Before contacting a packaging machine manufacturer for a price quote, you must clearly understand your project needs. Packaging equipment is not a one-size-fits-all solution; manufacturers need specific details to provide accurate recommendations and pricing.

When requesting a quotation for a packing machine, be prepared for the manufacturer to ask some questions. To help you get ready, here are seven common questions you may be asked and tips on how to answer them.

Premade Pouch or Rollstock Film You will Use on the packing machine?

When requesting a flexible packing machines quote, it’s important to consider whether you will use premade pouches or roll stock film. Both options are purchased through a film supplier, which creates or converts packaging films and bags.

The main difference between the two formats is that premade pouches are pre-formed and ready to be filled and sealed by the machine, while roll stock film is a large roll of plastic film that the machine will use to form the bags before filling and sealing them.

• Rollstock film is a type of packaging material that comes in the form of a large spool of flat plastic film. It is wrapped around a hollow core and used in a packaging machine to form bags in the desired shape. Rollstock film is a cost-effective option and can be processed at high speeds by the packaging machine.
• Premade bags are bags that have been pre-formed by a film supplier before they reach your facility. These bags are ready-made and then filled and sealed by the packaging machine. The cost per bag for premade bags is generally higher than roll stock film. However, it gives the final product a more polished and professional look.

What bag styles will you use?

Flexible packaging machines can produce many types of bag styles, and some of the most commonly used include pillow bags, doypacks, quad seal bags, flat bottom bags, gusseted bags, three-side seal bags, four-side seal bags, and stick packs.

1. Pillow bags are flexible packaging shaped like a pillow and are commonly used for many industry, such as chips, snacks, and small packets of coffee. They are made of two flat panels sealed together on the top and bottom with a vertical seal down the back.
2. Doypacks are stand-up pouches with an oval-shaped base, making them easy to display on store shelves. They are becoming increasingly popular for specialty food products such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
3. Quad seal bags have a rectangular bottom that allows them to stand unassisted. They have two side gussets, and two panels joined together with four vertical seals, providing a more structured and modular look. They are commonly found in the premium section of the coffee aisle.
4. Gusseted bags are similar to pillow bags but have side gussets, offering more internal space for more extensive and bulkier products.
5. Flat bottom bags are identical to quad seal bags, featuring two gussets, but only have a single vertical seal. They are often used for packaging coffee beans.
6. Three-sided seal bags are flat pouches sealed on three sides and are commonly used for products that do not require a stand-up feature.
7. Four-side seal bags and flat 4-side sealed packets are widely used for small single-serving products such as sugar, ketchup, and other condiments.
8. Stick packs are very narrow pillow bags used for single-serve drink mixes, powdered supplements, and other similar products.

What is your packaging capacity demand?

Regarding packaging line, machine speeds are a vital factor to consider. These speeds are typically measured in bags per minute (bpm), indicating how the equipment can produce many finished packages within that time frame.

The actual speeds that can be achieved for a specific project will depend on various factors such as the product and its properties, the facility and production line, the type of bag being used, the dimensions and weight of the bag, the skill level of the operators, and the budget for the project.

To determine the ideal speed for your production needs, you must consider the number of bags you need to produce per hour, day, week, or month and then calculate the equivalent in bags per minute.

Manual or semi-automatic packaging methods may be more appropriate if your production requirements are relatively low or infrequent. However, a fully automatic solution may be necessary if high-volume production is needed.

It’s important to note that over-investing in high-speed equipment may lead to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.

What are your bag specifications?

Having a clear understanding of the specifications of your bags is crucial. The packaging machine manufacturer will use this information to recommend the most appropriate equipment and provide an accurate quote.

When inquiring about a packaging machine, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will likely ask for certain details about your bags. This includes the size, shape, and type of your bags, as well as other characteristics such as the material they are made of, the weight and volume of the product they will hold, and the design and layout of the packaging.

This information will help the supplier ensure that the recommended machine can handle your bags and meet your specific needs adequately.

1. Detailed measurements of the package. This includes the width and length for flat bags and the width, height, and depth for bags with gussets or that stand up.
2. The weight or volume of the filled package. This is important for determining the weight of solid or powdered products and the importance of liquid products.
3. The type of material used for the package. This can include information on the thickness and properties of the material, such as whether it is heat-sealable or tear-resistant.

What are your product’s characteristics?

When specifying an automated packaging system, it is essential to provide detailed information about your product’s physical properties. This information is crucial in determining the appropriate equipment and providing an accurate quotation. The following are critical points that the OEM will likely ask for:

1. Solid products: The average piece size and weight, as well as whether the product is sticky, dry, fragile, frozen, etc.
2. Liquid products: The viscosity of the liquid can affect the flow and handling of the product.
3. Powders: The bulk density refers to the weight of a powder per unit volume and whether the powder flows freely.

What is your desired level of automation for the packaging process?

Automation refers to performing packaging works without human intervention. Regarding packaging, automation can complete a variety of tasks, from filling, sealing, labeling and shrink wrapping, and palletizing.

Determining the desired level of automation for your packaging process will depend on your specific needs and goals. For example, invest in fully automated packaging equipment to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more flexibility and are willing to trade off some efficiency for the ability to change product or packaging formats quickly, semi-automatic equipment might be a better option.

The key is to balance your need for automation with your budget and production goals.

What are the specific requirements for your production environment?

Before selecting a packaging machine, it’s also essential to consider the specific requirements of your production environment.

For example, space constraints may be a factor, as some packaging machines can take up a significant amount of space. Additionally, sanitation needs may be a consideration, as some machines may need to be cleaned or sanitized frequently.

Other factors to consider include the availability of power and water supply and the level of noise and vibration that the machine will produce. It’s also important to consider the floor load-bearing capacity and ventilation needs.

These factors must be considered to ensure that the packaging machine can safely and effectively integrate into your existing production environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the key to getting an accurate quotation for an automated packaging machine is to clearly understand your product, bag specifications, and production requirements.

By answering the questions listed above, you will be able to provide a comprehensive picture of your needs to the supplier, enabling them to give you a more accurate quotation. Additionally, you will better understand what type of machine best suits your needs and can make an informed decision when purchasing.