The most common bag shapes for the Vertical Form Fill and Seal Machines (VFFS) are the:
Back Seal
Three Side Seal
The choice between using film and premade bags in packaging involves various considerations, and the cost benefits depend on several factors:
1. Material Cost:
Film: Typically, film rolls are a cost-effective option as they involve purchasing raw material in bulk. The cost per unit decreases with higher volumes.
Premade Bags: Pre-made bags may have a higher upfront cost as they are pre-manufactured. However, the cost per unit might be lower for larger quantities.
2. Labor and Efficiency:
Film: Packaging machines can automate the process of creating bags from rolls of film, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
Premade Bags: Using pre-made bags might require more manual labor for filling and sealing, potentially increasing labor costs.
3. Storage and Transportation:
Film: Film rolls take up less space and are lighter, reducing storage and transportation costs.
Premade Bags: Pre-made bags might require more storage space and can be heavier, affecting transportation costs.
4. Flexibility:
Film: Using film allows for flexibility in adjusting bag sizes, which can be advantageous for various product dimensions.
Premade Bags: Pre-made bags offer less flexibility in size changes but might be preferred for specific product lines.
5. Waste Reduction:
Film: Film rolls can lead to less material waste as the length of the bag can be adjusted to match the product size.
Premade Bags: There may be more waste with pre-made bags if they don’t perfectly fit the product dimensions.
6. Equipment Investment:
Film: Packaging machines for film require an initial investment, but they can provide long-term cost benefits through automation.
Premade Bags: The initial investment might be lower if using manual filling and sealing equipment, but long-term labor costs could be higher.
In conclusion, the cost benefits of using film versus premade bags depend on factors such as production volume, labor costs, storage considerations, and the level of automation desired. A comprehensive analysis considering these factors will help determine the most cost-effective packaging solution for a specific application.
