Category: News

VFFS Machines in the Food Industry: Enhancing Packaging Efficiency and Quality

In the food industry, efficient and hygienic packaging is essential to ensure the freshness, safety, and appeal of products. Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines have become a popular choice for food manufacturers, offering automated packaging solutions that optimize production processes. This article explores VFFS machines, their material construction, and the feeding technologies they use, with a focus on weighing and counting mechanisms. Additionally, we will examine some key trends within the food industry to understand the vital role played by VFFS machines in this dynamic sector.

1. VFFS Machines: Material and Construction

VFFS machines used in the food industry are constructed using high-quality materials to meet strict hygiene and regulatory standards. One of the most commonly used materials is 304/316 stainless steel. This type of stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for contact with food products. It is easy to clean, maintain, and offers a smooth surface that prevents residue buildup, reducing the risk of contamination.

The robust construction of VFFS machines ensures their durability and longevity, enabling continuous operation even in demanding production environments. The hermetically sealed design prevents foreign particles from entering and maintains the hygiene and integrity of the packaged food products.

2. Feeding Technologies for VFFS Machines

The efficiency and accuracy of VFFS machines heavily depend on the feeding technologies they utilize. There are two primary feeding methods employed, which are developed internally by our engineering departments: weighing and counting.

a. Weighing Technologies:

1. Vibrating Rails: VFFS machines equipped with vibrating rails use controlled vibrations to ensure a smooth flow of the product into the packaging material. Our solutions consist of two rails: the first, wider one, rapidly feeds the forming tube with the product, and the second, narrower one, is activated to add and complete the filling process. The vibrations help prevent product bridging (which can lead to blockages) or uneven product distribution, ensuring precise and accurate weights. It is worth noting that all our weighing systems can be certified for legal metrology!

2. Multihead Weighers: These sophisticated weighing systems comprise multiple hoppers that release the product into the packaging material. Multihead weighers use algorithms and load cells to calculate the optimal combination of hoppers, achieving precise target weights. They are ideal for applications requiring both speed and accuracy in bagging.

b. Counting Technologies:

1. Vibrating Bowls: Less frequently used, we can employ vibrating bowls to count small, uniform products such as nuts, candies, or tablets. The vibrations orient and distribute the products one by one to the packaging machine, ensuring a consistent count and preventing product damage.

2. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): PLC-based counting systems are utilized for more complex and diverse products. Optical sensors and advanced algorithms enable the PLC to accurately count and dispense the desired quantity of products into the packaging material.

3. Focus on Food Industry Trends

The food industry is constantly evolving, and several noteworthy trends shape consumer preferences and packaging requirements:

a. Sustainable Packaging: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their packaging choices. Durable materials, recyclable packaging, and reduced plastic usage have become crucial considerations for food manufacturers. Tecnimodern has invested significant efforts in development to ensure all our bagging machines can handle various paper types.

b. Convenience and Portability: On-the-go consumption is gaining popularity, leading to a demand for convenient and portable packaging. VFFS machines can adapt to various bag styles and sizes that cater to these preferences. Tecnimodern can now produce any bag shape (flat-bottomed, pillow, gusseted, zipper…) in high demand from our customers.

c. Product Diversification: The food industry experiences a rise in new product introductions and flavor variations. The flexibility of VFFS machines allows for rapid changeovers, enabling manufacturers to efficiently meet market demands. Tecnimodern’s patented Quick-Change system allows for quick reel and width changes in less than 10 minutes.

d. Food Safety and Hygiene: With food safety being paramount, the food industry demands machines that are easy to clean and maintain. The 304/316 stainless steel construction of VFFS machines meets these requirements, ensuring hygienic and contamination-free packaging. We are also capable of integrating metal detectors into all our production lines.

Conclusion

VFFS machines equipped with 304/316 stainless steel construction and advanced feeding technologies have become indispensable tools for the food industry. The combination of precision, efficiency, and hygienic packaging makes them a preferred choice for food manufacturers aiming to meet evolving consumer demands. As the food industry continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and sustainability concerns, VFFS machines will remain at the forefront, streamlining packaging processes and ensuring the quality and safety of food products.

Could you imagine it? You have already come into contact with products packaged by Tecnimodern machines!

Indeed, one of our areas of expertise is in the monetics industry. Tecnimodern VFFS machines equip a large majority of National Banks: the Banque Nationale de France, of course, but also the ones in Morocco, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Slovakia… and most recently, the Croatian National Bank, as the nation joined the Eurozone in 2023!

With continuous and highly intensive productions, various Mints (public agencies in charge of coin minting) provide excellent opportunities to test the resilience and robustness of our machines. The figures speak for themselves: 24 hours a day, 20 bags are produced every minute, each containing 500 coins, with values ranging from 5 to… 1000 euros, and they will then find their way into your piggy banks!

The Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) process is a commonly used packaging method in the industry to package different types of products, including coins. VFFS is particularly effective for packing bulk items quickly and automatically.

Here are the key steps of the VFFS process for coins:

1. Material Preparation: the process begins with the preparation of the appropriate packaging film. The packaging material is typically a roll of plastic film (usually, polyethylene) capable of forming a solid and resistant pouch.

2. Pouch Forming: the packaging film is unwound and guided towards a forming machine. The machine folds the film into a vertical tube shape. The edges of the film are sealed longitudinally to form the back of the pouch, while a horizontal seal is made at the base of the tube to create the pouch’s bottom.

3. Coin Feeding: coins are introduced into the pouch by an automatic feeding device. This device is designed to place a specific number of coins in each pouch, ensuring uniform packaging.

4. Top Sealing: once the coins are deposited into the pouch, the top of the tube is horizontally sealed to completely close the pouch.

5. Cutting and Separation: after the top sealing is completed, the film is cut between each individual pouch. The coin pouches are then separated and ready to be handled or packaged for storage or distribution.

6. Quality Control and Packaging: during the bagging process, quality control devices typically check the weight, size, or density of the coin pouches to ensure they are properly filled and sealed. Then, the pouches can be gathered into cartons or other packaging to facilitate transportation and distribution.

Once all these steps are completed, the coin pouches are reintegrated into the monetary exchange flow through specialized carriers: you have surely noticed them, as they use armored trucks and their operators are armed. These carriers are also Tecnimodern customers: the main global leaders re-bag used coins before moving them (from a retail store to a bank, for example).

Discover how our Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) process revolutionizes the packaging of coins in major European banks:

1. Careful sorting: it all starts with careful sorting of coins. National banks collect the coins and subject them to a precise sorting process where damaged or non-compliant coins are discarded, leaving only those in perfect condition for bagging.

2. Automated feeding: once sorted, coins are directed to our Vertical Form Fill Seal (TEC20, TEC30, TEC50) machines. With an automated feeding system, coins are introduced into each pouch, respecting a precise quantity, ensuring uniform and efficient packaging.

3. Precision measurement: each pouch is filled with absolute accuracy. Our machines measure the number of coins in each bag to ensure the monetary value matches the expected standard.

4. Hermetic sealing: once the coins are carefully placed into the pouch, our hermetic sealing system ensures a secure closure. This prevents tampering or leakage, ensuring the coins are well protected until their further use.

5. Rigorous quality control: at each stage of the process, our machines conduct rigorous quality checks to ensure each pouch is properly filled and sealed. Precision is our priority, and we ensure the coins are handled with the utmost care.

6. Final Packaging: once the coins are bagged and verified, they are ready for final packaging. The pouches are organized and prepared for transportation to bank branches where they will be distributed to customers or sent to ATMs for convenient use.

Thanks to our technology, we contribute to the smoothness and efficiency of the international monetary circuit.

Contact us to learn more about our 100% Made in France solutions: U lines, VFFS, cartoners, elevating arms, coin counters… Together, let’s continue shaping the global monetary future!

A Leap Towards Efficiency and Quality !

The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with increasingly demanding requirements for quality, safety, and production efficiency. In this context, precise assembly of parts is of paramount importance to ensure reliable and high-performing vehicles. This is where spindles come into play, offering advanced solutions for screwing and assembly operations in the automotive sector. As manufacturers, we provide screwdrivers that are tailored to your needs, with both pneumatic and electrical solutions, with the aim of delivering precise and high-performance for your assembly operations.

Let’s dive into Tecnimodern’s 100% Made in France Solutions: our Titan series on the one hand, dedicated to tailor-made screwdriving spindles and our AZ series on the other hand, which covers standard sizes (from M1 to M12) with a specialization in large sizes.

Whether they are standard or custom-made, our screwdrivers spindles have undergone significant advancements over the time (50 years of experience!), to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry. These technological advancements have led to the development of screwdriving spindle that offer superior performance and more advanced features compared to their predecessors.

Here are some key characteristics that have evolved over 50 years:

1. Torque Control: all our screwdrivers spindles are equipped with torque control devices, allowing for precise adjustment of the tightening force applied during screwing. This functionality is essential to prevent loosening or overtightening of screws, ensuring secure and reliable fastening of components.

2. Adaptability to Different Screw Diameters: we design our screwdrivers spindles to adapt to a wide range of screw diameters, from M1 to M12, and beyond. This adaptability allows for versatile solutions to meet various assembly needs in the automotive industry.

3. Integration with Robotics: all our screwdrivers spindles can be easily integrated with 4.0 industrial robots, enabling simultaneous and synchronized screwing operations. This robotic integration offers advanced automation and significantly improves productivity by reducing cycle times and increasing assembly throughput.

4. Automatic Feeding via Vibrating Bowls: screwdrivers spindles are fed by vibration bowls made of aluminum or polyamide. These vibrating bowls play a crucial role in the assembly process by accurately selecting, isolating, and orienting screws before delivering them to the screwdrivers. This technology streamlines workflow, reduces errors, and improves overall assembly efficiency.

5. Control and Traceability: Our screwdrivers spindles incorporate control and traceability systems, allowing for monitoring and recording of screwing parameters for each operation. We can monitor depth, torque, and screwing angle, providing visibility into the quality of the assembly process and facilitating early detection of defects with precise adjustments if needed.

The use of our screwdrivers spindles offers numerous advantages in automotive assembly operations. For example, their use allows you to improve your productivity, the quality of your assembly process, and the overall profitability of your production lines, thanks to:

1. An Increased Precision and Reliability: Tecnimodern screwdriving spindles enable precise tightening of screws, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability in the assembly of automotive components. The precise control of applied torque helps prevent the risk of loosening or overtightening, ensuring secure and uniform component fastening.

2. Improved Assembly Quality: By providing precise and reproducible tightening, precision screwdrivers contribute to overall improvement in the quality of automotive assembly. This reduces the risk of defects, excessive vibrations, or misaligned parts, resulting in more reliable and durable vehicles.

3. Enhanced Productivity: Tecnimodern screwdriving spindles, especially when combined with robotic integration and synchronization, accelerate the assembly process through simultaneous screwing operations. This reduces cycle times and increases assembly throughput, thereby improving overall productivity in automotive manufacturing plants.

4. Reduced Human Errors: The automation and precision of Tecnimodern screwdrivers help reduce human errors in the assembly process. Our screwdrivers ensure consistent application of the required torque, eliminating variations caused by fatigue or manual handling errors, resulting in higher assembly quality.

5. Minimized Production Downtime: Precision screwdrivers, in conjunction with the use of vibratory bowls for screw feeding, streamline workflow and reduce production downtime. Vibratory bowls accurately select, isolate, and orient screws, minimizing interruptions in the assembly process and improving overall production line efficiency.

6. Traceability and Compliance: Tecnimodern precision screwdriving spindles are equipped with control and traceability systems, allowing for monitoring and recording of screwing parameters for each operation. This enables complete traceability, facilitating compliance verification with standards and early detection of potential issues.

In summary, Tecnimodern screwdrivers are ready to tackle the complex challenges of automotive assembly while offering increased productivity and unmatched manufacturing quality. Our track record speaks for itself!

Feel free to contact us to learn more about our screwdrivers and discuss your specific requirements. Together, we can optimize your assembly operations and accelerate your journey towards industrial excellence.

Specifics and Choices of Consumables for VFFS Packaging Machines: A Comprehensive Perspective!

This week, we invite you to dive into the specifics, advantages, and disadvantages of consumables used in VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) packaging machines. These machines are capable of packaging a wide range of products, from food items to industrial goods, including medical products, payment solutions, confectionery, and even automotive components.

To cater to the diverse requirements of these products, our 100% Made in France VFFS machines operate with three main categories of consumables:

Polyethylene (PE): Versatile and High Performance

Polyethylene is a widely used thermoplastic in various packaging sectors. It provides an excellent barrier against moisture, gases, and odors, preserving the freshness and quality of the packaged products. PE is known for its flexibility, strength, and ease of sealing, making it a popular choice for VFFS packaging applications. Furthermore, it is the most cost-effective consumable on the market.

Advantages of PE:

– Excellent barrier against moisture, gases, and odors.

– High flexibility and, consequently, better resistance to punctures.

– Ease of sealing.

– Inert, translucent, and creates a lower static charge.

– Prevents excessive light from entering the bag or film, aiding content protection.

– Attracts less dirt, dust, or other foreign organic elements.

– More resistant to cold temperatures and wear.

– Generally cheaper than PP.

Disadvantages of PE:

– Environmental impact associated with its production from petroleum resources.

– Recycling can be challenging for certain types of PE (although recycling initiatives are gradually increasing).

Polypropylene (PP): Versatile and Enhanced Barrier Properties

Polypropylene is another commonly used thermoplastic in VFFS flexible packaging. It offers good heat resistance, making it suitable for products requiring sterilization or pasteurization. PP is also impact-resistant and provides a good barrier against moisture. Its recyclability and dimensional stability make it an attractive choice.

Advantages of PP:

– Heat resistance, suitable for sterilization and pasteurization.

– Impact resistance.

– Good barrier against moisture.

– Recyclable and dimensionally stable.

– Transparent and translucent.

– More resistant to chemicals, high temperatures, and scratches.

– Rigid and tough plastic.

– Its rough surface may cause scratches.

– Compliant with FDA and USDA specifications.

– Difficult to break, but not very flexible.

Disadvantages of PP:

– Environmental impact associated with its production from petroleum resources.

– Less flexible and less easy to seal than PE in certain applications.

Paper: A More Environmentally Friendly Alternative

Paper is the new trending packaging material used in various sectors, including food and industrial products, offering great versatility. It is biodegradable and recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastics. Additionally, paper provides good tear resistance and an attractive appearance for certain product types.

Advantages of paper:

– Biodegradable and recyclable.

– Appealing appearance for consumers.

Disadvantages of paper:

– Less effective as a barrier against moisture, grease, and gases.

– May lead to deterioration or deformation of the packaging in humid conditions.

It is essential to note that the choice of consumables depends on the specific requirements of each application, product type, and relevant regulations. Considerations such as sustainability, product protection, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance should guide material selection.

As stakeholders in the packaging industry, we must be mindful of the environmental impact of our choices. Pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions is an exciting challenge we face daily: all our machines are now capable of using paper as an alternative to plastic consumables!

Learn more about the key features, advantages, and considerations of some of the available marking technologies: thermal transfer, laser, labeling, and inkjet.

1- Thermal Transfer

General characteristics: Uses specialized ink ribbons and thermal print heads to transfer ink onto packaging materials.

Advantages:

– Durability: Offers good resistance to friction, moisture, and chemicals, ensuring long-lasting markings.

Flexibility: Enables printing of barcodes, expiration dates, lot numbers, and other variable information.

Cost: Often an economical option for frequent variable marking.

Disadvantages:

– Color limitations: Typically limited to black or single-color printing.

Ribbon dependency: Requires specific ink ribbons, which may require proper storage and management.

2- Laser

General characteristics: Utilizes laser beams to directly engrave markings onto packaging materials.

Advantages:

– Durability and permanence: Laser markings exhibit excellent resistance to friction, abrasion, and chemicals, ensuring long-lasting results.

– High quality: Enables precise, sharp, and high-resolution markings with intricate details.

– High speed: Laser marking systems can achieve fast marking speeds, making them suitable for high-speed production lines.

Disadvantages:

– Initial cost: Laser marking systems may have a higher initial cost compared to other technologies.

– Material limitations: Laser marking may not be suitable for all types of packaging materials, as some materials may reflect or absorb the laser, resulting in lower marking quality.

3- Labeling

– General characteristics: Involves the application of adhesive labels using automated labeling systems.

Advantages:

– Design flexibility: Labeling allows for flexible addition of logos, graphics, barcodes, and other information.

– Variability: Labels can be easily updated or modified as per requirements.

– Material versatility: Labeling can be used on a wide variety of packaging materials.

Disadvantages:

– Label costs: Purchasing and managing labels can add to the overall cost.

– Handling process: Label application requires appropriate labeling systems and may impact production speed compared to other marking methods.

4- Inkjet

– General characteristics: Inkjet marking projects small ink droplets onto packaging materials.

Advantages:

– High speed: Inkjet systems can achieve high marking speeds, suitable for fast-paced production lines.

– Flexibility: Allows for printing of variable information like dates, barcodes, and multi-color options.

Disadvantages:

– Variable durability: Durability against friction, moisture, and chemicals may vary depending on the inks and materials used.

– Maintenance: Inkjet systems often require regular maintenance, such as nozzle cleaning, to prevent clogging.

These marking technologies offer various possibilities in terms of flexibility, durability, speed, and costs. When selecting the right marking technology for your packaging needs, consider factors such as durability, design flexibility, speed, material compatibility, and costs.

Each technology brings its unique advantages to enhance your packaging process. Contact Tecnimodern today to enquire further, make the right choice… and leave a lasting mark!

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Focus on the specificities of our experts in mechanical, automation and electrical design offices – WE ARE HIRING!

Today we would like to highlight the pillars of innovation within Tecnimodern. Indeed, R&D is at the heart of our thinking when designing our “100% Made in France” VFFS machines. For this, we rely on our experts from the various internal design offices: mechanics, automation and electrical!

Let’s now discover the scope of their respective missions:

– Mechanical experts ensure that each component of our machines is designed with meticulous precision, taking into account the strictest technical constraints and safety standards. Their expertise in mechanical engineering allows them to push the limits of performance, optimizing movements, forces and materials to ensure smooth use and exemplary durability.

– Automation specialists are the architects of the intelligence of our VFFS machines. They develop advanced automated systems, integrating sensors, actuators and control software to ensure precise and consistent operations. Their knowledge of programming and algorithms helps optimize operating parameters, ensure perfect synchronization and minimize downtime.

– As for the electrical experts, they are responsible for the design of the electrical circuits and the selection of the appropriate electrical components. They provide reliable and secure power distribution, while integrating protection and control devices to ensure optimal electrical performance. Their expertise in electronics and electrical engineering is essential to meet quality requirements and industrial standards.

Interested? Constantly looking for new talent, do get in touch with us and let’s design the machines of the future!

Find out about job vacancies

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Are you familiar with impulsion sealing and thermic sealing methods used in Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines? These sealing techniques play a crucial role in packaging operations, ensuring secure and efficient seals. Let’s dive into their differences and major characteristics:

– Impulsion Sealing: also known as impulse sealing, relies on the Joule effect, where electrical resistance generates heat. Here’s what you need to know:

+ Heat Generation: Impulsion sealing utilizes an electrical current passing through a resistance wire or strip to generate the necessary heat for sealing.

+ Control: This method provides precise control over heat and sealing time, allowing for consistent and reliable seals. Adjustments can be made based on film thickness and other factors.

+ Quick Operation: Impulsion sealing boasts a rapid sealing process. It applies heat for a short duration, enabling high-speed sealing in VFFS machines.

+ Versatility: Suitable for various packaging materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), laminates, and heat-sealable films. It accommodates a wide range of film thicknesses.

+ Energy Efficiency: By generating heat only during the sealing process, impulsion sealing minimizes energy consumption and reduces costs.

– Thermic Sealing: also known as continuous sealing, involves applying continuous heat to the packaging material. Let’s uncover its key features

+ Heat Generation: Thermic sealing utilizes constant heat sources such as heated jaws or heating elements to maintain a consistent temperature for sealing.

+ Continuous Operation: This method applies heat continuously as the packaging material passes through the heated jaws or heating elements. Ideal for high-speed production lines.

+ Heat Distribution: Ensuring even heat distribution across the sealing area is crucial to achieving uniform and secure seals. Temperature control plays a vital role.

+ Material Compatibility: Thermic sealing works well with a wide range of packaging materials, including PE, PP, cellophane, laminates, and heat-sealable films.

+ Sealing Strength: With its continuous application of heat, thermic sealing provides strong and reliable seals, creating a robust bond between packaging material layers.

When it comes to VFFS machines, selecting the appropriate sealing method depends on factors like packaging materials, desired seal strength, production speed, and energy efficiency requirements. As we are the last remaining French manufacturers of VFFS machines, we carefully consider these aspects to optimize our clients’ packaging operations. When coming out of our workshop, each machine has been thoroughly tested and precisely optimized per their end users’ specifications.

We hope this article sheds light on impulsion sealing and thermic sealing, empowering you with valuable insights into the world of VFFS machines. Stay tuned for more exciting topics!

Today, we’d like to shed some light on the differences between two popular packaging machines used in the consumer goods industries: the VFFS (Vertical Form-Fill-Seal) and the HFFS (Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal) machines.

– VFFS Machines: VFFS machines operate vertically, with the packaging film being fed downwards. They use a continuous roll of film, forming it into a tube. The product is then filled into the packaging vertically, creating a pouch or a bag. These machines are commonly employed for packaging loose or granular products like snacks, candies, grains or mechanical parts: basically anything you can dream of. VFFS machines are known for their high-speed operation, higher production output, and suitability for larger product volumes.

– HFFS Machines: HFFS machines, on the other hand, operate horizontally, with the packaging film being fed horizontally. The film is formed into a flat sheet, and the sides are sealed to create a pocket that holds the product. Solid items like tablets, capsules, chocolates, soaps, or blister packs are often packaged using HFFS machines. While HFFS machines are generally slower compared to VFFS machines, they excel in producing intricate and visually appealing packaging designs.

Understanding the differences between VFFS and HFFS machines can help businesses make informed decisions about their packaging needs. Factors like product type, packaging format, production volume, and desired output speed play a crucial role in selecting your future machine.

Tecnimodern Automation can help you assess your packaging needs, choosing the right packaging machine—be it VFFS or HFFS. Optimizing your production efficiency and delivering attractive, secure packaging solutions has never been easier. 

Contact us today here !