1. Define the product in engineering terms
Product name alone is not enough. For liquids, record viscosity across the operating temperature range, foaming, stringing, particles, density and chemical compatibility. For powders, record bulk density, flowability, aeration, cohesion, dust and moisture sensitivity. For granules, include particle-size distribution, fragility, density and whether blends segregate.
Supply representative production samples. Water, flour or plastic beads rarely predict how the real formulation will behave. Where the product is hazardous, allergenic or commercially sensitive, agree safe sample handling and confidentiality before trials.
2. Define dose, tolerance and test method
State the nominal weight or volume, the acceptable range and how it will be measured. A volumetric filler can be repeatable while product weight changes because density has changed. A weighing system can achieve a mass target but still need enough pack volume for product settling.
Decide whether quality will be verified by routine sampling, an in-line checkweigher, flow monitoring or another method. Agree the test method, sample frequency and reject rules before factory acceptance.
3. Fix the pack format and film
Define finished width, length, seal style, tear notch, corner shape, perforation, coding area and required headspace. Back-seal packs are common on VFFS machinery, while three-side and four-side formats may suit compact samples. Premade pouches support gussets, zippers and other features but add handling stages.
The film supplier should provide the laminate structure, thickness, seal layer, reel width, core, winding direction, print repeat and registration-mark drawing. Barrier performance must suit the product and declared shelf life.
4. Set a realistic production output
Separate instantaneous machine speed from required saleable output. Include shifts, efficiency, changeovers, cleaning, reel changes, maintenance and rejects. A multi-lane machine can deliver high output, but downstream counting and cartoning must also handle the flow.
Where demand varies, compare one high-output line with multiple smaller lines. Redundancy, labour, floor space, changeover frequency and maintenance capability may change the commercial answer.
5. Choose the dosing technology
Typical starting points are piston or positive-displacement pumps for liquids and pastes, augers for powders, and weighing or volumetric systems for granules. These are not absolute rules. Product trials may reveal that another pump, screw, cup or weighing architecture is more stable.
The filler and bagger should be treated as one control system. Ready, dose-complete, low-level and fault signals must be integrated so the machine does not make empty packs or contaminate seals.
6. Add quality controls that address real risks
Options include print registration, date and batch coding, code verification, checkweighing, metal detection, vision inspection, seal monitoring and automatic reject. Select controls from the actual failure risks rather than installing features without a defined purpose.
Every reject device needs a confirmed reject path and a method to detect that the reject occurred. Where traceability matters, define batch records, user access and data retention at the quotation stage.
7. Confirm utilities, layout and access
Record voltage, frequency, phase, compressed-air pressure and quality, extraction, product supply, drainage and environmental conditions. Provide a scaled layout showing columns, doors, ceiling height, traffic routes and operator access.
Allow space for loading film, removing contact parts, opening guards, servicing electrical cabinets and moving finished packs. A machine that fits the floor plan but cannot be maintained is not a workable installation.
8. Plan trials and acceptance
Agree the factory acceptance test before build completion. Define product, film, run duration, target speed, dose checks, seal checks, changeover tests, alarms and documentation. Installation and site acceptance should then verify utilities, integration and production operation.
A robust quotation package normally includes the user requirement, product data, pack drawing, film data sheet, target rate, line layout, options, documentation list, training, spares and service expectations.