: you and your business will definitely benefit from it! You will be amazed at how much faster your production speeds are and how efficient the machine is. No more long hours spent at work tediously applying labels!