How to Select the Right VFFS Machine for Your Packaging Line

1 Know Your Product

Understand what you're packing. The nature of your product - be it powders, granules, pastes, or liquids - determines key machine features like dosing systems and sealing mechanisms. Fragile or hygroscopic materials may require special handling.

2 Map Your SKUs and Output Needs

Identify how many SKUs you'll run and the expected packs per minute (PPM) for each. Machines with faster changeovers and recipe-based automation save hours during SKU switches, especially vital for high-mix environments.

3 Define Your Pouch Style

The style of pouch you need - pillow, gusseted, quad seal, or zipper - impacts your film choice, shelf appeal, and machine configuration. Clarity here prevents expensive retrofits later.

4 Choose Your Technology Stack

Standardise on trusted, serviceable brands for core components:

• PLC: Siemens, Omron
• Motors/Drives: Delta, Panasonic
• Pneumatics: Festo, SMC
• Data Transfer Capability: Ensure the machine can transfer data to your MES or ERP for real-time performance tracking (OEE, downtime, wastage).

This ensures easier maintenance, availability of spares, reduced downtime, and actionable performance insights.

5 Align with Your Packing Hall Layout

Your VFFS setup must integrate seamlessly within your floor plan. Consider:

• Entry/exit flow of goods
• Utility access (power, compressed air)
• Operator space and safety zones

A CAD layout from your vendor can help pre-empt layout issues.

6 List Your Optional Accessories

Depending on compliance and traceability needs, consider:

• Printers: Thermal Transfer Overprinter (TTO), Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
• Metal detectors, checkweighers
• Exit conveyors with sorting or rejection systems

7 Clarify Secondary Packaging Requirements

Will the primary packs feed into cartons, bags, or cases? Define if secondary packaging is:

• Manual or automated
• Inline or offline
• Speed-matched to the VFFS output

8 Set Performance Commitments

Make vendors commit to key metrics in writing:

• OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) ≥ 85%
• Film wastage ≤ 2%
• EGA (Empty Good Alignment) precision

These benchmarks will become part of your FAT (Factory Acceptance Test).

9 Build a Smart RFQ

Create a detailed Request for Quotation (RFQ) with all specs. Here’s a simplified format:

10 Compare Vendors Beyond Cost

Common mistake: Going with the lowest price.

What you really need is a reliable machine with a low total cost of ownership (TCO) - not just a cheap upfront deal. Evaluate:

• TCO: energy, spares, uptime, service
• Proven success in similar applications
• Strong referrals from current users
• Visit at least one live plant with the same setup

11 Protect Your Investment

Build commercial safeguards:

• Retain 10-15% until FAT benchmarks are met
• Include penalty clauses for underperformance
• Document scope, layout, and warranties clearly