Form, fill, and seal machines are packaging equipment that use flexible, heat-sealable, plastic film to form packages that can be filled with a product and then sealed and cut.

Types Form, Fill, and Seal Machines

There are many types of form, fill, and seal machines.

• Forming machines form packages, but do not fill or seal them.
• Filling machines load previously formed packages with a specific product quantity, but do not provide closing or sealing action.
• Seal-only equipment wraps or secures products, but does not form packages or fill them.

Equipment that combines form, fill, and seal functions is also available. Some devices transport the plastic film horizontally. Others transport the film vertically. Manual machines aid only in the setting or holding of products. Semi-automatic machines help with both packaging and placement, allowing a single operator to perform several activities with greater speed and accuracy. Fully automatic equipment requires limited operator intervention. Typically, operators need only replenish packaging components by loading supply hoppers or removing completed cartons.

Materials

Form, fill, and seal machines are used to process liquids, granules, powders, and sprays for consumer, bulk, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supply shipments. Packaging materials include:

• aerosol containers
• bags and pouches
• blister packs
• bottles and jars
• cartons and boxes
• cans
• capsules
• cartridges
• cases
• cups and trays
• drums and kegs
• pallets and pails
• tubes and vials

Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) have a capacity of not more than three cubic meters and are designed to be handled by form, fill, and seal machines. There are several ways to close packages. Examples include caps and lids, corks, glue, heat seals, nails and staples, tapes, tucks and folds, wrappers, and tamper-resistant materials. 

Specifications

Selecting form, fill, and seal machines requires an analysis of specifications, features, and applications. Typically, fully automated machines list the rate, which is usually expressed in pieces per minute. Some automated machines include an integral feeder and a computer interface that link to a control network. Others are made from stainless steel for improved corrosion resistance. Aseptic or sanitary equipment is easy to clean and designed in a manner that inhibits the growth or presence of pathogenic microrganisms. Portable machinery is lightweight or includes wheels or casters for ease of movement.

Applications

In terms of applications, form, fill, and seal machines are used widely in the:

• automotive industry
• chemical industry
• medical industry
• pharmaceutical industry

They are also used to process food, beverages, cosmetics, electronics, semiconductors, stationary, tobacco, and military products.

Related Information

CR4 Community—Form-Fill-Seal Machine

Engineering360—Sealing Machines: Operations, Specifications, and Applications

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Jwallingford1 / CC BY-SA 3.0