4 Killers of Packaging Machinery Efficiency for Co-packers
October 31, 2016
Packaging machine efficiency can make or break your co-packing business. Time is money, and if your packaging equipment is frequently down, you are cutting into your bottom line. In order to make sure your packaging machinery up to speed, take a look at these four killers of efficiency. Use this information to help improve your co-packing processes or to make new packaging machinery decisions.
1. Frequent Breakdowns
The worst thing that can happen to a packaging machine is that it constantly breaks down when in operation. Shutting down the packing line in order identify the problem costs valuable time: Waiting to contact the proper service agents, waiting for their diagnosis, waiting for an inspection and then waiting for repairs to be completed. If you require an onsite visit from a technician, you are looking at extensive downtime and related expenses. A packaging machine that breaks down often can be mitigated by purchasing equipment that is built to last, using quality materials, simple design, and rugged craftsmanship.
2. Contaminants
If you're packaging powders, granulars, liquids, snacks, or other products that cause dusting or leave a residue, contaminants in your machine are a risk. These contaminants can cause the packaging machine to malfunction or stop working altogether if they get caught in moving parts. When packaging in dusty or wet environments, it is imperative that vital packaging machinery components be enclosed, whether it just be the jaw drive or all enclosures to create a sanitary, washdown packaging environment.
3. Retrofitting Machinery
Utilizing machinery that isn't the best fit for your project can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your packaging equipment. Retrofitting an older packaging machine is a common solution to that problem, however, the band-aid only lasts for so long until the machinery does not efficiently and reliably serve its purpose. Instead, update to a configurable packaging machine that enables you to meet your goals now and in the future, regardless of input or output needs.
4. Age
A quality, well-maintained packaging machine should be able to last many years, even decades. But eventually, the machine will age past its prime, its technologies will become outdated, and that will begin to show in your production efficiency. If this is the case with your machine and it's no longer meeting your production needs, it's time to consider replacement.
Preventing Breakdowns of Machinery
In order to prevent your machine from breaking down, you will need to conduct regular maintenance and thorough routine cleaning. This is vital to the longevity of your packaging machinery no matter what type of equipment you choose. Often, major preventative maintenance will be included in your contractual maintenance agreement.
What to Look for in Packaging Machine Efficiency
At a minimum, you should expect a packaging machine that runs consistently at efficient speeds, does not require a lot of downtime, and produces accurate and reliable results. However, don’t stop there. A packaging machine should revolutionize your packaging and production processes. It should be the solution, and not the problem. You should experience measurable results in increased throughput and yield, more appealing packaging, superior seal integrity, and better production planning.
Viking Masek Offers Packaging Efficiency
If you are tired of struggling with your inefficient machinery, you aren’t alone. Here at Viking Masek we talk to clients all the time that are ready to stop struggling with existing packaging equipment. If this sounds like you, contact Viking Masek to discuss the possibilities of more efficient packaging machinery. We will be happy to help you improve your bottom line.
