Sachet filling machines are essential in the packaging industry, especially for products like sauces, powders, liquids, and granules. These machines enable efficient, consistent, and hygienic packaging in small, single-use sachets. Understanding how a sachet filling machine works can help production managers, operators, and quality control personnel ensure optimal performance and product quality.

This guide is particularly useful for professionals in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods sectors. We will explain key terms related to sachet filling machines, describe their operation step-by-step, and provide tips for optimal performance.

Terms Explanation

Sachet Filling Machine

A device designed to automate the process of filling and sealing small packets (sachets) with various products, such as powders, liquids, granules, and pastes.

Auger Filler

A filling system that uses a rotating auger screw to dispense a set amount of powder or granular product into sachets.

Piston Filler

A filling system that uses a piston to measure and dispense a specific volume of liquid or paste into sachets.

Form-Fill-Seal (FFS)

A machine that forms the sachet from a roll of film, fills it with the product, and then seals it, all in one continuous process.

Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS)

A form-fill-seal machine that operates vertically, forming sachets from top to bottom.

Heat Sealing

The process of sealing sachets using heat to fuse the film material together.

Task Step Guide: How a Sachet Filling Machine Works

1. Film Loading

The process begins by loading a roll of flexible packaging film onto the machine:

• Film Roll: The roll is placed onto an unwind stand and carefully threaded through the machine.

• Tension Control: The machine maintains constant tension on the film to ensure it moves smoothly and accurately through each stage.

2. Forming the Sachet

The loaded film is formed into sachets:

• Film Folding: The film is folded around a forming tube to create the sachet’s shape.

• Vertical Seal: The edges of the film are sealed vertically to create a continuous tube.

3. Product Filling

The machine fills the formed sachets with the product:

• Product Measurement: Depending on the product type, the machine uses different filling mechanisms:

• Auger Filler: Perfect for powders and granules, an auger screw measures and deposits the product into the sachet.

• Piston Filler: Ideal for liquids and pastes, a piston measures and dispenses the product into the sachet.

• Volumetric Cup Filler: Suitable for free-flowing products like grains and pellets.

• Weigh Filler: Measures the product by weight before dispensing it into the sachet.

4. Sachet Sealing

The filled sachets are sealed to prevent leaks and contamination:

• Horizontal Seal: The machine seals the top and bottom of each sachet using heat sealing bars.

• Quality Check: Some machines have sensors to ensure each seal is complete and leak-proof.

5. Cutting and Separating

The continuous tube of filled and sealed sachets is cut into individual packets:

• Cutting Mechanism: A blade or cutting system slices the sachets apart at predefined intervals.

• Perforation (Optional): A perforation mechanism may be used to create easy-tear notches or to connect multiple sachets for multipacks.

6. Discharge and Collection

The finished sachets are discharged from the machine:

• Conveyor System: A conveyor belt transports the completed sachets for further packaging or direct distribution.

• Collection Bin: Sachets can also be collected in bins or trays for manual handling.

Tips for Optimal Use

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance to keep the machine in optimal condition. Clean filling mechanisms, seal bars, and other components regularly to prevent contamination and ensure consistent performance.

• Use Quality Film: Use high-quality packaging film compatible with the machine to avoid issues such as tearing, poor sealing, or misalignment.

• Calibrate Filler: Ensure that the filling mechanisms (auger, piston, etc.) are properly calibrated for accurate product measurement and dispensing.

• Monitor Sealing Temperature: Maintain proper temperature settings for heat sealing to ensure strong, leak-proof seals.

• Operator Training: Provide adequate training for operators to handle the machine controls, troubleshoot issues, and perform quality checks effectively.

• Quality Control: Regularly inspect sachets for fill accuracy, sealing integrity, and overall quality to ensure they meet production standards.

Conclusion

Sachet filling machines are essential for efficient, hygienic, and consistent packaging of products in small, single-use packets. Understanding the step-by-step operation, from film loading to final discharge, allows you to optimize the machine’s performance and maintain product quality. Regular maintenance, proper calibration, and continuous quality control are key for successful operation. Follow the guidelines and tips provided to ensure your sachet filling machine runs efficiently, meeting all production requirements with high-quality results.