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Youre ready to purchase a new machine for your facility. Youve contacted a few different manufacturers for more information, but instead of providing answers, they bombard you with question after question of their own. Whats your budget? What kind of products do you need to package? Tell us about your facility.
Why? Because these questions are essential to finding the right piece of equipment that suits your needs. Machines arent one-size-fits-all, and choosing a machine that isnt compatible with your products, materials, or facility could spell disaster. Here are some questions to ask when shopping for packaging machinery. Be prepared to answer these questions during your search.
Some businesses have an unlimited budget. Others operate on a shoestring budget. Some can wait months for their new machine to arrive. Others need it ASAP. Before you begin your search for a new piece of machinery, its important to iron out a few basic details.
Your budget is one of these crucial details. Packaging machinery can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. A turntable stretch wrapper costs, on average, $9,500 to $17,000 dollars. An automated guided vehicle (AGV) ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 dollars. Case packers are normally priced between $100,000 and $500,000 dollars.
Used machines can cost less. However, if your budget allows, buying new is generally better. Used machines are more prone to breaking down and have a much shorter lifespan than new machines. They also come with substantially fewer quality of life (QOL) features. Before you shop, identify the average cost of the machine you need and set your budget accordingly.
Another important detail to consider is your timeline. When do you need your new machine up and running by? Do you need it within the week or can you wait? If you need it quickly, shop with local manufacturers or manufacturers that promise quick delivery and assembly.
The size, shape, and weight of your products or pallets can heavily influence what kind of machine is right for you. Stretch wrapping machines, for example, come in a variety of types. Turntable wrappers can handle most regular-shaped and average-sized loads. Rotary arm wrappers are ideal for loads that are too heavy or too light for turntable wrappers. Horizontal stretch wrappers are used to wrap items that are longer than normal, such as lumber, doors, windows, carpets, and textiles.
The kind of materials you use (film, containers, etc.) also makes a difference. Machines arent guaranteed to be compatible with your preferred choice of materials. Unless youre willing to change the kind of materials you use, search for machines that work with your current material choices.
Choosing a machine thats compatible with your facility is essential. If a machine is too heavy, too tall, or incompatible with your facilitys electrical source, you wont be able to use it.
The first question you should ask is, How much weight can the floor support? Most floors are designed to support a minimum of 40-50 pounds per square foot. Make sure your floor can support the weight of the machine you buy. If the floor is put under too much pressure, it can crack or even collapse. Dont forget that other machines in the vicinity, pallets and boxes, and foot traffic also contribute to pounds per square foot.
Another question you should ask is How much space will this machine take up? Every machine will take up a certain amount of floor space. Ensure you have enough room in your facility for a machine before you purchase.
One measurement thats commonly overlooked is the height of a machine. If your facility has a tall ceiling, height shouldnt be much of a problem, but if your facility has a short ceiling, remember to check the height of any machines youre considering. If a machine is too tall, it might not fit inside your facility.
Finally, make sure that the machine you purchase is compatible with your facilitys energy source and electrical lines. A lot of machines from overseas are built with different components than machines bought domestically.
If the machine you purchase isnt compatible with your facilitys power source, you have three options: purchasing a different machine, purchasing expensive adapters, or completely reworking your facilitys electrical. Talk about expensive!
As long as you remember to perform routine preventative maintenance, machines are generally reliable. But sometimes, machines can be unpredictable and break down unexpectedly and inexplicably.
When repairs need to be made, they need to be made fast in order to prevent extended downtime and productivity loss. One question to ask when shopping for packaging machinery is how hard it is to acquire parts for the machine. How accessible are they? How long do they take to manufacture? How long do you have to wait for delivery?
Long lead times can result in extended downtime. In general, older machines and machines from overseas are the hardest to quickly find and acquire parts for. To keep downtime to a minimum, purchase from a manufacturer that can produce and ship parts quickly. Your machine manufacturer should also offer:
The sooner your machines are repaired, the sooner you can resume production. Purchasing from a reliable local manufacturer ensures you get the most use out of your machine as possible.
There are a lot of different manufacturers to choose from. What kind of qualities should you look for in a packaging machinery company? Reputation is one. Take a look at their online reviews to see if customers rate them highly or poorly. As mentioned previously, you also want to look for a manufacturer that provides ample support in the event your machine breaks down or malfunctions.
Finally, look for a manufacturer that offers a wide range of high-quality machines. Thoroughly read through the manual of any machine youre considering to see what kind of QOL features they come equipped with.
Robopac USA is the worlds largest secondary packaging equipment company and the #1 place to find state-of-the-art, high-tech machinery for your facility. We have case packer machines to help speed up the packing process, along with other machines that can stretch wrap, pack, palletize, erect, and seal products. Shop with us today or contact us to learn more about our products and services.
While comparing product features is essential when selecting packaging machinery, youre making a capital investment with long-term implications. You want a packaging machine manufacturer that will stand by their technology and provide a reliable source of customer service and innovation.
These eight questions will help you evaluate your manufacturer options with an eye toward the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.
This should be one of your first areas of investigation. The packaging manufacturer industry is growing rapidly and that means there is more competition. This is great for you as a consumer but can be a little overwhelming for a first-time buyer. According to the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), the world market for packaging machinery was worth $36.8 billion in . Its estimated to reach $42.2 billion by .
As a result of this growth, there are more options than ever. However, theres something to be said for longevity, experience, and integration within the industry.
Has the supplier been in business for a long time?
Does the supplier have a large base of customers with equipment installed for several years?
Do they have partnerships with other important players in the packaging supply chain?
Are they setting the pace for innovation in the industry?
Does the manufacturer specialize in the process you require?
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While case studies and customer testimonials from the manufacturer are helpful, be sure to do your own due diligence. Read industry publications, attend industry trade shows conferences, and solicit recommendations in your network.
Karlville is an established leader in the industry with over 3,000 machines in operation around the world. With sales and service locations in North America, Europe, and Asia, were well positioned to tackle any future challenge with eight supply chain partner factories.
While many packaging machine manufacturers have videos, graphics, and virtual tours of their technology to demonstrate how it works, seeing the machine in person makes a big difference. You can test it out for yourself, ask questions on the spot, discuss customization, and get a sense of how it would work for your packaging processes. You can also see if the manufacturer is quick on their feet and able to address your questions confidently.
Karlville has a Technology & Service Center in Miami, Florida that demonstrates our core machine competencies. We welcome visits by potential customers so we can make sure we have an excellent fit for your packaging needs.
Forward-thinking manufacturers are always seeking ways to improve accuracy, handling, safety, and efficiency. PMMI reports that there are several automation technologies in high demand. Look for manufacturers actively working on these technologies. Make sure they have ways to upgrade the machinery you purchase today.
Clear and intuitive instructions with graphics, dashboard, and mobile connectivity
Magnetic sensing for greater reliability
Fully automated safety communications
Increased production and less maintenance
Rapid changeover and cleanability allows for flexibility
Self-tuning and calibration
Controllers with digital simulation for online robotics and motion control
Improved access and analysis of machine performance data
As you know, increasing public awareness of environmental issues has resulted in higher demand for sustainable packaging and processing operations. Look for a packaging machine manufacturer who understands this trend and is actively incorporating green technologies. This will not only save your company money but it can also serve as a way to differentiate your product in the marketplace.
Ask the manufacturer how their current line of machines reduces waste. Do they have anything in the development pipeline that will be more sustainable from an energy or materials standpoint? Have they received any awards for their packaging innovations in this area?
Karlville was recently recognized by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition for its collaboration with several key industry players to develop ultrasonic pouch making, filling, and capping machines that can process 100% recyclable nanomaterials.
You may not always need brand new equipment. If you need a retrofit or upgrade, youll want to work with a packaging machine manufacturer with a specialty in your packaging process. This will ensure they understand the typical requests and have solutions ready to go. Ask what types of customizations theyve performed for customers like you.
If youre purchasing new equipment, its equally important to know how they handle upgrades so you can continually improve your current machines efficiency. This will help extend the life of the machinery, improving your return on investment.
Karlville recognizes this need and has established retrofit and upgrade options. They will also work closely with clients to develop a tailored solution, making your machine work exactly how you need.
Googling packaging machine parts will give you an overwhelming list of vendors selling spare parts. However, its best to deal directly with your packaging machine manufacturer to make sure you get the right part at the best quality (especially if theyre aftermarket). At the time of purchase, your manufacturer should provide you with a spare parts list that includes all wear parts, classified by how often theyre typically replaced.
For example, wed recommend keeping certain parts in stock at your plant particularly those with a shorter life cycle or a long lead time for production. Karlville maintains an in-house inventory of the most commonly required repair and replacement parts in two strategic locations: Miami, USA, and Lyon, France.
Undoubtedly, this is an important consideration when comparing packaging machine manufacturers. Youre not just buying the machine, youre buying into their companys overall expertise. There are few factors to keep in mind.
Initial Training Your machine operators need training on how to set up, calibrate, and properly operate the machine, as well as common maintenance issues and troubleshooting. Find out more about this training is it onsite, how much does it cost?
Service Technicians Are the technicians who respond to your calls employed by the packaging machine manufacturer? Are they specialized in your machine? How are they trained and kept updated? Do they have any customer satisfaction statistics to share?
Remote Access Can customer support access the machinery remotely to troubleshoot? This is a quick and easy way to resolve any packaging machine repair issues.
Cost What customer support is included in the cost of the machine, if any? Do you need to purchase a plan? Are there customizable options?
Karlville has a Global Customer Support Program to provide the best service possible. With service centers based in the US, France, and Taiwan, we match the technical resources based on location, type of machine and timing.
Most packaging machine manufacturers will provide a list of recommended preventive maintenance activities and their frequency. Be sure to have clarity on this after the purchase and find out what could void any warranty.
Its essential to have a certified technician audit and inspect your machinery, perform preventive maintenance, and look for issues that could become a problem later. They can also provide expert advice on how to maximize the life of your packaging machine. Ask how much this costs, what it includes, and how often its available.
Karlville offers comprehensive preventive maintenance packages to maintain efficiency and longevity of your equipment. They can be adjusted depending on the type of machine, frequency of use, and knowledge of operators.
Making the right packaging machinery purchase will have a positive effect on the success of your product for years to come. Add these eight questions to your list as you consider your packaging machine manufacturers. Contact Karlville to learn more about how we can enhance your packaging options and support you through the process.
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