Choosing the right tray sealing machine is an important investment for any food manufacturer. The right equipment can increase production, reduce labor, improve package quality, and support future growth.
With different machine sizes, speeds, automation levels, and packaging capabilities available, it’s important to choose a tray sealer based on your specific production requirements.
1. Determine Your Production Volume
Start by determining how many trays you need to package per hour or per day.
Smaller operations may benefit from a semi-automatic tray sealer, while high-volume manufacturers may require a fully automatic system capable of integrating with an existing production line.
Consider both your current production needs and future growth when selecting equipment.
2. Consider Your Tray Sizes and Formats
The trays you use will have a major impact on your equipment selection.
Consider:
- Tray dimensions
- Tray material
- Number of cavities
- Different products or tray sizes
- How frequently you need to change formats
If your operation packages multiple products, look for a machine that offers flexibility and efficient tooling changeovers.
3. Choose the Right Level of Automation
Tray sealing machines range from simple semi-automatic systems to fully automated production lines.
Semi-automatic machines can be an excellent choice for smaller or growing businesses that need flexibility and moderate production speeds.
Automatic tray sealers are designed for higher production volumes and can reduce labor requirements while providing consistent output.
The goal is to select the appropriate level of automation without paying for capabilities your operation doesn’t need.
4. Consider Your Packaging Requirements
Different products require different packaging technologies.
Depending on your application, you may need:
- Standard tray sealing
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
- Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP)
- Gas flushing
- Different sealing films
If extending shelf life is important, make sure the machine you select supports the packaging technology required for your products.
5. Evaluate Speed and Efficiency
Machine speed should match your production requirements. A machine that is too slow can create a bottleneck, while purchasing significantly more capacity than you need can unnecessarily increase your investment.
Look at the complete production process—not just the tray sealer—to determine the required output.
6. Consider Changeover and Ease of Use
If you package multiple products or tray sizes, changeover time can have a significant impact on productivity.
Look for equipment that provides:
- Quick tooling changes
- User-friendly controls
- Easy cleaning and sanitation
- Simple adjustments
- Reliable operation
Reducing downtime between products can improve overall line efficiency.
7. Think About Future Growth
Your packaging equipment should support your business as it grows.
If you expect production volumes to increase, choosing a machine with additional capacity or automation capabilities may provide a better long-term investment.
Choosing the Right ILPRA Tray Sealer
RTG Packaging offers ILPRA tray sealing equipment for a wide range of food packaging applications.
From the FP ENERGY for smaller and growing operations to the SPEEDY and fully automated systems for higher-volume production, ILPRA provides solutions designed around different production requirements.
Our team can evaluate your products, tray formats, production volume, and packaging goals to help identify the right equipment for your operation.
Find the Right Tray Sealing Machine
There is no single tray sealer that is right for every business. The best machine depends on your production volume, tray formats, automation requirements, packaging technology, and future growth plans.
Choosing the right equipment from the beginning can help improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and provide a reliable foundation for future growth.
Contact RTG Packaging today to discuss your application and find the right ILPRA tray sealing solution for your production line.