When selecting a food packaging machine for a food processing facility, several key factors need to be considered including:
Product Characteristics: The type of product plays a pivotal role. Whether dealing with a pasta sauce or 2.5 gallons of edible oil (for liquid filling) or hard candy versus frozen food (IQF), the filling, closing and other packaging technology required varies significantly. Understanding the product's nature is the foremost step.
Throughput Requirements: Consider the desired volumes and production rates - products per minute (PPM) or products per hour (PPH). This factor affects the choice of machine, ensuring it can meet the production demands effectively.
Efficiency: Machine efficiency is a fundamental consideration. The packaging machine should be able to perform consistently and reliably to optimize production output.
Cleanability: Machine cleanability is paramount for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. The ease with which the machine can be cleaned, both internally and externally, is crucial.
Parts and Service Availability: Ensuring that replacement parts are readily available and that the manufacturer offers reliable after-sales service and support is essential for minimizing downtime.
In summary, the process of selecting a food packaging machine involves a comprehensive analysis of the product, production requirements, product characteristics, cleaning needs, efficiency, cleanability, and long-term support options. These factors collectively determine the most suitable packaging solution for a food processing facility.