Packaging Machines Buyer Guide
The right packaging machine pays for itself fast — typically within 3–6 months for high-volume operations. This guide covers the five main machine types, how to size them for your throughput, and what to look for when buying used.
The 5 Main Machine Types
1. Pallet Wrappers (Palletwikkelaar / Wikkelaar) Stretch film is applied to the wrapped pallet automatically or semi-automatically. The most common packaging machine in any warehouse.
Types: - Turntable wrappers: pallet rotates, film head fixed. For standard pallets, up to 60 pallets/hour. - Rotary arm wrappers: film head rotates around the pallet. For heavy or unstable loads. - Robot wrappers (stretch robot): mobile unit wraps in place without moving the pallet.
Throughput: 20–60 pallets/hour (standard semi-auto), 60–120/hour (fully auto). Price new: €4,000–25,000. Used: €1,200–8,000.
2. Horizontal Flow Wrap Machines (Horizontale flowpack) Products fed into a tube of film that seals on three sides. Very high speed for food, hardware, automotive parts.
Speed: 30–200 packs/minute. Price new: €18,000–60,000. Used: €5,000–20,000.
3. Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machines (Verticale zakkenmaker / VFFS) Film is formed into a bag around the product as it drops in. Classic application: nuts, granules, frozen foods.
Speed: 20–100 bags/minute depending on bag size. Price new: €15,000–50,000. Used: €4,000–15,000.
4. Case Erectors & Sealers (Dozen-opzetmachine / Doozensuiteermachine) Automatically erect flat-packed cartons, fill, and seal.
Price new: €20,000–80,000. Used: €6,000–25,000.
5. Strapping Machines (Omsnoeringsmachine / Banderol) Plastic or steel strap applied around a carton or pallet.
Semi-auto: operator places strap manually — machine tensions and seals. Fully auto: strap applied automatically in a loop. Price new: €1,800–18,000. Used: €600–6,000.
Volume Decision Guide
| Daily volume | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| < 20 pallets/day | Manual pallet wrapper or used semi-auto |
| 20–80 pallets/day | Semi-auto turntable wrapper |
| > 80 pallets/day | Fully auto inline wrapper |
| > 500 packs/day | Flow wrap or VFFS |
ROI Calculation for Pallet Wrappers
Typical manual wrapping: 4 min/pallet, 2 rolls of film. Semi-auto: 1.5 min/pallet, 1.2 rolls of film (pre-stretch 250%).
At 50 pallets/day, 250 days/year: - Time saved: (2.5 min × 50 × 250) = 520 hours/year - Film saved: (0.8 rolls × 50 × 250 × €8/roll) = €80,000/year in film costs - Machine cost: €6,000–12,000
Typical payback: under 3 months.
What to Check on Used Packaging Machines
1. Electrical certificates and CE marking (required in EU) 2. Production counter hours (not just calendar age) 3. Film carriage condition — worn roller bearings cause uneven wrap 4. PLC software version and spare part availability 5. Service history from original dealer 6. Test run with your specific pallet/product type before purchase
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