Bag in box machine

Types of bag in box machines

The bag in box machine refers to the series of equipment used to make the polyethylene or plastic liner, fill it with liquid food, and seal it with the outer cardboard box. These are a few types of the bag-in-a-box machine:

• Box Erecting machine

  This machine creates a box from flat box material. It involves feeding the flat material, erecting it into the desired shape, and securing the sides and flaps, usually with tape or adhesive.

• Film Blowing Machine

  It makes a tubular film from plastic material, which will be used as the bag in bag-in-box. The machine heats the plastic material until it melts, then blows it into a bubble to cool and solidify. After that, the bubble will be flattened. This process makes a film of the required thickness and diameter.

• Bag making machine

  This machine makes bags from the film or other materials. It includes cutting the film or material into the required size, heating sealing the sides or the bottom, and adding any features such as handles or closure. In the case of bag-in-box packaging, most of the bag-making machines include a spout insertion that incorporates the spout directly into the bag during the bag-making process.

• Filling machine

  This machine fills the bag with liquid food. First, it places the empty bag in the correct position, and then it pours the food into the bag. Some filling machines are equipped with a conveyor belt, which can significantly improve the efficiency of the entire production line.

• Spout Applicator

  A spout is a small opening or nozzles on the bag used for pouring out the content. It provides convenience in pouring, re-sealing, and preventing leakage. The spouts can be inserted into the bags through an applicator. The types of spout applicators include handheld applicators, automated applicators, and modular applicators.

• Bag in box fillers

  This machine fills the bag with liquid food. First, it places the empty bag in the correct position, and then it pours the food into the bag. Some filling machines are equipped with a conveyor belt, which can significantly improve the efficiency of the entire production line.

• Sealing machine

  This machine seals the bags after filling them. It usually involves heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or other methods. The spouts are sealed with the bags, and instructions for use are printed on them.

• Box Closing Machine

  This machine secures the box after placing the product inside. It also includes taping, strapping, or other methods to secure the box.

Specification and maintenance of bag-in-box machines

Specifications

• Production capacity

  The production capacity of the bag in box filling machine could be expressed in units per hour or per shift. For example, a machine with a high production capacity may fill 1,000-5,000 boxes per hour depending on its speed and efficiency.

• Applicable box sizes

  The sizes of box are applicable to the machine, which could be expressed in dimensions or volume. For example, a machine is suitable for 1L to 20L boxes to fill.

• Filling accuracy

  It refers to the precision and accuracy of filling the product into boxes, which is presented by tolerances. For instance, a machine may have a filling accuracy of ±1% to ensure consistent and precise filling.

• Weight and dimensions

  A listing of the weight and dimensions of the machine in metric or imperial units. For example, a machine weighs 500kg and has dimensions of 2m x 1.5m x 1m, occupying a space.

• Power and energy consumption

  It includes the power rating in kilowatts (kW) and energy consumption. For example, a machine has a power rating of 5kW and energy consumption of 50kWh per shift.

• Control and automation features

  This specification describes the control system and automation functions of the machine. For example, a machine may have a touch screen interface, programmable settings, and sensor controls for easy operation and adjustment.

Maintenance

• Clean the machine regularly

  Operators are required to clean the filling nozzle, conveyor belts, and contact surfaces with warm soapy water or suitable cleaning agents. After cleaning, they have to ensure all components are thoroughly rinsed and dried.

• Lubricate moving parts regularly

  Select appropriate lubricants and apply them to bearings, chains, and other moving parts according to the maintenance plan of the machine. Besides, after lubrication, operators should remove excess lubricants to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

• Inspect and adjust components periodically

  According to the specific schedule, check the wear and tear of the filling nozzle, conveyor belts, pumps, and valves, and make necessary adjustments to ensure the accuracy and stability of filling.

• Replace wearing parts regularly

  Replacing the wearing parts such as conveyor belts and sealing gaskets of the bag in box filling machines as scheduled, ensures the consistent performance and product quality.

Scenarios

• Food and Beverage Industry:

In the food and beverage sector, the bag-in-box machine is a key player in efficient packaging and preservation. From juice and syrup to sauce and condiment packaging, these machines ensure that products are packed securely and maintain their fresh flavors for longer. The airtight BIB boxes prevent any contamination, letting companies offer customers tasty and safe beverages and sauces. BIB machines make it easy to fill and seal large boxes, meeting the food and beverage industry's demand for high-quality, long-lasting packaging.

• Liquid Product Packaging:

In the world of liquid products - whether it's cleaning supplies, chemicals, oils, or any other liquid goods - using a bag-in-box machine for packaging is a smart choice. These machines efficiently fill and seal durable BIB bags inside boxes, providing strong protection for the liquids and preventing leaks. The BIB boxes are also convenient for storage and transportation. With a bag-in-box machine, packaging various liquid products becomes quick, cost-effective, and reliable, meeting the diverse needs of industries that deal with liquids every day.

• Wine and Spirits Industry:

In the wine and spirits industry, bag-in-box machines play a significant role in packaging drinks. These machines fill and seal BIB bags for wine, cocktails, or spirits. BIB packaging is user-friendly and helps keep drinks fresh after opening, making it a popular option for consumers. BIB boxes are also easy to stack and store, which is convenient for retailers. With BIB machines, wine and spirits producers can use a practical and attractive packaging method that fits modern buyer preferences.

These are just a few examples, and bag-in-box machines are used in many other industries for different products that require efficient packaging solutions.

How to choose a bag in box machine

When choosing a bag in box filling machine, a few things need to be considered to ensure that the right application is selected for the product in question and business requirements.

• Placement of the machine: Determine if the machine will be placed on a table or is required to have its own stand.
• Types of Products: Decide whether products with standard or non-standard viscosities will be filled. If non-standard filling is required, a custom bag in box is ideal.
• Capacity: The capacity of the machine must correspond to the capacity of the bag being used. Ensure that the capacity of the machine is sufficient to dispense the number of boxes per hour required.
• Option for labels: Determine if the labels need to be printed or applied, and if so, select a machine with the proper labeling system.
• Operation: The operating system of the machine should be considered, whether it is manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, and it should correspond to the desired level of automation.
• Size and weight of the bag: Make sure that the specified size and weight of the machine correspond to the dimensions and weights of the bags in the box that will be used.
• Kind of product: If a special kind of product needs to be filled (e.g., chlorinated acid liquid or high-temperature liquid), a specific kind of machine will be required for those conditions.
• Sterile requirement: If a sterile environment is required for the filling process, a specific kind of machine should be used to meet those requirements.
• Sorts of closures: Determine the kind of closure system that will be used (e.g., spray nozzle, pump, or drink dispenser) and select the machine that is compatible with the closure system.
• Range of sizes: Consider whether a machine is required to handle multiple sizes of boxes and documents, and if so, select one that is equipped with a size-changing system.

FAQ

Q1: What are the drags of using a bag in box machine?

A1: The main drawbacks of a bag in box machine are high initial costs, which are only ideal for businesses that use large quantities of liquid; the learning curve for staff is another challenge, as it requires proper training and knowledge of the machine.

Q2: Are bag in box machines environmentally friendly?

A2: Yes, most bag in box machines are energy efficient and use minimal packaging materials.

Q3: Is it worth using bag in box packaging?

A3: Using the bag in box is worth it because it is economical, environmentally friendly and easy for customers to use.