Production lines are becoming increasingly automated as more manufacturers realise the benefits of investing in automatic and semi-automatic machines. This is especially true of packaging operations, where equipment such as sack-filling machines improve accuracy and efficiency, saving time and money.
Italian supplier VAI has been designing and producing automatic and semi-automatic packaging machines for more than 40 years and in this blog, we find out more about the brand and what sets it apart.
What is packaging automation?
Packaging automation uses industrial production machinery to streamline the packaging process. Machines can handle tasks that would traditionally be carried out manually such as:
- loading and unloading goods
- filling bags and sacks
- measuring and weighing
- labelling
This brings a number of benefits:
- The equipment is faster and more accurate, improving efficiency and output.
- Reducing the need for manual labour allows employees to be redeployed to other areas of the business where they can add more value.
- Risk of injury from heavy lifting or repetitive movement is reduced.
- More accurate processes reduce waste and improve sustainability.
What makes VAI stand out?
VAI is an associated company to palletiser supplier Europack and is similarly well-regarded in the industry. Renowned for their specialist knowledge and expertise, VAI’s skilled team of experts have decades of experience in improving production lines and specialise in producing reliable, high-speed technology with a long service life.
The manufacturer’s packaging machines are made bespoke to customer requirements and as such can integrate devices such as scales, vibrating feeders, conveyors and printers. This removes the need for multiple separate pieces of equipment, simplifying the production line and reducing capital outlay and ongoing maintenance costs.
The VAI range
The VAI range includes automated solutions for sack filling, weighing and sealing at high speed, including:
- Semiautomatic lines to weigh and fill open mouth bags
Used for granular and pellet products, these machines range from low-cost solutions to high-end systems capable of filling 1,500 bags per hour. - Automatic weighing systems
These ensure packages of all kinds are weighed correctly and accurately, so customers receive a consistent product. - VFFS packing machines
VFFS (vertical form fill seal) packing machines bag grains, pellets and aggregates in medium to large sacks and then seal them ready for palletising and transportation. Automatic or semi-automatic systems have the capacity to fill up to 1,500 bags per hour.
- FFS baling machines
VAI’s form fill seal baling machines make PE-bags from flat foil film reels. Bags are constructed and filled with product before being sealed closed and delivered to the outfeed conveyor. - Automatic lines for packing and palletising
Automated packing lines move and pack products before using an automatic palletiser to move them to a pallet ready for storage or transport. - Special solutions for industrial packaging
These may include the filling and movement of vacuum packs, drums, canisters, buckets or other industrial packaging.
Used for food and non-food products ranging from flour and pasta to cement, pellets, animal feeds and seeds, sack-filling machinery can also integrate with other automation solutions such as sack palletising.
To see the VAI range or for more information on how it could benefit your operations, contact us.
