So you've contacted a packaging machine manufacturer for more information. Now what?
Goto Kinsun to know more.
The short answer: Expect a bunch of questions ranging from product descriptions to facility specifications.
Every question asked has a singular goal: Making sure the equipment manufacturer fully understands the scope of your needs so they can provide accurate recommendations and pricing.
Fair warning: Getting pricing for a packaging machine isn't as quick and simple as picking a model and referencing a price list. It's nearly impossible to buy a packaging machine off-the-shelf with no customizations.
That said, we want to help you get ahead of the game: Read through our list of the top 25 questions packaging machine manufacturers ask during the discovery process. How many can you answer?
1. When do you need to be up and running with new packaging equipment?
2. Do you have automated packaging equipment in your facility right now?
3. Do you have a budget in mind?
4. Is your project approved and funded?
5. What is the description of the product(s) you are looking to package?
6. SOLID PRODUCTS: What is the average piece size?
POWDER PRODUCTS: What is the bulk density?
LIQUID PRODUCTS: What is the fill temp and viscosity, and does it have a solid component?
7. Is your product dusty?
8. Is your product fresh or frozen?
9. Do you use already-made bags or do you need to create your bags from scratch?
10. What are your bag styles?
11. What are your package weights/volumes?
12. How much output do you require (finished bags per minute, shift, day, year, etc)?
13. Does your package have easy-open features? (i.e. tear notch, perforations)
14. Does your package have recloseable features? (i.e. zipper, label, or tin tie)
15. Do you require a degassing valve applicator (for coffee applications)?
16. Can you send pictures (or better yet, samples) of film, finished bags, and product?
17. How much weight can the floor in your facility support?
18. How many shifts are in production at your facility?
19. Is your plant environment wet or dry?
20. What is the electrical availability in your plant?
21. What is your plant ceiling height?
22. How do you wash down your equipment?
23. Do you need equipment to feed and/or dose your product into the packaging machine?
24. Do you need the packaging system to print date/lot codes on your packages?
25. Do you require metal detection, X-Ray or checkweigh in your packaging system?
Don't miss a single detail when planning your next packaging machine purchase. Organize your answers to the questions above (and more) in a single document. Download our free project planning spreadsheet to get ahead of the game:
In an automated packaging line, pallet conveyor systems are the backbone that integrates and organizes all equipment and machinery. Far from being a secondary element, pallet conveyors are responsible for ensuring the continuous flow of movement of the line and providing the necessary logistical connection. This is why, when undertaking an end-of-line project, questions often arise as to what types of conveyors are needed, how to design the conveyor flow, or what performance they can provide. These are questions that our engineering team is responsible for answering in every packaging line project with Innova.
In today's post, we compile the most frequently asked questions about automatic pallet conveying systems, following our Top 10 FAQ article series.
Are you interested in learning more about Automatic Packaging Line? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
In a pallet packaging line, the most common conveyor system is the roller conveyor, but there are also other types of specialized conveyors for different products. The most common are:
When designing and choosing conveyor types we take into account several characteristics and requirements such as:
In a packaging line there is no 'one size fits all' standard, because although the most versatile type of roller conveyor can be used, the line must be designed in length and height to offer the best possible flow to the loads.
Conveying line with infeed line through a pallet elevator conveyorFor heavy loads over 1,000 kg / 2,000 lbs. we always recommend using roller conveyors. Because of the motorized drive technology, rollers are usually the most robust and versatile system.
Light loads can be carried on any conveyor, but if you need a dedicated system that is not as robust as a roller conveyor, you can use either a belt conveyor or a roller system designed for light loads.
Within the pallet lifting systems, there is a wide range of options, depending on the height requirements to be met. Normally they are elevator systems (either elevator or platform lifts) that include a conveying system for connection to the line.
At Innova, for example, we work with two types of lifting systems:
One of the most sought-after requirements for pallet conveying systems in a project is their adaptability. Whether in an existing line or with other end-of-line components, usually the conveyor must be designed at the same height and direction of flow.
To overcome this type of linkages between different heights and flow directions, there are connecting and transfer systems, which Innova also offers:
The speed of pallet conveyors is usually between 10 m ' 32 ft /min and 18 m ' 60 ft/min, depending on the characteristics of the conveyors, the type of load to be carried, and so on. At Innova for example, our standard is 14 m / 46 ft per minute as it is a safe speed for heavy and fragile loads.
The automatic conveyor systems are characterized by being part of the communication and integration between different packaging systems and loading vehicles of the line. The conveyors are also responsible for carrying the information of the loads entering and leaving the line, with the help of measurement and communication systems (wireless or wired). At the entrance of an automatic packaging line, the conveyor receives the information of the incoming load (format, height, weight, etc.) either by wireless input with an AGV or manually by the operator, and intercommunicates it between the different packaging systems at the end of the line. This level of automation allows greater speed and efficiency in the packaging of loads.
The design of the conveyor line is critical for the adaptation to the customer's facilities. In this case, it is important to have a supplier with a wide range of conveyors and connections to design a line that guarantees the pallet flow using the strictly necessary conveyors and the connection employing turning and lifting systems.
At Innova, we have adapted hundreds of projects with the need for special conveyor line design. Our engineering team studies each project in detail to design the most appropriate conveyor line for each facility.
Example of packaging line adapted in a small facilityConveyor systems are very versatile and can include various accessories to enhance pallet transfer, or to aid in pallet transfer communication. Some of the most common accessories:
The conveyor systems are up to date with the latest developments in automation and are developed with advanced technology components, lighter parts, and high-efficiency motors.
At Innova, our conveyor systems are designed with geared motors with integrated frequency inverters for a progressive start-up of the conveyor, allowing considerable energy savings. In addition, they also have photocell sensors to detect the pallet to start and stop only when the pallet is approaching or is in the predefined range, also contributing to energy savings.
Ultimately, the conveyor systems are a main component of the automatic packaging line, with a fundamental role in its operation. That is why it is important to have a manufacturer specialized in end-of-line design that provides a complete conveying system.
Do not hesitate to contact our technical team for more information about our conveying solutions and pallet packaging systems, we will be happy to assist you.
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