Continuous motion and intermittent vertical form fill & seal machines: What’s the difference?
GIC offers two types of vertical form fill and seal packaging machines: intermittent and continuous motion.
Before we look at the differences and benefits of the two systems, let’s examine how a vertical form fill and seal packaging machine works.
The packaging, which ends up as a sealed pouch, starts off as a roll of film. The film is loaded on to the machine, and a series of rollers transport it to the forming tube, which seals the left and right sides of the film to form the vertical seal. The two jaws underneath the forming tube create the top of the last bag and the bottom of the next bag which is sealed to allow the product to drop into it and the machine then cuts through the two packs.
So, that’s how vertical form fill and seal works. Now, let’s look at the two types of vertical form fill and seal machines manufactured by GIC: intermittent and continuous motion.
Intermittent
As the name suggests, intermittent machines stop and start. The vertical and horizontal seals are made when the film is not moving. If speed is not of paramount importance to you, then an intermittent machine will be a good choice.
Continuous Motion
With a continuous motion machine, the reel never stops; both the vertical and horizontal seals are made without stopping the film.
Continuous motion machines offer two significant advantages when compared to intermittent machines.
- They are faster. GIC’s continuous motion machines can reach 180 packs per minute, whereas an intermittent machine will produce around 70 packs per minute.
- Different pack types. A continuous motion machine offers greater variation in the kind of packaging it can produce. This is due to the machine offering greater control of the film.
Vertical form fill and seal machines work best when the produce they are packing falls in a uniform way. GIC’s vertical form fill and seal machines can pack powders, liquids, and even aggregates. We have also developed a machine specifically for leaf salads, which helps prevent getting caught in the seals of the packaging.
If you are packing fruit on a cardboard tray, like apples or pears, or something like a block of cheese which you would not want to fall into the packaging, then a flow wrap (HFFS) machine that uses conveyors to present the produce horizontally is the way to go.
We hope you found this article informative. If you would like to know any more about GIC and our range of vertical form fill and seal machines, please call us on 01427 611885, email info@gic.uk.net or fill in our contact form.
