Packaging machines are used to package a wide variety of products for shipment or storage.

There are many different types of packaging machines available, so it is important to evaluate packaging machine suppliers carefully before making a purchase.

Evaluating packaging machine suppliers is important to ensure that you are getting a quality machine that will meet your needs and last for many years.

When evaluating packaging machine suppliers, there are several factors to consider. Here is the best approach to assess the packaging machine manufacturers!

Best Approach to Assess Packaging Machine Manufacturers

1) Know the thorough process of the packaging machine you want

When looking for a packaging machine, it is important to know the thorough process of the machine you want. This will help you determine which suppliers are best suited to meet your needs.

There are many different types of packaging machines available, so it is important to understand the specific process that each type of machine can perform. This will help you request quotes from suppliers that offer the machines you are interested in.

If your machine supplier can provide a thorough and professional explanation of the machines they offer, it will be easier for you to make a decision.

2) Understand what your business needs are

It is important to understand what your business needs are before requesting quotes from packaging machine manufacturers. This will help you narrow down your search and find the best supplier for your needs.

Some factors to consider include:

• The type of product you need to package
• The speed of the packaging process
• The amount of space you have for the packaging machine
• Your budget

If you know what your business needs are, it will be easier to find a packaging machine supplier.

3) Determine what machines are made of

Frames and contact components made of welded stainless steel are found in the top packing machines. There are several benefits to stainless steel construction.

In comparison to other materials, it offers a significant strength-to-weight advantage and is hence exceptionally resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and very high heat.

Nearly every business or facility may benefit from stainless steel packing equipment.

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel cannot be matched by other building materials, such as iron or specific alloys. When exposed to oxygen and water, iron, for example, can rust, resulting in it becoming more brittle as time goes by.

Its durability makes stainless steel suitable for a wide range of applications, from dusty manufacturing facilities to very sensitive ones that need regular cleaning with corrosive chemicals.

Because of the superior quality of the material, it’s a wise long-term investment for your business.

4) Ask how durable key machine components

What matters is what’s going on behind the scenes of the packing machine.

Poor construction may result in higher expenses due to the need to repair components on an ongoing basis, unexpected downtime, as well as expensive upgrades or rebuilds. Pay close attention to the following, since it is crucial:

Pull belts

Pull belts are essential to the operation of the machine since they move the packing film through the machine. Because of this, the pull belts must be made of robust and long-lasting materials.

Be on the lookout for plastic components; this may be a warning sign indicating that the construction is of a lower quality, which will result in components wearing out more rapidly, which implies more costs for you as well as an increased danger of unexpected failure.

Sealing jaws

This component uses both heat and pressure to successfully close packages. Your packages will wind up with poorer seals, which may lead to leaks and contamination if the sealing jaws have a structure that is of lower quality.

To avoid this happening, choose machinery that has seal jaws that are made from a single piece of material throughout the manufacturing process.

This will guarantee that the pressure and heat conduction remain consistent and equal.  As a result, you can be sure that your packages will have excellent seals.

5) Consider the complexity of machines

The best packaging machines on the market are those that offer a variety of features and functions. This allows you to customize the machine to your specific needs.

A user-friendly open design concept and a modular layout are two characteristics of high-quality packaging machines. These machines are also meant to be simple to maintain.

Multiple product formulations may be stored in a digital control system, and the best ones are equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) that has a touch screen.

Because of this, it is now much simpler for operators to input many package configurations and parameters into the system at the same time.

Additionally, the top machines will have a self-diagnostic system that can detect and correct errors on its own.

6) Know the changeover process

Packaging machines must have the capacity to switch over to various bag types or sizes without requiring any additional equipment, and this should be done smoothly and seamlessly.

Companies can improve their efficiency, output, and profitability as a consequence of the consequent reduction in the amount of time required for changeovers, as well as the associated cost savings.

In addition to this, it enables personnel who work in maintenance and packing line operations to learn their jobs more quickly.

To switch over to a premade pouch machine, one should just need to press a button on the HMI and then put the new bags into the machine. This should be all that is required.

Modular components, such as forming tubes, jaw assemblies, and film roles, should make it simple to switch over to a VFFS machine and get the desired result.

7) Check out reviews online

One great way to evaluate potential packaging machine suppliers is by reading customer reviews online. You can find out a lot about a company by seeing what other customers have had to say about their experience.

When you’re reading customer reviews, look for common themes. If a lot of customers are saying the same thing, then it’s likely that there is some truth to it.

Some things to look for include:

• How easy is it to get in touch with customer service?
• Do they respond quickly to questions and concerns?
• Do they seem to care about their customers?
• Are the machines easy to use?
• Do they require a lot of maintenance?
• Are they durable?
• Do customer service representatives seem knowledgeable about the products?

8) Test the machines out yourself

If you’re seriously considering purchasing a packaging machine from a particular supplier, then it’s definitely worth your while to request a demo.

This way, you can see the machines in action and get a feel for how they work. You can also ask questions and get more information about the specific features that you’re interested in.

When you’re testing out the machines, pay attention to how easy they are to use. Are the controls intuitive? Do you need special training to use them?

Also, pay attention to the quality of the packaging. Does it meet your standards? Are there any flaws that you can see?

Testing out the machines yourself is the best way to get a feel for whether or not they’re the right fit for your business.

9) Is the manufacturer a good long-term partner?

Buying packing equipment is not just a transaction; rather, it should signal that both parties are committed to working together in the coming years.

The lifetime of a packing machine might stretch decades, and you should have confidence that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) places a high priority on your company’s success.

The following are some indicators that an OEM will be a good business partner:

1. The company has a good reputation – Do they have bad records?  Are they in financial trouble?
2. They offer comprehensive services – Will they provide support and maintenance? Do they have a network of service technicians?
3. The company is financially stable –  This is important because it shows that they will be able to support you in the long term.
4. They offer a wide range of products – This shows that they are invested in your success and that they have the resources to support you as your needs change.
5. The company is committed to innovation –  This shows that they are always looking for ways to improve their products and services.
6. They have a global reach – This is important because it means that they have the resources to support you no matter where you are.

10) Consider the total cost of ownership

When you’re evaluating packaging machine suppliers, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO).

The TCO includes the purchase price of the machine, as well as the cost of maintenance,  repairs, and replacement parts. It also takes into account the cost of training employees to use the machine.

In general, you should expect the TCO to be about 20-30% higher than the purchase price of the machine. However, it’s important to get a quote from each supplier so that you can compare the TCOs side by side.

11) Get everything in writing

Once you’ve decided on a supplier, it’s important to get everything in writing. This includes the purchase price, the delivery date, the warranty, and the terms of service.

Getting everything in writing will protect you if something goes wrong. It will also give you a point of reference if there are any disagreements down the line.

12) Check the warranty

Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the terms of the warranty. Most suppliers offer a one-year warranty on their products. However, some extend the warranty to two or even three years.

It’s important to read the fine print of the warranty so that you know what’s covered and what’s not. For example, some warranties only cover parts and labor, while others also cover shipping costs.

It’s also worth noting that some suppliers offer extended warranties for an additional cost. These extended warranties can be a good investment if you plan on using the machine for a long time.

Takeaways

When you’re evaluating packaging machine suppliers, it’s important to consider all of the factors mentioned in this article. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find a supplier that meets your needs and provides good value for your money.

Spack Machine is a global supplier of packaging machinery with over 10 years of experience.

Our commitment to innovation ensures that we always have the latest and greatest products available. Contact us today to know more about our products and services.