1. Grasp the basic terminology associated with packaging machinery.
2. Know the definitions for different parts of the industrial packaging machine.
3. Understand what industrial packaging machinery best suits your needs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Focus initial research on the basic packaging equipment industry key terms

Before making any new purchase (or even replacement) of industrial packaging machinery, a firm understanding of the general language of the sector is important. Knowing the processes of packaging as well as machines and materials will provide a solid foundation for communication or purchase.

I recommend: Amcor Limited has a very basic list of packaging industry terminology to get you started. BaggingGuys provides an easy to read glossary of key terms associated with the basic types of packaging equipment. Hughes Enterprises provides detailed lists of the supplies and parts necessary for the running of packaging equipment.

Save time and money through familiarity with packaging equipment parts and types

It is good to know the technical terms associated with your particular packaging equipment for replacement parts or when consulting a repair person for assistance. Being able to both label and describe a part makes communicating a problem much easier.

I recommend: Flxtite® Shrink Films Division has a detailed glossary of packaging equipment terms that concentrates on the different components and parts of a packaging machine. Packaging Machines Trade Marketplace offers a similar glossary with a focus on the different types of packaging machines and their function.

Know the specific types of machinery for areas of the packaging industry

There is a wide assortment of industrial packaging machines on the market today. Many are better suited to different types of the packaging world. Most common are those in the shrink wrapping, protecting or sealing machinery business (such as capping machines and filling machines) and the ever growing flexible packaging industry.

I recommend: Pierce Packaging Equipment offers a detailed list of shrink wrapping terminology as well as a comprehensive product list. Catty is a supplier of packaging machinery and offers a dictionary of terms associated with the wide ranging flexible packaging industry.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider comparing the websites of several suppliers of packaging machines to see if they use different terminology for the same piece of equipment. Just because a piece of equipment is standard, doesn't mean it is known by more than one term.

Guide to Packaging Equipment

Wrap it all up with packaging equipment

By Ben Hahn

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seal your product with shrink wrap packaging machines

Vacuum packing and shrink wrapping can extend the shelf life of products by removing oxygen and eliminating dehydration of products. Vacuum packing is a great way to seal food products like meat or candy and fruit snacks. Also use shrink wrapping to seal items like paper products or other goods to keep them clean and safe from wear. Look for online packaging equipment manufacturers who offer a variety of shrink wrapping machines.

I recommend: See Doug Care Equipment's full line of packaging equipment, including vacuum sealers and shrink wrappers, as well as direct heat sealers. See the shrink bags and shrink bag systems sold by AJM, Inc. Purchase the packaging materials alone or see their selection of industrial packaging machinery.

Find your ideal supplier of industrial packaging machines

There are a lot of options when it comes to packaging machine providers. Find an online catalog of suppliers to find the companies providing the specific packaging machine you're looking for.

I recommend: Register for free with GlobalSpec.com to access catalogs of thousands of packaging machine providers. Whether you're looking for capping machines or packaging containers, find the suppliers selling the packaging products to help your business.

Determine your packaging needs with the help of a packaging consultant

Perhaps you're not sure of the most efficient way to package your product, or are looking to improve material utilization or shipping costs. A packaging consultant can help reduce packaging, handling, and shipping costs by working with you to improve your packaging process.

I recommend: CAPE Systems has decades of experience in the packaging industry and will work with you to optimize the packaging process and fulfill all of your packaging needs. James Dawson sells a number of packaging machines and also provides effective solutions to your packaging problems.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing packaging machinery, inquire after popular or necessary replacement parts. Buying parts right away can save you from future hassles when a your machine needs a new part and you don't have it on hand.

1. Subscribe to the organizational magazines of packaging machine providers and packaging equipment manufacturers.
2. Turn to the Internet for current events in packaging equipment.
3. Be aware of the innovations of packaging industry leaders.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Turn to organizations and magazines for trends in industrial packaging machinery

Begin any research of the packaging equipment and the packaging industry by browsing the articles and news of packaging organizations and associations. Although the topics and equipment covered are usually broad, the information is timely and usually provided by industry experts and experience business people.

I recommend: PMT is the magazine of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute and offers new, press releases and articles on packaging equipment. Packaging Network.com is an online resource for those in the packaging industry, offering articles and current events in the packaging industry.

Subscribe to blogs and feeds on packaging equipment for current news

Ensuring you stay current with packaging industry news and trends is a matter of opening yourself up to as many different sources of information as you can. By subscribing to Internet blogs and RSS feeds on the packaging industry you can ensure the latest information in the fastest medium.

I recommend: The Packaging Machinery - News, Technology and Reviews blog offers updates in the packaging industry as well as articles on the individual types of packaging machinery. This blog can be subscribed to as an RSS feed. Global Spec offers an RSS feed to the new equipment digest that offers current news on the last packaging equipment on the market.

Research packaging equipment manufacturers to learn of industry trends

Looking through the websites of suppliers of packaging machinery is a useful way to see what potential competition a small business has. It is also a good way to see what brands and types of packaging equipment are considered the most popular or cost effective.

I recommend: Mettler-Toledo concentrates its business on industrial packaging machines and has an easy to navigate site. They offer equipment specifics as well as updates on industry events. Optima Group is a firmly established supplier of packaging and filler equipment. They provide industry news as well as detailed product information that could be used for compare and contrast purchasing.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider researching growing trends in sustainable packaging machines that are good for the environment and reduce waste.