It can be a very daunting undertaking when you are purchasing a quality packaging equipment for the first time. Even similar machines from different manufacturers can have a varying price as each manufacturer gives expression to the personal flavor and technology in their packaging equipment. These following tips will guide you and help you make the best purchase when the time finally comes for you to buy packaging machinery.
#1: Always Remember to Keep It Simple
The truth is, complexity and reliability oftentimes don’t work together. Ask the seller for its design strategy. Check to see if the word “simple” pops up anywhere. Check among different suppliers to compare the difference in appearance as well as the number of components. Is one streamlined and clean while the other is crammed?
#2: Align Machine Design to The Highest Volume Package
It is common among buyers who are just buying a packaging machine for the first time to want to buy a machine large enough to package all of their product, from cans to bottle and from the narrowest to the widest. Even if this kind of approach makes sense on the surface, which tells you to buy just one machine and use it to automate the entire operation, the problem is that it usually ends up in spending more for the machine. This is because the more pack patterns the packaging machine you want to purchase will be handling, the more expensive it will be.
A better way to go about this is to size the machine to highest volume that needs automation. In the end, the machine will be optimized to perform lesser tasks but will run faster and require lesser material. This is also usually the most cost-effective. So, you can consider getting another machine down the road.
#3: Don’t Be Too Rigid but Be Open to Packaging Suggestions
Some customers do visit the original equipment manufacturer to say things like; “we want to run this identical bottle. But I always recommend that buyers stay open to alternatives. Better than what you earlier had, you may find s slightly different length, width, bottle or can type that will even perform with much better efficiency.
Does that mean you should discard the original? No, I am just saying you should keep an open mind to discussing various options. Don’t also forget to supply your manufacturer or supplier with samples which they can work with to make any needed improvements.
#4: Tool-Less Changeover and Other Essential Operation Strategies
One thing that gives the organization greater flexibility is the ability to effectively run a couple of cans, bottle, and case sizes with various lengths and similar widths on one machine. Having the operator switch between different pickup cups and grids without the need of screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools provides a faster way to “changeover” the machines between different pack patterns.
This is what is refereed to as tool-less changeover, and because it is effective, fast, and doesn’t require maintenance personnel to leave more urgent tasks to swap parts, it has become a must-have for organizations.
#5: Work with A Manufacturer That Understands the Application
Manufacturing a machine requires both the art and the science that will run for several years without any problems. When choosing a manufacturer, choose the type that that has a track record of success in the same or similar application in terms of product. This is because the manufacturer is well informed about what it takes to be successful in such an application.
Some Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Packaging Equipment
No one sets out to intentionally make mistakes, but it happens anyway – because we are humans, but when such happens, it can have far-reaching consequences. That is why you need to do everything you can to spare your next packaging equipment purchase by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Not providing your packaging equipment manufacturer enough detailed specifications
This often results in machinery design and purchase destined for a bumpy road. Don’t assume your manufacturer knows everything about your company. Instead, document and share every detail needed to make the manufacturing process a success for you and the manufacturer.
- Not considering used packaging equipment
Most times, buying brand new packaging equipment is just way beyond our budget, making secondhand equipment market the next best option. When you can’t buy a new machine, consider used ones. You can get quality and cost-effective machinery that way too.
- Not using the manufacturer’s after-sales services
Take advantage of this as it helps keep your new machine running smoothly while you save lots of money down the road compared to contracting such services to a third party.
- Not properly researching the packaging equipment manufacturer
Make sure you get feedback from people and research your manufacturer well before contracting to them. Remember this machine is important to your company, and you can’t afford to play around with it.
