Old VS New - A guide to buying new or refurbished packaging machine

Production department insists on new equipment, the financial department tries to cut costs, and it is the decision is up to you: should we purchase a new or a refurbished machine? In all “old vs new” dilemmas price is always the main factor, but you need to consider other factors in order to make the right packaging investment.

If you are a startup business that wants to test product and packaging concepts at a reduced cost - refurbished machine might work. Used machines are usually available quicker and they cost less. But... The machine you purchased can turn out to be inefficient and unreliable.  Are there spare parts available and can they be acquired easily? Can a refurbished machine meet safety standards that are constantly rising? Are you going to have to invest in expensive modification in order to make the machine work for you? What about warranty?

If you still insist on getting a second hand machine, make sure to keep an eye on these four things.

1. Do a complete audit of the machine including the electrical components.

2. Find out about the history of the machine; what products were run on it? What was the plant environment? Was maintenance performed on it regularly?

3. Look for oil leaks – they are a sign of a poorly maintained machine.

4. Always demand to see the machine in full operation, so you are sure that all functions work.

A new packaging system is the ideal solution for established companies that want to improve packaging efficiency.

These companies are more interested in improving packaging speed, packaging quality and overall efficiency of a production-line, since they already have a defined and standardized packaging processes.

True, this demands initial capital and investment costs are higher, and with some manufactures it may take a bit longer for machine completion.

But, on the other hand, you will get a piece of equipment that is designed and optimized specially for you, so it can serve you for many years to come. The new machine is compliant with all current safety requirements, it has a genuine warranty and with a good manufacturer, you don’t have to worry about regular maintenance, service personnel or spare parts.

So, here's the 8 advices you should follow when you consider buying a new packaging machine.

1. Research Online, Purchase Offline.

Use the internet to educate yourself and learn about new modular features of packaging machines and packaging techniques that may interest you in the future. Narrow your choice down to two or three manufacturers and models that could meet your needs.  Don't spend a little time in communication with many manufacturers,  take your time and get all the important information from the few manufacturers you contacted.

2. Be a Value Shopper - Not a Price Shopper

Don't be too rigid about the right price, or you might end up with the wrong machine. Ask about certain modular add-ons you can buy later. This will allow you to move up in features as your business and budget grow, without losing a big part of your initial investment. A good manufacturer should provide a way for you to upgrade your equipment.

3. Ask About Warranty and Services

Check if the manufacturer you chose can provide you with satisfactory warranty, spare parts and servicing of the machine.

 4. Expect and Embrace Training

The more complex the packaging solution is, the more valuable a well-educated support team will be. Proper training can help you to explore new possibilities and find the best way of utilizing your new packaging machine.

5. Try Before You Buy

A good demonstration and testing are mandatory! Demand to see the machine working with a variety of products and packaging types, utilizing all the features you required.

6. Allow Yourself Room to Grow

Purchase a machine that allows you room to grow. Even if you have only a small interest in expanding your product line, ask about the ability to add the features that will allow you to pack your potentially new product in the future. Some features can be added as an after-purchase, while some will require an entire change of models.

7. Trust Your Instincts

Which manufacturer seems more appealing? Who is the most suitable for a long term relation? After all, you are investing in an entire packaging environment, not just in a packaging machine. Make your purchase where you feel at home. Will you be at ease contacting the manufacturer and asking for help? Is technical help readily available?

8. Always Consider a Manufacturer's Reputation

How committed is the manufacturer  to you as a client? Are they set out to make the initial sale with a focus on building a long term relationship, or do they assume they won’t be seeing or hearing from you in a while? Do they offer a full line of products and services that support your business? Are they structured as a onetime stop for acquiring the machine, or as a potential lifelong partner in all your packaging endeavors?

We won’t tell you that Tishma Technologies should be your first choice. Just follow these steps. We look forward to cooperating with you.

Do not let the potential price discourage you in getting a new machine. With a modular approach to design, the price of a new machine isn’t always significantly over your budget. Go ahead and ask a reliable manufacturer for a quote. You can start by checking out Tishma Technologies’ cartoners, case packers, tray packers, palletizers and robotics - whichever you need, Tishma will deliver!

Advantages and Add-ons for modular packaging systems

 Modular design is an emerging trend in the world of packaging solutions. With the modular approach, all elements have a Lego  like configuration, so that various ehancments can be arranged and combined to fit the application. There are various modular add-ons for a packaging line, but here are the 9 most common ones that can make your packaging process much faster, efficient and cost effective. 

1.            Automatic Bottle Loader

Bottles are received on a conveyor, the presence of a bottle is detected and will call for a carton to be erected (no bottle no wasted cartons). Automatic bottle loading requires less manpower and it makes the packaging process more efficient.

2.            Automatic Leaflet feeder

 The automatic leaflet feeder can automatically collate and insert literature in the package at very high speeds, so you don’t have to do it manually

3.            Ink Jet or Laser printer

 An InkJet Coder is used to mark the package with very important, trackable information with the help of a jet that shoots ink in a pre-determined pattern.

Laser Coding is an enhancement for a packaging machine which marks packages with a help of a laser beam programmed to produce a code or date onto the package.

4.            Glue or tuck closing

Tuck closing add on is a closing system which closes a package, usually a carton, using pre-cut tabs and slots.

Glue Sealing add on is a sealing system which uses adhesive to seal cartons or corrugated cases and provides tamper evident security for these packages.

5.            Automatic product feeding system

 The high volume of products require feeding systems that can accept products from the manufacturing process and deliver them to the packaging machines without manual labor.

6.            Robotic product loading

 Robotic feeding systems are highly efficient and flexible, enabling quick adaptations and changes with the minimum possible cost, supporting the initial investment.

7.            Net weigh scale interface

 If packaging accuracy is low, it means packages are going to be over filled, which will result in an excessive product give-away. That is where scales come in. 

8.            Volumetric filler

 Volumetric cup fillers measure out a product, usually free-flowing solids or powder, in a cup of specific, predetermined volume.  Its great for products like rice, candies or frozen peas, which do not generate dust.

9.            Auger filler

 An Auger Filler is a filling mechanism  for powder or free flowing solids, which measures out a product with a help of an auger which is rotated for a predefined number of revolutions in a conical hopper to discharge the required volume of product. It is used extensively for powders and dusty free flowing solids. 

As you can see, modular design allows you to think outside the box and "build" your own machine - a packaging system designed according to your needs. Still not convinces? Well, here's the main 5 reasons why you should go modular with your packaging equipment:

1. Saving floor space

Usually, after purchasing all the machines necessary for production, the remains of the floor space are used for packaging equipment. These spaces are often unusual and tight, and that's where modular design comes in. What once would have been an in-line machine now can be redesigned in different layouts to fit the requirements.

2. Hybrid Technologies

Modular packaging equipment allows you to turn on or off some machine operations, depending on a current application. For example, you can integrate a robotic palletizer under the same controls as other operations (case erecting/loading), and use it when you need it.

3. Development time

The development time is often lower because once the design is split up into modules, design teams can work at the same time on the different modules.

4. Reasonable price

For a packaging machine that will be built from scratch, you are about to pay development costs as well as production costs. With a modular design, you covers only production expenses, since most of the modules have already been developed.

5. Tailored Standardization

Tailored standardization enables manufacturers to construct the right solution with standardized parts of different sizes. You get a right-sized solution built according to specific requirements, and manufacturer still enjoys the benefits of economies of scale.

We introduced you with wide range of possibilities that come with a modular approach to packaging equipment, and now it is up to you to find the most reliable packaging machine manufacturer to develop a solution for you. Every packaging line, machine or system can be enhanced with these modular add-ons in order to meet your specific requirements. Start your research with Tishma Technologies’ cartoners, case and tray packers and palletizers – each of them available with their unique set of modular add-ons.