Packaging is integral to your business as long as you plan to sell in the market. And needless to say, the decision about the right packaging machine is one you must make at some point. If you’re perhaps at that point, an automatic packing machine and semi-automatic options are two options you’ll often come across.

Do you find yourself in the middle of the road, undecided? This article will help you decide whether an automatic packaging machine is the right one for you or a semi-automatic.

Understanding the basics

Pretty sure the name has given it all away. An automatic packing machine is a machine that requires no human intervention. It combines the entire packing process and integrates them seamlessly into one body. All you have to do is feed the product in and let the machine complete the rest for you.

The semi-automatic also automates the packing process, but to a lesser extent. It still allows you to carry out a few processes yourself. This packaging machine, in a nutshell, combines mechanical and artificial labor combination. It promises greater efficiency than a manual packing machine. However, compared to fully automatic machines, its efficiency is quite lower.

These machines can help you upscale your production line efficiency while saving you resources- time and money. They are both automatic and of course, relatively advanced packaging units. They promise a superior packing process, but each with its fair share of drawbacks.

In a situation where your packing requires various configurations, you may find the semi-automatic system suitable for you. This is because you can manually tweak the processes at your discretion.

The cost of setting up a semi-automatic system is relatively lower than that of fully automated machines. But in the long term, the automatic systems are somewhat self-controlled. As such you won't have to worry about labor costs.

Which is better Automatic or Semi-automatic packing

To know which one fits your bill better, we'll compare both options based on different criteria.

The size of your packs

When you think of the ideal packaging machine, what comes to mind is all-in-one equipment that can pack products of different sizes. That’s not all. You'd want something with fewer changeover demands and very little human intervention. Well, both machines promise these. However, if you’re just getting started, then you probably have low or relatively fluctuating production demands. In this case, opting in for a semi-automatic packaging machine is your best bet. On the flip side, if you’re dealing with very considerable pack sizes with a highly demanding SKU and production requirement, treading the path of a fully automatic packing machine is the most recommended.

Level of convenience

For obvious reasons, any machine that’s fully automated promises more convenience compared to that one that is not. An automatic packing machine needs less monitoring. You don't have to stand beside it to assess different elements at intervals. From rinsing and filling to sealing and capping, it does everything itself with the best possible efficiency. So, if convenience is your thrill, consider the fully automated choice.  

What are you packing with?

The right packaging solution for you may differ considering the protection you’re packaging and their modes of packaging. Both machines can be suitable for some packaging processes. For instance, if you’re packing your products in a container, you may either use an automatic or semi-automatic conveyorized machine. But if you want to seal individual pouches when packing in pouches a semi-automatic machine may be the most tailored to them. Similarly, if you’re dealing with the dangling pouch formation type, an automatic packing machine suits that best. The processes of filling and sealing in a semi-automatic machine are somewhat independent. And as such, it is quite difficult to achieve a dangling formation with that kind of system.

Labor consideration

The number of hands you have on deck dictates your choice of packing machine to a great extent. For instance, if you’re running a factory with few to no skilled or tech-savvy machine operators, maintaining an automatic packing machine can be pretty challenging and cumbersome. So, getting a semi-automatic packing machine is often better in settings with minimally skilled labor.

However, if you’re looking to scale your business at some point, you have to factor increased production into your decision-making. And an automatic system is best tailored to that. It guarantees optimal efficiency regardless of your production scale. It brings human error to zero. Besides, an automatic system usually demands lesser labor than semi-automatic packing machines. But, you'll always need technically inclined personnel to operate and maintain it to get the best out of it

The nature of the products you’re packing

Physically and chemically, the product in question is a vital piece in the puzzle of deciding between an automatic and semi-automatic system. You have to consider the moisture contents, how corrosive the materials are, whether or not are they highly abrasive, their tendency to absorb moisture, etc. Moisture tends to affect the electrical components of machines in the long term. So, you have to consider that when deciding. A semi-automatic packing machine might be the best option in these conditions. It features relatively lesser electrical components. And as such, less susceptible to damage with the promise of a more extended life span.

In Close

Both semi-automatic and automatic packing machines feature their fair share of upsides and downsides. While the automatic can be quite expensive, the semi-automatic offers you more flexibility. They are both great choices. To make the right choice, be sure to understand your current situation and pick the right one for better production efficiency.

With the points raised in this article, you’ll be able to assess your needs. Now, your next decision-making point is the right machine model for you. To help you make this decision, be sure to contact us, and let's make your experience with packing machines as seamless as it gets. With our customized solution, you'll get a product tailored particularly to your production requirements, pack size, SKUs, and nature of the product. Get in touch today at marketing09@fsupper.com.