Types of sachet packing machines
The best sachet packing machine has many types, each of which is tailored to the needs of the industry and the products. The following table summarizes a few of them:
- Single-Use Sachet: Weekender sachets are generally used for toiletries, cosmetics, and convenience foods and are usually further embossed by a from-scratch never-used filter. Common items for these are shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and ketchup. To avoid guests starting a full bottle in order to take a little with them, they are great for hotel stays where that is the case. Not just hotels, but also gyms and travel.
- Multi-Use Sachet: They are bigger and are meant for multi-use, such as 10-20 swipes. They could be used for hardware such as motor oil or automotive fluid, or foods such as condiment packaging, cheese spreads, snacks, and powdered drinks. They need to be multi-use as the consumer/market will not use the full amount in one use.
- Stick Pack: These resemble a sachet but are longer, thinner, and packed into a plastic or paper sleeve, like a hard shell. They usually can be more transparent, showing the product with a label on the item, and the consumer can see it. The benefits are precision pouring/dispensing and less waste per single serve. Items used for these are usually sweeteners, powdered beverages, supplements, and snacks.
- Green Tea Sachets: They are made with non-paper, plant-based materials (biomass) and come with a compostable product (but not a compostable carton!). This is because, if it gets wet, it will break down faster, and in a landfill, it won't take as long, so these can help reduce our carbon footprint.
- Battery Sachets: They have to go through strict testing to determine how many they can use and what the machineries' batteries will be. Then, when they pass the tests, they are good to go.
- Wipes Sachets: They are made of non-woven material and have a unique sealing method to allow liquid to vaporize inside the sachet; when the moisture is inside the sachet, it will stay there, even if it is suspended in the air.
Specifications and maintenance of sachet packing machines
Specifications of sachet packing machines vary depending on the type and brand. Here are some key specifications to consider.
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Pouch size and volume
When it comes to sizes, sachet packing machines are designed to create and fill pouches of varying dimensions. The usual sizes range from 1 oz to 11 oz. The volume of the machine is determined by the amount of pouches it can produce within an hour. The frequency of use determines the pouch size and volume of the machine to buy.
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Applicable materials
Sachet packing machines can be used with several materials, such as solid, liquid, and powdered substances. Every machine has unique qualities that enable it to deal with a specific material.
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Automation
Machines may be semi-automatic or fully automatic. While sachet packing machines automate some processes, such as filling and sealing, other manual tasks may be required, such as feeding the material to the machine. Fully automatic machines perform all tasks autonomously, including feeding the substance, packing it, and supplying it.
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Packaging materials
Packaging items for sachets vary depending on the goods. Sachet packing machines are made to accommodate diverse packaging materials, including laminated film, polyethylene, and polypropylene, among others.
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Production rate
For businesses, the production rate is an important factor to consider. The rate shows how many pouches the machine can produce within one hour. The machine's automation level influences the production rate, which may be 20 to 300 pouches per hour.
Proper maintenance of the machine extends its lifespan and ensures it operates at peak performance. Here are some useful maintenance tips:
- To remove any leftovers and filth from the packing area, use a clean cloth.
- Periodically inspect the machine for loose, broken, or worn parts and replace or repair them as needed.
- Sachet packing machines should be oiled periodically to keep mechanical parts moving smoothly and prevent damage caused by friction.
- Select the appropriate lubricants for the machines as advised in the manual. When applying, be careful not to get any oil on the areas that come in contact with the product.
Scenarios of the best sachet packing machines
Sachet packing machines are used in many industries to package small quantities of individual servings of products for convenience, portability, and easy distribution.
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare: In the healthcare industry, sachet packing machines are used to package single doses of medications such as ointments, oral liquids, and dietary supplements. Individually packed pharmaceuticals enhances patient compliance, reduces contamination, and improves safety and convenience for patients.
- Food and beverage industry: Sachet packing machines are widely used in the food and beverage industry to package condiments (such as soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, etc.), instant beverages (such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.), and snacks, and single-serve servings of salt, sugar, and spices. The sachet packaging provides hygienic and portion-controlled servings for consumers, and they are convenient for on-the-go consumption and away-from-home dining.
- Retail and e-commerce: In retail and e-commerce, sachet packing machines are used to package samples, travel sizes, and single-use products such as detergent, fabric softener, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. Sachet packaging is an effective way to promote new products, reduce wastage, and offer convenient solutions for online shopping and direct-to-consumer distribution channels.
- Cosmetics and personal care: Sachet packing machines are widely used in the cosmetics and personal care industry to package products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, moisturizer, and other beauty products. Sachet packaging offers consumers the opportunity to try different products, reduces contamination risk, and enhances convenience when traveling or sampling products.
- Industrial and chemical products: In the industrial and chemical sector, sachet packing machines are used to package lubricants, adhesives, chemical additives, and agricultural products (herbicides/fungicides/pesticides, etc.) in sachet sizes. Sachet packaging provides precise dosing, reduces product exposure, and simplifies handling in manufacturing and industrial processes.
How to Choose the Best Sachet Packing Machine
Apart from the benefits of sachet packing machines, many options are available for discerning clients. The best sachet packaging machine for business needs depends on specific requirements. Here are some things to consider when choosing a sachet packing machine:
- Production Rate: Consider the machine's production rate, i.e. the number of sachets it can produce per minute or hour. Choose a machine with a production rate that aligns with the desired output to meet demand but avoid a bottleneck in the production line.
- Sachet Size and Format: Select a machine that accommodates the size and shape of the sachets. Some machines are limited to specific sachet shapes and sizes, which would affect product presentation.
- Product Compatibility: Ensure that the machine is compatible with the consistency and characteristics of the product being packaged. Some sachet packing machines are better suited for certain products (e.g., liquids, powders, granules) due to their design and functionality.
- Packaging Material: Choose a machine that can handle the required packaging material. Different machines have different mechanisms for handling various types of films, such as tear-resistant, moisture-sensitive, or vacuum films.
- Automation and Integration: Consider the level of automation and integration offered by the sachet packing machine. (This is already discussed in the previous section.)) Some machines come with automated features such as filling, sealing, and cutting, which can streamline the packaging process and increase efficiency.
- Quality Control and Inspection: Look for features that allow quality control and inspection of packaged sachets, such as detection for product leakage, seal integrity checks, and alignment verification. These features can help maintain packaging quality and reduce the risk of defective sachets reaching customers.
- Flexibility and Changeover: Consider the machine's flexibility and changeover time for different products and sachet types. Quick changeover and minimal downtime are essential for maintaining production efficiency.
- Safety Features: Ensure the sachet packing machine has appropriate safety features to protect operators and prevent accidents. Safety considerations may include emergency stop buttons, safety guards, and CE compliance.
FAQ
Q1: Which material does sachet packing machine use?
A1: The construction material of sachet packaging machines is typically more robust to allow them to handle heavier products. Stainless steel is often used for the frame and body of the machine. This is because it is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is also easy to clean and maintain hygienic.
Q2: What industrial uses sachet packing machines?
A2: Sachet packing machines are used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetics, chemical industry, and e-commerce and retail.
Q3: How powerful is a sachet packing machine?
A3: Sachet packing machines are varied in power depending on the type and size of the machine. For instance, an automatic sachet packing machine can have a power rating of about 1-3KW.
Q4: Can sachet packing machines be integrated with filling machines?
A4: Yes, sachet packing machines can sometimes be integrated with filling machines. This integration allows for the automatic filling and sealing of sachets in one continuous operation, thereby increasing production efficiency.