Choosing the right open-mouth bagger can be a challenge when you’re confronted by the many options available on the market. Kockums Bulk Systems suggests its top six tips for selecting the right equipment for the job.
1. Budget
Your budget influences the type of bagger you choose and its level of automation. Small budget? Consider a manual bagger. A bigger budget gives you access to a greater range of technology, including robotic baggers. Keep in mind that a more expensive bagger can increase return on investment faster than a more modest model can, and also may be accompanied by a greater degree of technical support. The most important step in choosing an open-mouth bagger – or any other equipment – is to select the right supplier, It will help you make the right equipment decisions and partner with you in reaching your goals.
2. Footprint
Choose a bagger that delivers the performance you need within the smallest possible footprint. The smaller the footprint, the easier it is to install and integrate equipment with your existing packaging line.
3. Production rate
Do you need to run four bags per minute or 36? Desired output is one of the most important factors to consider in choosing a bagger. And if you plan to expand production capacity in the future, be sure to choose a bagger capable of handling more output than you currently produce.
4. Type of bags
Paper bags, plastic bags: the shape and composition of the bags you use influence the type of bagger you need. Some bags are very simple to use, others require more complex handling, while still others are comparatively fragile. By understanding your material and the bags you’re handling, you’ll be able to make a smart decision about the bagger you need. Some baggers are designed to handle a specific kind of bag – baggers that incorporate fault-detection technology for porous bags, for example – while other baggers are versatile enough to handle different types. There are different types of bag holders, as well.
5. Type of product
What do you bag? Knowing the characteristics of the material you’re packaging will help you choose the perfect bagger. You also need to understand how the packaging process itself affects your material.Does the material need to be de-aerated? Is it free flowing or powdery? There are different types of bagging technology for different materials, such as bottom-up fillers for extremely volatile materials.
Among open-mouth baggers, some more versatile and some that are more specifically suited to a particular material. Also keep in mind that there are engineering options that can be incorporated in your bagger to optimise the handling of your specific material.
6. Automation objective
What’s the next step for your business? Are you planning to automate your packaging line? It’s an important question that needs to be answered. Depending on your answer, there are many options, from a manual bagging line to a fully automatic line with robotics and additional technology. You can choose from a range of options that accommodate different bag sizes and different materials, from manual adjustment for different bags to fully automatic adjustment. Then there are communication systems, networks, remote access for customer support, data transfer to your actual process controls, and more.
What is your ultimate goal? If your goal is to automate in the future, consider these options proactively. Planning ahead to reach your goals in phases may include upgrading your packaging line in multiple steps, but you need to have this in mind from the beginning in order to select the equipment that’s best suited to help you implement your vision.
The best bagger for your needs As you consider the many choices in baggers, remember: there is a bagging solution for every material and every desired output. Consider the six factors above as you navigate these choices, and work with a dependable, knowledgeable partner to help you make the wisest decision.