VFFS Machine Selection Guide: The “Engine” of Your Automated Bagging Line – Did You Choose Correctly?

In an automated packaging line, the vertical form fill sealing machine (VFFS machine) is undoubtedly the core component. It determines your packaging speed, bag appearance, product conformity, and directly influences the rhythm and ROI of the entire production line. However, many food factories and procurement professionals mistakenly think choosing a VFFS machine is simply about finding something “faster” or “cheaper.”

In reality, selecting the right vertical packaging machine will not only boost packaging efficiency but also significantly reduce labor waste and maintenance costs in subsequent processes, genuinely achieving an automation upgrade.

 

1. Core Functions of a VFFS Machine

Firstly, let’s clearly understand the main workflow of a vertical form fill sealing machine, which includes:

Film unwinding → Bag forming → Horizontal & Vertical sealing → Product dosing → Cutting & Product discharge.

Moreover, the key components of the machine include:

• Forming Tube: Determines the aesthetics of the bag and the firmness of the sealing.
• Sealing Jaws (Horizontal + Vertical): Directly impact sealing strength and leakage rate.
• Control System (PLC + HMI): Governs the overall stability and flexibility of the system.
• Product Dosing Interface: Integrates seamlessly with multihead weighers, auger fillers, piston pumps, etc.

Only when these modules are properly matched can you achieve a high-speed, stable, and aesthetically pleasing packaging effect.

2. How to Choose the Right VFFS Machine for Your Needs?

Drawing from extensive packaging project experience, here are five crucial considerations to guide your selection:

✅ Bag Type Requirements:

Firstly, recognize that different products require specific bag types:

• Pillow bag packing: A classic, fully sealed pouch with puffed sides.

• Gusset bag packing: A bag with expandable side panels for extra volume.

• Stand-up pouch: A flat bottom that allows it to stand upright on shelves.

• Chain bag: Multiple small pouches linked together for convenient dispensing.

• Hang hole bag: A pouch with a reinforced hole at the top for peg display.

✔ Кончик: Clearly confirm market preferences. Your packaging isn’t merely functional; it’s a powerful sales tool.

 

✅ Product Characteristics:

Secondly, understand that different materials require matching dosing methods:

Тип продукта	Recommended Dosing System
Solid Granules	Multihead weighers, volumetric cup fillers
Powders	Auger fillers
Pastes and Sauces	Piston pumps
Fragile Materials	Specialized drop-buffer structures

✔ Кончик: Remember, VFFS machines aren’t universal; always select the dosing system based on your specific product.

 

✅ Speed and Output:

Additionally, standard vertical packaging machine speeds typically range from 30-100 bags/min:

• Regular models: 40-60 bags/min (medium speed)
• High-speed models: 80-100 bags/min (servo sealing and dual film pulling)

✔ Кончик: Be cautious! Packaging speed is closely tied to bag type, material properties, and film type—avoid blind parameter comparisons.

 

✅ Cost and ROI:

Furthermore, comprehensively evaluate:

• Equipment purchase cost
• Daily consumable costs (e.g., sealing bars, cylinders)
• Maintenance and spare parts costs
• Efficiency of format changes

✔ Кончик: A seemingly inexpensive Машина VFFS may become costly if it frequently leads to sealing failures and breakdowns.

 

✅ Expandability:

Lastly, consider whether your machine needs to integrate with cartoning machines, coding systems, metal detectors, check weighers, or automatic sorting machines. Planning interfaces during the selection process ensures a smooth integration with your automatic bagging machine line.

3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Moreover, keep these common pitfalls in mind to ensure your selection process remains thorough:

❌ Focusing solely on speed while neglecting bag quality → low product conformity, high rework costs.

❌ Using one machine for all products → frequent format changes, low efficiency.

❌ Overlooking downstream integration → bottlenecks in production line, inability of personnel to keep pace.

Заключение

Ultimately, a good Машина VFFS acts as the “engine” of your packaging line and is the cornerstone of stable productivity. Therefore, choosing wisely ensures smoother subsequent processes, whereas poor choices could lead to ongoing issues.

Remember, this isn’t simply a standalone equipment choice; rather, it forms the foundation of efficiency and cost control for your entire production line.

 

👉 Got questions about choosing the right vertical form fill sealing machine? Contact Fill Package, one of the leading VFFS machine manufacturers today. We’ll tailor recommendations specifically based on your products and budget.