Along with your packaging operation expanding, you may also be expanding your packaging capacity. With more containers and packages than ever before, you must find the right packaging machine to meet your needs. Whether you need help choosing a packaging machine for your existing operation or are preparing to expand, here are five things to look for in any next-generation packaging machine.
Digital Printing Technology
While the term “seal-etched” or “thermo-transfer” is often thrown around when discussing ink-jet printing, you may be surprised to learn that the majority of packaging machines are now producing digital printing. As digital printing technology advanced, it became possible to produce print on a variety of substrates, which has led to an explosion in the printing of foods and other consumables, and printed packing materials are no exception.
There are several advantages to using digital printing in your packaging operation. Digital printing can produce a wide range of colours while maintaining high resolution and sharpness, which can be difficult with other printing technologies. This allows you to produce packaging materials that are highly visible and easily identifiable. It’s also possible to use digital printing to create graphics and logos, which can be an attractive addition to your products.
Robotic Capable
Robotic-capable packaging machines can be one of the most important factors in your decision to purchase a machine. Many packaging operations are still in a trial-and-error phase when it comes to digital printing and is thus hesitant to make an investment in a packaging machine with robotic functionality. However, packaging machines with robotic capability have become much more common in recent years, and there are now plenty of machines that are capable of printing on a wide range of substrates.
Packaging manufacturers are increasingly turning to robotic printing for several reasons. One of the most obvious considerations is the ability to produce large quantities of packaging materials, which is something that many companies are looking for. In addition, some types of packaging materials are much easier to print with a robotic machine.
Barrier-free Handling
In the past few years, there has been a shift in the printing of food packaging materials, which is why barrier-free handling is one of the main concerns when shopping for a packaging machine. For example, while foods such as canned goods, beverages, and wet foods have historically been printed on iron-based paper, there has been a shift towards printed films, which are more flexible, durable, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Therefore, while iron-based papers were the mainstay of paper packaging products, films have seen a surge in popularity and are now being used for most packaging materials.
The printing of films is a very different process than that of iron-based papers, which is why you will find that many new packaging machines are also capable of printing on films. Further, many of these machines are also able to move between printing on iron-based papers and films, allowing you to quickly transition between production runs.
Fully Automated Operation
As the printing of packaging materials has shifted from iron-based papers to films, the process of handling the materials has also become much more automated. While some packaging machines can print on iron-based papers and films, very few are capable of printing on both types of materials.
As iron-based paper printing has largely been replaced by printed films, the majority of packaging machines are now fully automated, which means that they are capable of producing packaging materials on both iron-based papers and films.
Most packaging machines are now also computer-controlled, which allows manufacturers to integrate their packaging operations with other areas of the business, such as distribution so that all products are handled consistently.
Green Manufacturing Practices
In addition to being able to produce both iron-based papers and films, many packaging machines are also now capable of printing on compostable films, which can be a big draw for manufacturers who are interested in developing a more sustainable business. In addition to printing on compostable films, packaging machines are also now capable of printing on bio-based papers, which have become more common in recent years, and can have several advantages.
Bio-based papers are much more durable than traditional papers, which can make them a much better choice for a variety of packaging products. Bio-based papers are also able to be recycled at higher rates than other papers, which can make them a more appealing choice for manufacturers who want to develop sustainable business practices.
Taste and Smell Packaging Supplies
It’s important to remember that while many new packaging machines are capable of printing on both iron-based papers and films, this is not a standard across the industry. For example, some machines may be capable of printing on both types of materials, while others may be capable of printing on just one type of material.
While most packaging machines can produce packaging materials on both iron-based papers and films, not all manufacturers can take advantage of this. Some may only be able to print on one type of material. It’s also worth noting that not all packaging machines are capable of printing on both types of materials. Finally, it’s also worth noting that not all packaging machines are capable of printing on compostable films.
Conclusion
There are many important factors to consider when shopping for a new packaging machine, including digital printing technology, robotic capability, barrier-free handling, fully automated operation, green manufacturing practices, taste and smell packaging supplies, and more. It’s important to remember that not all packaging machines are created equal, so make sure that you find a machine that fits the needs of your operation best.
