Packing 101: A Brief Introduction
If you are looking to package goods in an industrial or manufacturing environment for the first time, you may be looking for advice. This article provides a brief introduction.
Type of packaging
Packaging machinery varies depending on product type, product size and volume. The following is a list of different types of packing used in the manufacturing environment:
Woven sacks
Woven sacks are made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen. Woven fabric bags are made out of durable materials such as nylon or polypropylene that are popular for shipping products like smaller parts and clothing.
Laminating film
Laminating film is made from cellulose acetate or nylon. This process involves a flat sheet of material being put between either air layers and heat. A curing agent is used to create the laminate.
Foamed plastic bags
Foamed plastic bags are made from polypropylene or polystyrene and are commonly used for shipping small parts, tools, small electronics and clothing.
Integrating packing machines
Packing machines do not always have to be housed in separate rooms. There are many cases of packing machines being integrated into the fabrication process and used for wrapping and storing products as soon as they are completed. This is a cost-effective way for the manufacturer to store materials until they can be shipped out.
The integration of packaging machines into the fabrication process is cost-effective and energy-efficient, and it helps to reduce overall operating costs.
Safety advice
Precautions should be taken when using machinery in the manufacturing environment. While many people may not think about accidents or near-misses, it is important that they are accounted for and addressed appropriately. The following are a few steps that can be taken to prevent injury and damage:
Follow instructions
The use of safety symbols on the machines provides instructions for the safe use of the equipment. These symbols are usually provided in the equipment manuals, and inform users of the machine's capabilities, limitations, and potential dangers. These instructions should be followed at all times to ensure safe use of the machinery.
Conduct regular maintenance
Machines used in these manufacturing environments require maintenance on a regular basis. The frequency of how often machines need servicing depends on how much they are used for production. In some cases, the machines are used daily, and in others, they may only be used a few times per week. The time between services also depends on what is being produced. If it is a high-volume product, there is more of a chance that the equipment will need to be serviced more often due to the constant wear and tear.
For more info, contact a local packing company.