Learn how to choose the right horizontal packaging machine, including horizontal flow wrap packaging machine, pouch packaging machine, and sachet packaging machine. Based on product type, capacity, speed, and production needs, select the most suitable horizontal packaging machine and horizontal packing machine manufacturers.

What is a horizontal packing machine?

A horizontal packaging machine, also known as horizontal flow wrap or HFFS(horizontal form fill seal), are precision horizontal packaging processes designed for packaging products in a horizontal direction. Products are placed on the machine's conveyor belt, which transports them horizontally through the machine. Rolled or printed film is used to wrap the product, ultimately forming a tightly fitting, flexible package with horizontal back and end seals. Horizontal packaging machines are the most common type of packaging.

Working principle of horizontal packaging machine

The working principle of a horizontal flow wrap packaging machine follows a fixed, sequential process, from placing the product onto the conveyor belt, to wrapping it in film, and finally cutting and packaging it. The following is the complete process.

Product Placement

Products are placed on the conveyor belt manually or automatically. A horizontal packaging machine will arrange the products in a row and move them horizontally, maintaining the same spacing, before delivering them to the film packaging area.

Placing the film and adjusting the size

The packaging film is pulled out from the film roll and laid flat on the film track of the horizontal flow wrap packaging machine. The tension of the film is set according to the product size so that films can precisely wrap the product.

Film seal

Pillow packaging machines offer various sealing methods, such as pressure sealing and heat sealing. First, they wrap the product, then seal the ends, sealing the overlapping film edges along the product's length.

Cutting film

These machines use integrated blades to cut the wrapped products, making cuts between the seals to separate each finished package individually. Essentially, they are horizontal packaging machines that separate individual packages from a continuous film.

Product output

Finally, the machine conveys the packaged products via a conveyor belt to the product placement area. Later, the machine can be cleaned and maintained to extend its shelf life.

Horizontal Packaging Machine Types

Horizontal packaging machines can be divided into bag packaging machines and small bag packaging machines.

horizontal pouch machine

A horizontal pouch packing machine is an automated system mainly used for producing three-side seal or four-side seal flat pouches. Its design typically employs a modular structure, equipped with servo drive control and precision sealing units to ensure consistent bag shape and secure sealing, thereby achieving high-quality packaging. It offers flexible configuration options to adapt to different feeding and filling methods, is suitable for customized solutions, and is easy to integrate into automated production lines. Its main advantages include attractive packaging appearance, reliable sealing performance, and wide range of applications; however, its disadvantages are that compared with high-speed pillow packaging machines, the equipment cost is higher, the setup is more complex, and the operating speed is lower. Horizontal bag making machines are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, personal care, and industrial packaging fields, and are especially suitable for medium- and high-value products that require flat and well-sealed packaging bags.

horizontal sachet machine

A horizontal sachet packing machine is an automatic packaging machine that produces small, flat pouches through horizontal motion, typically forming three-side or four-side sealed packages. This equipment usually employs a compact, multi-channel structure, equipped with precise film feeding, accurate cutting, and a stable sealing system, thereby achieving high consistency and high efficiency in the production of small-sized packaging. Its integrated filling systems are suitable for powders, granules, liquids, or small solid materials, providing flexible functionality for various product types. Its main advantages include high packaging efficiency, uniform bag appearance, good sealing quality, and suitability for large-scale production; however, its disadvantages include a relatively complex mechanical structure, limited flexibility for large-size packaging, and higher setup requirements when changing packaging specifications. Horizontal sachet machines are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and chemical industries, for example, for condiments, sugar, coffee, sauces, wet wipes, cosmetic samples, and single-dose medical or chemical products.

Key Applicable Industries

Whether in the food or non-food industry, horizontal packaging machines are always suitable for different products. The industries suitable for using horizontal packaging machines are as follows:

Food Industry

Horizontal flow wrap packaging machines are ideal for packaging a variety of ready-to-eat and processed foods, from chocolates to chocolate bars and gummies. Using a horizontal packaging machine extends the shelf life of products and keeps them fresh. Baked goods such as bread, cookies, potato chips, and other snacks can also be packaged using this machine. Fresh and frozen foods are equally important. This machine is suitable for bakeries, snack manufacturers, frozen food manufacturers, and brands of packaged meat and seafood products.

Pharmaceutical & Medical Supplies

A horizontal packaging machine are suitable for packaging medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. In these fields, the most important factors are the quality, hygiene, and personal protection of the outer packaging. Using horizontal packaging machines can ensure product safety and good quality. Manufacturers of medical devices, consumables, and small-packaged medicines can have them precisely customized according to their product needs.

Daily Chemicals & Cosmetics

Daily chemical and cosmetic products require consistent aesthetics in their individual packaging. Items such as soap, notebooks, stationery, small household items, lipsticks, and face creams can all be packaged using horizontal packaging machines to ensure uniformity. This type of packaging ensures that the products arrive at the consumer's hands intact.

Hardware & Industrial Accessories

Horizontal packaging machines can be used in the hardware industry to package hardware and accessories, including tapes and other metal parts. This means that it can be used in light industrial manufacturing, hardware production and supply chain operations, where there are high requirements for component classification and protection, and can protect products well.

Considerations when choosing a horizontal packaging machine

Choosing the right horizontal packaging machine for your product requires considering four aspects: product type, production capacity requirements, speed, and product specifications.

Product Type

Different product forms place significant demands on the design of packaging machines. For solid/rigid/fixed-shape products, precise positioning of the conveyor belt and clamping mechanism is required, as well as determination of the film tension and the need for a stable product width in the sealing system. For fragile, soft, or irregularly shaped products, a proper feeding and cushioning system needs to be designed, sealing parameters need to be adjusted, and a buffer conveyor device is required. Specialized accessories for soft products (e.g., anti-crush devices) may also be necessary. For powdered, liquid, or ultrafine materials, a matching professional filling system is required. This includes selecting a quantitative filling machine, a dustproof/leak-proof design, and a control system capable of precise metering. Choose the appropriate packaging machine based on the product type.

Production Capacity

Production capacity is a key factor in determining the size and configuration of the machine. For small-batch production, a simple model that starts with manual feeding and can be upgraded to automation is suitable for startups and companies with customized small-batch production. For medium-sized enterprises with medium production volumes, consider automatic feeding, integrated coding, or nitrogen filling. High-volume enterprises need to consider high-speed continuous horizontal packaging machines equipped with servo control, automatic alignment, and other functions. Choose the appropriate model based on the production capacity of your products.

Packing Speed

Packing Speed ​​impacts production efficiency and operating costs. High-speed machines offer high output per unit time, reducing labor costs, but require precise product positioning and are unsuitable for fragile products. They are better suited for hard/regular solid/standard-sized products produced in large batches. Medium- to low-speed machines offer greater stability, adaptability, and better sealing quality while reducing defect rates. They are suitable for irregular, fragile materials requiring precise measurement. However, it's important to note that speed refers not only to the machine's maximum speed but also to the feeding speed, film material adaptability, and the overall coordination speed of the production line.

Product Requirements

Besides considering the packaging itself, the final product presentation also needs to be taken into account. Choosing a packaging machine requires considering the product's packaging needs: whether the packaging requires a transparent window, easy-tear opening, or hanging holes; whether it needs inkjet printing, barcodes, or batch numbers, requiring the addition of an inkjet printer and vision alignment system to the machine. For product characteristics, consider whether nitrogen filling, moisture-proof film, tear lines, etc., based on food-grade/pharmaceutical-grade hygiene standards.

Why choose Soontrue as your horizontal packing machine manufacturer?

Product Quality & Reliability

As one of the leading horizontal packing machine manufacturers, soontrue has over 30 years of industry experience, extensive technical expertise, and mature product design. The company has manufacturing bases in multiple cities, employing mature mechanical structures and stable control systems. It has strict production processes and management systems, which improves production consistency and reliability, and ensures that equipment remains stable under high-speed or long-term operation.

We pay attention to overall craftsmanship and detailed design, and use advanced processing equipment and brand-name electrical components. We have conducted extensive testing to ensure the stability of the machine and effectively reduce the failure rate and downtime risk.

The equipment is highly adaptable and can handle different product forms and complex working conditions, meeting the needs of enterprises with high demands.

Price & Value

Soontrue's advantage lies not only in price, but also in its overall cost-effectiveness over the long term. Soontrue possesses a complete manufacturing system and large-scale production capabilities, enabling cost control while ensuring quality. Its broad product line offers solutions at different configuration levels to suit customer budgets, production capacities, and automation needs. Soontrue prioritizes the entire lifecycle value of its equipment, minimizing costs associated with downtime, maintenance, and equipment replacement. For large-scale customers, Soontrue also protects their long-term return on investment for those with well-maintained equipment and expansion potential.

After-sales & Support

A good manufacturer needs more than just excellent products; its after-sales service capabilities are equally important. Soontrue provides a one-stop service, from selection and communication, solution customization, installation and commissioning, to operation training. The after-sales team has extensive field experience and can quickly resolve customer problems; it also provides long-term technical support, maintenance advice, and equipment optimization solutions. This comprehensive service system effectively reduces the risks for customers during the initial use and long-term operation of the equipment.

FAQs：

Q1：What products can a horizontal packaging machine package?

A1：A horizontal flow wrap packaging machine are primarily used for packaging solid and fragile products. They can be used in the food, medical and health product, hardware, daily chemical, and cosmetic industries. They can package biscuits, bread, metal or accessory hardware, fresh vegetables, notebooks, irregularly shaped items, and more.

Q2：Is it easy to change the specifications and dimensions of a product?

A2：Yes, horizontal packaging machines are designed for frequent product changes. Changing product specifications and dimensions is convenient, simple, and quick. Simply switch to the corresponding settings based on the product's size and requirements so the machine can quickly adapt to the product's dimensions for precise packaging.

Q3：What speed can horizontal packing machine really achieve?

A3：The actual speed of a horizontal packaging machine should be set according to product requirements and production line needs, not just the machine itself. A common rated speed is between 60% and 80%, which can maintain stable output and achieve the best balance between efficiency, quality, and reliability.

Q4：Why choose Soontrue？

A4：With over 30 years of experience in the packaging industry, soontrue possesses advanced technical expertise and mature product design for packaging machines. The company's packaging machinery is designed to achieve stable performance and long-term durability, ensuring production even under continuous operation. Soontrue focuses on stability, providing reliable machines that save customers money through reliability, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance requirements. Soontrue offers comprehensive after-sales service, providing support throughout the entire lifecycle of the machine, making it a trusted horizontal packing machine manufacturer worldwide.

Q5：What's the after-sales service like? Do you provide technical training?

A5：Yes, Soontrue provides professional after-sales service, including installation, commissioning, operator training, and technical support. When you need assistance on the production site, our team will respond quickly to minimize production interruptions and ensure your production returns to normal.