A Vertical Form Fill Seal machine (VFFS) is an automated packaging system that forms, fills, and seals bags in a continuous vertical process. It starts with a roll of film, which is pulled into the machine, shaped into a bag, filled with the product, and then sealed.

VFFS machines are valued for their efficiency, speed, and versatility, making them a preferred choice across industries such as coffee, dairy, meat and cheese, cosmetics, and more. They can handle a variety of bag styles, product types, and packaging materials, ensuring consistent and high-quality packaging.

Want to improve your packaging process? Contact us today to find the right VFFS solution for your business.

VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) packaging is an automated process where a roll of packaging film is formed into a bag, filled with a product, and sealed; all in a continuous vertical motion. This method is widely used in industries such as beverage, beauty and cosmetics, coffee, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer goods due to its efficiency, high-speed operation, and versatility.

VFFS machines can create different bag styles including, pillow bags, pillow bags with side gussets, and stick packs ensuring product protection and a professional presentation. Additionally, this packaging method helps maintain product freshness, reduces material waste, and offers a cost-effective solution for high-volume production.

Looking for a reliable VFFS packaging solution? Contact us today to explore our range of high-performance machines tailored to your packaging needs!

A Vertical Form Fill Seal machine (VFFS) efficiently automates the packaging process through the following streamlined steps:

9-Step VFFS Packaging Process

The VFFS process is fast, efficient, and precise, running multiple cycles per second to create sealed pouches. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Film Unwinding (Rollstock Loading)

A roll of flexible packaging film (plastic, laminated film, or foil) is loaded onto the mandrel and unrolled through the carriage assembly. Different machines have varied methods for film transportation.

2. Tension Control (Dancer Arm Movement)

A dancer arm moves up and down to maintain consistent tension as the film is fed through the machine, preventing wrinkles and misalignment.

3. Printing (Optional)

An integrated printer applies lot codes, expiration dates, barcodes, or branding as the film moves through the system.

4. Film Registration (Eye Mark Detection)

A photoelectric sensor detects eye marks (registration marks) printed on the film to ensure accurate positioning for precise cutting and sealing.

5. Film Alignment (Tracking & Adjustment)

A film tracking sensor confirms proper positioning. If misalignment occurs, an actuator automatically corrects the film’s path to maintain accuracy.

6. Forming the Bag

The film is then fed around a forming collar, shaping it into a cylindrical tube. A vertical seal is then created using heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, forming either a lap seal or fin seal.

7. Bag Size Configuration

The width of the pouch is determined by the forming collar size. The length of the pouch can be adjusted anytime using machine settings. Intermittent motion machines have small pauses between each cycle, while continuous motion machines run non-stop at higher speeds.

8. Product Filling

The bag remains open at the top while the product is dispensed through a filling system, which varies based on the product type:

• Auger filler – for powders (e.g., coffee, flour).
• Volumetric cup filler – for granules (e.g., rice, beans).
• Piston pump – for liquids and pastes (e.g., sauces, gels).
• Multi-head weigher – for precision weighing (e.g., snacks, candies).

9. Sealing & Cutting (Final Step)

• A horizontal seal is applied to close the top of the pouch. A cutting mechanism separates individual bags or keeps them in strips.

This automated, high-speed process ensures consistent, hygienic, and efficient packaging, making VFFS machines ideal for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries.

Looking for an efficient packaging solution? Contact us today to explore how our VFFS machines can optimize your production process!

Yes, VFFS machines are designed for easy maintenance, but regular servicing is important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Routine maintenance typically includes:

• Cleaning: Regularly removing product residue and dust to maintain hygiene and prevent malfunctions.
• Inspecting & Replacing Sealing Components: Checking sealing jaws, heating elements, and gaskets to ensure consistent and strong seals.
• Lubricating Moving Parts: Applying lubrication to rollers, gears, and mechanical components to reduce wear and friction.
• Checking & Calibrating Sensors: Ensuring photoelectric sensors, film tracking, and filling systems are properly aligned for accurate packaging.
• Replacing Worn-Out Parts: Monitoring belts, blades, cutting knives, and sealing jaws and replacing them as needed to prevent breakdowns.

Many modern VFFS machines come with automated diagnostics, error detection systems, and easy-access panels, making maintenance straightforward and minimizing downtime.

Looking for an easy-to-maintain VFFS machine? Contact us today to explore our VFFS packaging solutions for your packaging needs!

VFFS machines offer an efficient and cost-effective packaging solution with the following benefits:

Automated Efficiency: Speeds up production by automating forming, filling, and sealing while reducing labor costs.

Cost Savings: Optimizes material usage, lowers packaging expenses, and minimizes waste.

Versatility: Handles various bag styles and film types, making it suitable for powders, liquids, solids, and granules.

Reliable Sealing: Ensures product freshness and prevents contamination with precise heat or ultrasonic sealing technology.

Compact & User-Friendly: Saves space with a small footprint and features intuitive controls for quick changeovers.

Enhanced Features: Integrates with weighers, fillers, date coding, perforation, and resealable zippers for added functionality.

Unified Flex provides tailored VFFS solutions to enhance packaging efficiency and product quality. Contact us today to explore how we can optimize your packaging process!

The lifespan of a VFFS machine depends on usage, maintenance, and operating conditions. With proper care and routine servicing, a high-quality VFFS machine can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, regular maintenance is essential, including:
Cleaning: Prevents residue buildup and maintains hygiene.
Lubrication: Reduces wear and friction on moving parts.
Replacing Wear Parts: Timely replacement of belts, sealing jaws, and cutting blades prevents breakdowns.

Investing in high-quality components and following manufacturer-recommended operating guidelines can further extend the machine’s lifespan.

At Unified Flex, we provide expert support, maintenance services, and high-quality VFFS solutions to help you maximize efficiency and durability.

Looking for a long-lasting VFFS machine? Contact us today to explore our reliable and high-performance solutions!

Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines are designed to handle a variety of bag sizes, accommodating different packaging requirements. The specific bag dimensions vary by model.

Here are some examples of Unified Flex’s VFFS machines and their bag size capabilities:

Auto Pouch Bagger AP-140: Designed for smaller bag sizes, it can produce bags up to 4.5 inches in width and 7.5 inches in length.

VFFS Vertobagger Hornet: Handles bags up to 13 inches wide and 20 inches long.

VFFS Vertobagger Maverick: Suitable for bags up to 10 inches in width and 12 inches in length.

VFFS Vertobagger Hornet XL: Produces bags up to 18 inches in width and 30 inches in length.

Adjusting the bag size typically involves changing the forming tube and making machine setting adjustments to match the desired bag dimensions. This flexibility allows manufacturers to package products in various quantities and sizes efficiently.

For detailed specifications and to determine the best machine for your specific bag size requirements, contact us.