In today’s fast-moving food industry, the right packaging machine can shape the way your business grows. Whether you run a growing factory or manage large-scale operations, the right equipment can boost speed, cut waste, and improve product appeal. This guide shows you how to select machines that truly fit your business goals.
Tipos de máquinas envasadoras de alimentos
Sello de llenado de formulario vertical (VFFS) Máquinas
VFFS machines form bags from a roll of film, llenarlos con producto, and seal them vertically. They are highly versatile, capable of producing pillow bags, three-side seal bags, or gusseted packs. These machines typically operate at speeds of 60–200 packs per minute, depending on the model and product type. Their vertical design stabilizes the product during filling, reduces spillage, and ensures consistent packaging quality. You can adjust bag size and sealing configurations easily, making them suitable for a wide range of granular, powdered, and small snack products.
Applicable Products:
Granular products: arroz, frijoles, azúcar
Polvos: café, harina, especias
Small snacks: nueces, dried fruits
Envoltura de flujo horizontal (HFFS) Máquinas
HFFS machines wrap products horizontally along a conveyor in continuous film, keeping the product stable during the process. They handle fragile or irregularly shaped items efficiently, providing uniform seals and professional-looking packaging. Operating speeds can reach up to 400 units per minute, while the gentle handling reduces product damage. Film usage is efficient, and the machines support multiple wrapper formats, allowing you to switch between SKUs with minimal downtime. This makes them ideal for maintaining product integrity and presentation quality in high-volume production.
Applicable Products:
Baked goods: galletas, bread slices
Confitería: barras de chocolate, dulce
Sandwiches and delicate items
Filling Machines
Filling machines deliver precise portions of liquids, semi-liquids, or powders into containers, ensuring accuracy and reducing waste. Piston fillers are used for liquids and semi-liquids, while auger fillers handle powders. High-quality machines maintain a filling variance of ±0.5%, protecting your margins and ensuring compliance with labeling regulations. They can adapt to different container sizes and shapes, and their fast, consistent operation helps you maintain productivity while ensuring uniform product quality.
Applicable Products:
Líquidos: salsas, jugos, sopas
Semi-liquids: yogur, creams, pasado
Polvos: café, protein powders, especias
Multi-Function Combination Machines
Multi-function machines integrate forming, relleno, caza de focas, and labeling in a single line, optimizing workflow and saving floor space. They handle multiple product formats efficiently and allow quick changeovers, reducing downtime between batches. Their versatility ensures consistent output quality across different products, while automation improves reliability and reduces labor requirements. These machines are ideal if you plan to package various items without investing in multiple separate systems.
Applicable Products:
Products with varied formats requiring bag, bandeja, or pouch packaging
Lines with frequent product changeovers
Bolsa, Caja, and Tray Packaging Machines
These machines are designed for secondary or rigid packaging, tales como bolsas, cartón, and trays. Tray sealers with modified atmosphere packaging (MAPA) can extend shelf life by 2–3 times, preserving product color, textura, y sabor. The machines improve presentation and protect products during storage and transportation, while also enabling consistent sealing and high-speed operation. They are particularly useful when product appearance and shelf life are critical to customer satisfaction.
Applicable Products:
Ready meals, alimentos congelados, deli products
Snack boxes and confectionery cartons
Cup-based items: yogur, pudding, dips
Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAPA) Máquinas
Vacuum and MAP machines preserve product freshness by controlling the air inside the package. Vacuum machines remove air to slow spoilage, while MAP replaces air with protective gases such as nitrogen or CO₂, maintaining product appearance and extending shelf life. These machines enhance storage stability and reduce the need for chemical preservatives. They are particularly suitable for products that require high freshness standards and consistent presentation during transportation and retail display.
Applicable Products:
Vacío: carnes, mariscos, quesos
MAPA: ready meals, ensaladas, delicate fresh products
How to Choose the Best Food Packaging Machine
Matching Machines to Your Products
Product Form and Texture
Your product’s form and texture determine which machine will work best. Granular items like rice or beans run efficiently on VFFS machines, while powders or fragile items may require auger fillers or weighers to ensure consistent portioning and minimal breakage. Liquids and semi-liquids need piston or pump-based systems for accurate dosing. Choosing the wrong machine can lead to spills, inconsistent fills, or damaged products.
Package Style and Material
Ask yourself: Do you want pillow bags, bolsas de pie, rigid trays, or vacuum packs? Each packaging format has specific forming, caza de focas, and handling requirements. A stand-up pouch with a zipper demands specialized tooling and precision sealing, while a simple flat sachet can be handled with standard equipment. Selecting a machine that matches your chosen packaging material ensures strong seals, minimal film waste, and consistent presentation.
Performance and Capacity Factors
Machine Speed and Throughput
Al elegir una máquina, consider how many units it can reliably produce per hour. Higher-speed machines are not always better; they must match your product type and line layout. You want a machine that maintains consistent speed without sacrificing product quality or increasing error rates.Filling and Sealing Accuracy
Accurate portioning and sealing are crucial. A machine that delivers precise fills reduces material waste and prevents over- or under-filled packages. Look for machines with tight tolerances—typically ±0.5%—to ensure compliance and maintain consistent customer experience.Capacidad de producción
Assess the machine’s daily and monthly output capabilities. It should handle your peak volumes without constant adjustments. Encima- or under-capacity can lead to inefficiencies, extra labor, or frequent downtime.Adaptability and Flexibility
The best machine accommodates product variations while keeping performance stable. Machines with modular designs or programmable settings let you switch bag sizes, formats, or fill weights quickly, reducing downtime and boosting operational efficiency.Reliability and Maintenance Needs
A high-performing machine is only valuable if it operates consistently. Choose equipment that is easy to maintain, limpio, and troubleshoot. Reliable machines minimize unexpected stoppages and support continuous production.
Hygiene & Safety Standards
Material and Construction
Choose machines made from food-grade stainless steel or other non-corrosive materials. Smooth surfaces, rounded edges, and minimal crevices reduce bacterial buildup and make cleaning easier. This ensures your production line meets regulatory requirements and protects product quality.Cleaning and Maintenance
Machines designed for easy disassembly and quick cleaning save time and reduce contamination risk. Look for automated wash-down features or modular components that allow thorough sanitation without extensive downtime.Operator Safety
Safety features like emergency stops, protective guards, and interlocks prevent accidents during operation. A machine that prioritizes operator safety also minimizes production interruptions caused by injuries or safety violations.Compliance with Standards
Ensure the machine meets international hygiene and safety standards, such as ISO 22000, HACCP, or relevant local regulations. Compliance helps you avoid fines, recalls, or product rejection, and reassures your clients that your products are handled safely.Air and Environment Control
For vacuum or MAP packaging, controlled airflow and filtration systems prevent contamination and maintain product freshness. Machines with proper sealing and environmental controls protect both the product and the packaging process.
After-Sales Support
Reliable after-sales support is a key factor when choosing a food packaging machine. You should work with suppliers like CHLB, who offer fast technical assistance, including remote guidance or on-site service. Quick troubleshooting can prevent small issues from causing costly downtime. Check that spare parts are easy to obtain and delivered promptly, ensuring your production line stay running smoothly.
Training and documentation are equally important. Look for suppliers that provide clear manuals, video tutorials, or hands-on training sessions for your operators and maintenance staff. Well-trained personnel can operate machines efficiently, reduce errors, and extend equipment lifespan.
Warranty and service contracts also influence your decision. A longer warranty and comprehensive service agreement protect your investment and reduce risk. Partnering with suppliers who prioritize long-term support allows you to scale, upgrade, or modify your packaging line without disruption, ensuring consistent productivity and reliability.
Why Work with CHLB?
As a manufacturer specializing in food packaging machines, CHLB understands both the engineering details and the daily realities of running a packaging line. We design our machines for easy cleaning, fast changeovers, and reliable seals, so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time producing. Our team provides training, piezas de repuesto, and responsive service to support you long after installation.
If you’re exploring your options, CHLB offers a full range of packaging machines and expert support for businesses of all sizes. Reach out to our team to discuss your products, production goals, y presupuesto, and we’ll help you find the most efficient and reliable solution for your line.
