In the field of powdered food processing, the selection of packaging machines must take into account the characteristics of the powder, such as flowability, bulk density, moisture absorption, and air content (e.g., milk powder is prone to moisture absorption, flour is dusty, and protein powder has good flowability). It also needs to align with production capacity, packaging specifications, and automation requirements. Below are the common types of packaging machines used in processing plants, categorized by core functions and application scenarios:
I. By "Packaging Specification": Small Bag Packaging Machines (Single Bag < 500g)
Mainly used for retail-grade small packaging (e.g., milk powder, coffee powder, meal replacement powder, seasoning powder, etc.). The core requirements are "accurate measurement, good sealing, and dust prevention".
|
Type |
Screw-type Powder Packaging Machine |
Measuring Cup-type Powder Packaging Machine |
Negative Pressure (Vacuum) Powder Packaging Machine |
|
Core Principle |
Uses the spiral structure of the screw to quantitatively convey powder from the hopper into the packaging bag. The rotation speed/number of turns of the screw is controlled via photoelectric sensing to achieve measurement. |
Quantitatively scoops powder through rotating measuring cups with fixed volumes (different specifications of measuring cups can be replaced). Suitable for fixed-specification packaging. |
Uses negative pressure suction to draw powder from the hopper into a quantitative cavity, then releases it into the packaging bag, reducing dust and contact between powder and air. |
|
Application Scenarios |
Powders with medium to low flowability (flour, milk powder, meal replacement powder, traditional Chinese medicine powder); moisture-absorbing and dusty powders. |
High-flowability and non-sticky powders (protein powder, cocoa powder, instant coffee powder). |
Ultra-fine powders (e.g., matcha powder, probiotic powder) and oxidation-prone powders. |
|
Advantages |
1. High measurement accuracy (error within ±1%). |
1. Simple structure, low failure rate, and low maintenance cost. |
1. Excellent dust-proof effect, keeping the workshop environment cleaner. |
|
Limitations |
1. Prone to measurement deviation for high-flowability powders (e.g., protein powder). |
1. Lower measurement accuracy than screw-type machines (error around ±3%). |
1. Low production capacity (mostly 30-60 bags per minute). |
II. By "Packaging Specification": Medium and Large-Sized Packaging Machines (Single Bag 500g-50kg)
Mainly used for raw material turnover and wholesale-grade packaging (e.g., flour, starch, protein powder raw materials, large-pack milk powder, etc.). The core requirements are "high production capacity, stable conveying, and compatibility with ton bags/large woven bags".
1. Weighing-type Automatic Packaging Machine
Divided into "single-hopper" and "double-hopper" types. It precisely controls the blanking amount through electronic weighing sensors and is the mainstream equipment for medium and large-sized powder packaging.
Application Scenarios: 500g-25kg packaging (e.g., 25kg flour bags, 10kg milk powder raw material bags), suitable for powders with good or moderate flowability.
Core Advantages:
High measurement accuracy (error: ±0.2%-0.5%), supporting touch-screen setting of packaging weight;
Equipped with "anti-clogging blanking ports" and "vibrating blanking devices" to prevent powder caking and blockage;
Can be linked with bag sewing machines (heat sealing/thread sewing) and labeling machines to realize the integration of "weighing-filling-sealing-labeling".
Sub-types:
Single-hopper weighing: Suitable for medium production capacity (10-30 bags per minute);
Double-hopper weighing: Alternate blanking of two hoppers, increasing production capacity to 30-60 bags per minute, suitable for high-capacity requirements.
2. Ton Bag (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container, FIBC) Packaging Machine
Specialized for "ton bag" packaging (500kg-1000kg), mostly used for large-batch turnover of raw material procurement/delivery.
Core Structure: Includes a large hopper, quantitative weighing system, ton bag hanging device, and dust removal system (a pulse dust collector is required as powder is prone to dust).
Application Scenarios: Food additive powders (e.g., maltodextrin, vitamin powder) and bulk powder raw materials (e.g., corn starch ton bags).
Key Features: The blanking port is equipped with an "air-blowing arch-breaking device" (breaks up caked powder through air flow) to ensure smooth blanking.
III. By "Packaging Form": Special-function Packaging Machines
Designed for the special needs of powdered food (e.g., moisture proof, fresh keeping, and precise small-dose packaging). The common types are as follows:
1. Vacuum Powder Packaging Machine
Adds a "vacuum pumping-heat sealing" process after "filling" to isolate air and moisture, extending the shelf life of moisture-absorbing and oxidation-prone powders.
Application Scenarios: Milk powder, probiotic powder, meal replacement powder (small retail bags), and nut powder (anti-oxidation).
Technical Features: The vacuum degree is adjustable (to prevent ultra-fine powder from being sucked away), and the sealing temperature is adapted to different packaging bag materials (aluminum-plastic composite film, PE film).
2. Powder Filling Machine (Specialized for Bottles/Cans)
Designed for bottled and canned powders (e.g., milk powder cans, seasoning powder bottles), focusing on "precise filling and leak prevention".
Core Types:
Piston-type filling machine: Quantitatively sucks and discharges powder through the reciprocating movement of the piston, suitable for powders with medium viscosity (e.g., sesame paste powder);
Screw-type filling machine (specialized for bottles): Adds a "bottle mouth positioning" and "anti-overflow cover" based on screw blanking to prevent powder spillage, suitable for round/square bottles.
Typical Applications: Milk powder can filling production lines, and bottled pepper powder/cumin powder packaging.
IV. By "Automation Level": Production Line-level Equipment
Large-scale processing plants usually adopt "integrated production lines" that integrate multiple devices to realize full-process automation. The core equipment includes:
1. Fully Automatic Powder Packaging Production Line
Composition: Automatic feeding machine (screw feeding/negative pressure feeding, avoiding manual contact) → Quantitative packaging machine (screw/weighing type) → Automatic sealing machine (heat sealing/thread sewing) → Metal detector (detects whether metal impurities are mixed in the powder) → Inkjet printer (prints production date/batch number) → Cartoning machine.
Application: Large-scale production with a capacity of >50 bags per minute (e.g., large flour mills, milk powder factories).
2. Bag-feeding Powder Packaging Machine
Features: Equipped with functions of "automatic bag taking, bag opening, filling, and sealing". The packaging bags are pre-made (e.g., stand-up bags, zipper bags), eliminating the need for on-site bag making. Suitable for irregular bags and high-value-added powders (e.g., collagen peptide powder, imported coffee powder).
Advantages: Flexible bag replacement (different sizes of bags can be adapted by replacing molds), and the packaging has a more exquisite appearance, meeting the aesthetic needs of the retail end.
V. Core Factors for Selection
Powder Characteristics:
Poor flowability/sticky (e.g., milk powder, traditional Chinese medicine powder) → Priority to screw-type machines;
Good flowability/non-sticky (e.g., protein powder, cocoa powder) → Measuring cup-type (for small bags), weighing-type (for medium and large sizes);
Ultra-fine/dusty (e.g., matcha powder) → Negative pressure-type + dust removal system;
Moisture-absorbing/oxidation-prone (e.g., probiotic powder) → Vacuum packaging machine.
Production Capacity Requirements:
Small batch (＜10 bags per minute) → Semi-automatic screw packaging machine (manual bag feeding);
Medium batch (10-50 bags per minute) → Fully automatic bag-feeding/screw-type packaging machine;
Large batch (＞50 bags per minute) → Double-hopper weighing packaging production line.
Compliance Requirements:
Parts in contact with food must be made of 304/316 stainless steel, complying with General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Articles (GB 4806.1);
Moisture-absorbing powders need to be equipped with a dehumidification system to prevent powder caking and deterioration in the equipment.
In summary, the selection of packaging machines for powdered food processing plants must "accurately match material characteristics, production capacity, and compliance requirements". For small retail bags, emphasis is placed on accuracy and sealing; for medium and large-sized turnover packaging, focus is on production capacity and stability; for high-value-added products, both packaging appearance and automation level need to be considered.
In the field of powdered food processing, the selection of packaging machines must take into account the characteristics of the powder, such as flowability, bulk density, moisture absorption, and air content (e.g., milk powder is prone to moisture absorption, flour is dusty, and protein powder has good flowability). It also needs to align with production capacity, packaging specifications, and automation requirements. Below are the common types of packaging machines used in processing plants, categorized by core functions and application scenarios:
I. By "Packaging Specification": Small Bag Packaging Machines (Single Bag < 500g)
Mainly used for retail-grade small packaging (e.g., milk powder, coffee powder, meal replacement powder, seasoning powder, etc.). The core requirements are "accurate measurement, good sealing, and dust prevention".
|
Type |
Screw-type Powder Packaging Machine |
Measuring Cup-type Powder Packaging Machine |
Negative Pressure (Vacuum) Powder Packaging Machine |
|
Core Principle |
Uses the spiral structure of the screw to quantitatively convey powder from the hopper into the packaging bag. The rotation speed/number of turns of the screw is controlled via photoelectric sensing to achieve measurement. |
Quantitatively scoops powder through rotating measuring cups with fixed volumes (different specifications of measuring cups can be replaced). Suitable for fixed-specification packaging. |
Uses negative pressure suction to draw powder from the hopper into a quantitative cavity, then releases it into the packaging bag, reducing dust and contact between powder and air. |
|
Application Scenarios |
Powders with medium to low flowability (flour, milk powder, meal replacement powder, traditional Chinese medicine powder); moisture-absorbing and dusty powders. |
High-flowability and non-sticky powders (protein powder, cocoa powder, instant coffee powder). |
Ultra-fine powders (e.g., matcha powder, probiotic powder) and oxidation-prone powders. |
|
Advantages |
1. High measurement accuracy (error within ±1%). |
1. Simple structure, low failure rate, and low maintenance cost. |
1. Excellent dust-proof effect, keeping the workshop environment cleaner. |
|
Limitations |
1. Prone to measurement deviation for high-flowability powders (e.g., protein powder). |
1. Lower measurement accuracy than screw-type machines (error around ±3%). |
1. Low production capacity (mostly 30-60 bags per minute). |
II. By "Packaging Specification": Medium and Large-Sized Packaging Machines (Single Bag 500g-50kg)
Mainly used for raw material turnover and wholesale-grade packaging (e.g., flour, starch, protein powder raw materials, large-pack milk powder, etc.). The core requirements are "high production capacity, stable conveying, and compatibility with ton bags/large woven bags".
1. Weighing-type Automatic Packaging Machine
Divided into "single-hopper" and "double-hopper" types. It precisely controls the blanking amount through electronic weighing sensors and is the mainstream equipment for medium and large-sized powder packaging.
Application Scenarios: 500g-25kg packaging (e.g., 25kg flour bags, 10kg milk powder raw material bags), suitable for powders with good or moderate flowability.
Core Advantages:
High measurement accuracy (error: ±0.2%-0.5%), supporting touch-screen setting of packaging weight;
Equipped with "anti-clogging blanking ports" and "vibrating blanking devices" to prevent powder caking and blockage;
Can be linked with bag sewing machines (heat sealing/thread sewing) and labeling machines to realize the integration of "weighing-filling-sealing-labeling".
Sub-types:
Single-hopper weighing: Suitable for medium production capacity (10-30 bags per minute);
Double-hopper weighing: Alternate blanking of two hoppers, increasing production capacity to 30-60 bags per minute, suitable for high-capacity requirements.
2. Ton Bag (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container, FIBC) Packaging Machine
Specialized for "ton bag" packaging (500kg-1000kg), mostly used for large-batch turnover of raw material procurement/delivery.
Core Structure: Includes a large hopper, quantitative weighing system, ton bag hanging device, and dust removal system (a pulse dust collector is required as powder is prone to dust).
Application Scenarios: Food additive powders (e.g., maltodextrin, vitamin powder) and bulk powder raw materials (e.g., corn starch ton bags).
Key Features: The blanking port is equipped with an "air-blowing arch-breaking device" (breaks up caked powder through air flow) to ensure smooth blanking.
III. By "Packaging Form": Special-function Packaging Machines
Designed for the special needs of powdered food (e.g., moisture proof, fresh keeping, and precise small-dose packaging). The common types are as follows:
1. Vacuum Powder Packaging Machine
Adds a "vacuum pumping-heat sealing" process after "filling" to isolate air and moisture, extending the shelf life of moisture-absorbing and oxidation-prone powders.
Application Scenarios: Milk powder, probiotic powder, meal replacement powder (small retail bags), and nut powder (anti-oxidation).
Technical Features: The vacuum degree is adjustable (to prevent ultra-fine powder from being sucked away), and the sealing temperature is adapted to different packaging bag materials (aluminum-plastic composite film, PE film).
2. Powder Filling Machine (Specialized for Bottles/Cans)
Designed for bottled and canned powders (e.g., milk powder cans, seasoning powder bottles), focusing on "precise filling and leak prevention".
Core Types:
Piston-type filling machine: Quantitatively sucks and discharges powder through the reciprocating movement of the piston, suitable for powders with medium viscosity (e.g., sesame paste powder);
Screw-type filling machine (specialized for bottles): Adds a "bottle mouth positioning" and "anti-overflow cover" based on screw blanking to prevent powder spillage, suitable for round/square bottles.
Typical Applications: Milk powder can filling production lines, and bottled pepper powder/cumin powder packaging.
IV. By "Automation Level": Production Line-level Equipment
Large-scale processing plants usually adopt "integrated production lines" that integrate multiple devices to realize full-process automation. The core equipment includes:
1. Fully Automatic Powder Packaging Production Line
Composition: Automatic feeding machine (screw feeding/negative pressure feeding, avoiding manual contact) → Quantitative packaging machine (screw/weighing type) → Automatic sealing machine (heat sealing/thread sewing) → Metal detector (detects whether metal impurities are mixed in the powder) → Inkjet printer (prints production date/batch number) → Cartoning machine.
Application: Large-scale production with a capacity of >50 bags per minute (e.g., large flour mills, milk powder factories).
2. Bag-feeding Powder Packaging Machine
Features: Equipped with functions of "automatic bag taking, bag opening, filling, and sealing". The packaging bags are pre-made (e.g., stand-up bags, zipper bags), eliminating the need for on-site bag making. Suitable for irregular bags and high-value-added powders (e.g., collagen peptide powder, imported coffee powder).
Advantages: Flexible bag replacement (different sizes of bags can be adapted by replacing molds), and the packaging has a more exquisite appearance, meeting the aesthetic needs of the retail end.
V. Core Factors for Selection
Powder Characteristics:
Poor flowability/sticky (e.g., milk powder, traditional Chinese medicine powder) → Priority to screw-type machines;
Good flowability/non-sticky (e.g., protein powder, cocoa powder) → Measuring cup-type (for small bags), weighing-type (for medium and large sizes);
Ultra-fine/dusty (e.g., matcha powder) → Negative pressure-type + dust removal system;
Moisture-absorbing/oxidation-prone (e.g., probiotic powder) → Vacuum packaging machine.
Production Capacity Requirements:
Small batch (＜10 bags per minute) → Semi-automatic screw packaging machine (manual bag feeding);
Medium batch (10-50 bags per minute) → Fully automatic bag-feeding/screw-type packaging machine;
Large batch (＞50 bags per minute) → Double-hopper weighing packaging production line.
Compliance Requirements:
Parts in contact with food must be made of 304/316 stainless steel, complying with General Safety Requirements for Food Contact Materials and Articles (GB 4806.1);
Moisture-absorbing powders need to be equipped with a dehumidification system to prevent powder caking and deterioration in the equipment.
In summary, the selection of packaging machines for powdered food processing plants must "accurately match material characteristics, production capacity, and compliance requirements". For small retail bags, emphasis is placed on accuracy and sealing; for medium and large-sized turnover packaging, focus is on production capacity and stability; for high-value-added products, both packaging appearance and automation level need to be considered.
