1.What is a gummy packaging machine?

Automatic gummy packing machine

Sweets such as gums, jellies, candies are the same groups of food products according to the way of their packaging. A greater percentage of their packaging takes place in a vertical packaging machine involved various sets of bags, pouches or doypack, etc. Furthermore, gummy candies can also pack in bulk jars as well.

Hence, a gummy packaging machine is a captivating, durable, and convenient way to pack gummy products even under tough conditions such as high temperature or mechanical impact.                                  Gummy packaging machines allow users to obtain an exceptional outcome with less expenditure of manpower, electric energy, and time. They are available in various ranges, sizes, and models which depends upon the type of production size. For instance, small-scale production to large-scale production.

2.What are the main components of a gummy packaging machine?

Different types of gummy packaging machines have various optional filling units to work such as multi-headed weigher, vibrating plate, vertical forming tube, etc.
Discussed below are the basic components of a gummy packaging machine:

1.Weighing System
The weighing system of gummy packaging machines is classified into many types, which depend upon the type of gummy products to be packed.
For instance,
A) Multi-head weigher
B) Linear Filling Scale
C) Vibrating Plate- Vibrating Feeder

A) Multi-Head Weigher
The most popular and common form of weighing system that owes its recognition due to accuracy and speed and broader applications. As its names suggest, this dosing system is comprised of a multi-headed weigher that utilizes many weighing hoppers at one time. A multi-headed weigher offers correct dispensing, with proper weighing and lesser chances of clumping.

A multi-head weigher- Gummy Packaging Machine

B) Linear Filling Weighers
A linear filling weigher comes in 2-8 linear filling weighers used for broad applications of packaging in many areas. Their applications may include from dry packaging to wet products packaging. But for gummy products, it is recommended to go for multi-head weighers to avoid clumping of gummies with each other and with the surface of the machine

C) Vibrating Plate- Vibrating Feeder
The hoppers of gummy packaging machines are often fed with vibratory feeders that ensure an accurate amount of gummy product goes into each hopper. This amount of filling may differ from shortening or increasing the time of filling.

D) Collecting Bin
To run the process as quickly as possible, the gummy packaging machine is accompanied by a collecting bin which is just above the weighing hoppers. These collecting bins allow fast emptying of gummy products into the hopper. The weight dispensed is communicated into a microprocessor which determines the correct weight for next subsequent dispensing products.

E) Counting Sensor
A counting sensor of gummy packaging machine is used to count passing units of gummy products and then ends up in bag via s funnel. As soon as a number of gummy products fills in packaging bag, a valve of the vibratory feeder closes. The association of vibratory feeder and counting sensor is known as ‘channel’.

Gummy Counting Channels- Gummy Packaging Machine

2) Sealing System
The principle parameter of the packaging machine is the sealing of packaging material under the impact of temperature, time, and pressure. A stable seal is created and cooled off.
The sealing of gummy packaging machine uses heat sealing jaws or ultrasonics sealing system to fuse the sealing film together. The sealing temperature window for packaging material varies from 110 to 150 °C.

Heat Sealing Jaws

While ultrasonic sealing is used to seal heat-sensitive products. This sealing is achieved by friction that generates heat between two layers of film. The vibration energy to generate friction is basically caused by ultra-sonic energy using frequency ranges from 20 - 40 kHz. Furthermore, this is the safest mode of sealing as heat sealing may cause the melting of sensitive products, clumping, and contamination. While, ultrasonic sealing prevents product melting, less cleaning time, and minimal cooling time.
3) The Blades
Once the sealing of gummy packaging is done, it is directly cut just above the seal. This cutting is done by mounted blades between the sealing jaws. These blades have asymmetrical cutting ends like halves of scissors. There is a flat and slanted side of cutting blades. The cutting edges are generally 2mm wide.

The cutting blades between the sealing jaws- Gummy Packaging Machine

4) Belt Conveyor
A belt conveyor of gummy packaging machine that allows smooth movement of packaging material without accessing hands, fingers, or loose clothing. The conveyor belt of the gummy packaging machine is designed in a flexible shape without sharp edges that ensure self-contained or the safety of the user. Also, it reduces the risk of developing contamination, increasing cost and time wastage.

5) HMI Interference                                                                                                                                                        Many years ago, the gummy packaging machine consisted of light indicators and hardwires system without any visual or audio indicators.

Therefore, the operator had to constantly rely upon listening sounds, machine processing and pushing the control panel button, etc.
As technology advances, it enables the operator to replace old methods for processing gummy packaging with pre-programmed notifications that display on an LCD screen. Most importantly, an operator can scan the whole process of the gummy packaging machine and may add or change the setting via the touch screen facility.

3.What is the working principle of a gummy packaging machine?

Gummy bears, candies, jellies most often require a different types of packaging methods. For instance, cello wrap, horizontal filling, sealing for best results. These packaging techniques facilitate products easy to stock for the long shelf life and stability of gummy products.

Traditionally, gummy products or jellybeans have been packed using the bagging method. This technique can be employed as a primary or secondary mode of packaging. For primary mode, plain or printed bags are filled with gummy products directly. Once they are filled in packaging material they are sealed and ready to shipment and retail sale.
The working principle of a gummy packaging machine is based on a vertical feeding of gummy products into desirable packaging material.
A film role is put on a supporting device of the gummy packaging machine.
Furthermore, a photo-electric detector and controlling device detect a pattern of a trademark on packaging material, guiding rods, and tensioning device.
The film edge is rolled into a cylinder after filling with gummy material from the filling tube of the gummy packaging machine. The film portion is rolled along longitudinally into the cylinder and heat-sealed by a heat sealer to attain a sealed tube structure.
A metering device helps in the measuring of gummy items into a packaging bag. The material is filled by an upper filling tube of a packaging machine and then sealed by a heat sealer.
After sealing of packaging bag from top and bottom of bag is taken place. A cutting punch/ tear notch punch allows easy separation of gummy packaging bags.

4.Which type of industries widely use gummy packaging machines?

The gummy packaging machines are widely utilized in the manufacturing unit of the industrial sector. The following industrial applications of gummy packaging machines are:                                                      Nutraceutical Industry
For airtight packaging of gummy nutritional supplements, a gummy packaging machine is extensively utilized. Gummy packaging machine allows packaging of nutritional supplements to improve stability, shelf life, and freshness.

Pharmaceutical Industry                                                                                                                                               Many pharmaceutical industries manufacture gummy products that are used to treat deficiency problems in pregnancy or certain illnesses. The gummy products are orally administered via chewing them. The packaging of certain products required a gummy packaging machine. It is expected that in the future gummy medicines will be the most prescribed form of medication in the healthcare setup.

Food and Food Décor Industry
A gummy packaging machine is of prime importance when it comes to deal with the packaging of sweet, gummies, and confectionary items. A gummy packaging machine is utilized in the packaging of chocolates, candies, gummy bears, jellies, and much more. A confectionary industry that deals with the manufacturing of confectionery items for the topping of cakes, milkshakes, and dessert also necessitates with gummy packaging machine to preserve their gummy items effectively.

Herbal Industry                                                                                                                                                                  The herbal industry is known to provide useful herbal medicines for curing mild to severe diseases. Nowadays, people are getting more inclined toward herbal medicines because of natural components extracted from plant sources. In the same way, more innovation has arisen in the preparation of herbal products. For instance, gummy tea extracts, cannabidiol edible., or gummy lozenges.                                        Gummy packaging machines play a considerable role in the packaging of gummy herbal products to offer an attractive way of packaging that preserves the freshness and shelf life of the herbal product.

Herbal Gummy Healing Drops

Herbal gummy tea

Cosmetic Industry
A gummy packaging machine is used in the packaging unit of the cosmetic industry for the packaging of those cosmetics that are gummy or sticky in nature. For instance, gummy lipsticks, gummy soaps, or gummy facial products, etc.

Stationary Industry
A gummy packaging machine is ideally utilized in the packaging of stationary items such as making gummy scented erasers, key chains, or pencil toppers, and other ornamental products.
This new progression of packaging is broadly adopted by various stationery packaging units.

5.What are the benefits of using a gummy packaging machine?

From holidays to everyday treats, fantasy and enjoyment of the gummy product are everywhere. When it comes to packaging gummies, the gummy packaging machine is the prime choice of every manufacturer due to the following advantages.
1) Superior Packaging
Gummy packaging machine offers superior packaging of gummies in upscale resealable pouches. Gummy packaging machine ensures high integrity, freshness, and shelf life of gummy products.
2) Time- Effective
A fast and flexible packaging procedure of gummy packaging machine permits effortless packaging of gummy material without facing any difficulty. Thus, using gummy packaging machines can improve the productivity ratio of manufacturing companies.

3) Accuracy and Reliability
The gummy packaging machine is well- acknowledge equipment that primarily delivers an accurate and reliable number of gummy products into each assigned pouches or bag. The entire production line of the gummy packaging machine ensures excellent weighing, filling, and sealing steps.

4) Cost-Effective
To operate the filling and packaging procedure of gummy items, you do not need to stand long for the entire procedure. You just feed the protocol using an integrated HMI touch screen system of a gummy packaging machine, then the rest of the operation will be performed by machine. Hence, gummy packaging machine saves manual labor costs and high production time.
5) Safe and Hygienic Packaging Machine
An automatic high-quality gummy packaging machine is constructed with food-grade stainless steel that is safe and durable for treating gummy products.

6) Smooth Running of Packaging Material

A gummy packaging machine is a piece of advanced packaging equipment that is specifically constructed to deal with gummy and sticky products. This machine is capable to deliver perfectly measured products into each packaging bag smoothly and efficiently.

7) Environment Friendly
The gummy packaging machine is an advanced and efficient packaging equipment that does not create any excessive waste. Before initiating the process, packaging of empty bags is made to check the machine performance (15 cycles for empty bags). This waste material is separated and disposed of as a recyclable material. During running the process, other waste is not occurred. The gummy packaging machine does not include any part that is harmful or induces negative impact on the environment.

6.How does a gummy packaging machine manage the packaging of gummy material via a vertical forming tube?

The packaging of gummy material via the vertical forming tube is a common packaging method used to pack sticky products as an essential element of the production line.
A vertical packaging offers high-speed bags filling each minute with accuracy suitable for gummy or sticky products.

a) Bag Forming by Vertical Forming Tube
To do this, the gummy packaging machine is feed with a filling sheet over a cone structure tube also termed as a forming tube that allows a film into an assigned shape with a sealed bottom.                                            There are two basic types of sealing such as lap sealing and fin sealing.                                                              Lap Sealing: that seal two edges of film (top and front).

Fin Sealing: seals the inside of film together, such as zippers that keeps products fresh for longer.

b) Dosing and Filling
Dosing and filling or bag are accompanied with a connection of sealing bad with multi-headed scale. When the bag is ready the product is automatically dropped into the bag.

c) Sealing
Once the product is dropped, the top of the bag is sealed and cut away.

7.What are recommended ways to deals with the packing of gummy products via a gummy packaging machine?

Due to the sensitivity of gummy products, there are five recommended ways suggested for their packaging.

Gummy packing machine

1. Avoid Flat Surface- Use Dimpled
When you’re dealing with gummy products it is suggested to go for dimpled surfaces instead of flat surfaces. The reason for using dimpled surfaces is to reduce the surface area for products to stick throughout the packaging process. You need to assess the flow rate of gummy content to implement additional modifications such as using a tilted feed, or cone accessory and multi-head scale, etc.

2.  Prefer Multi-Head Weighers                                                                                                                                  When dealing with stickier products, it is recommended to use multi-headed weigher instead of linear scales. Multi-headed weigher yields more accurate and rapid outcomes.  Most often, clumping results when you are packaging gummy products such as gummy vitamins or cannabis that creating a possibility for overweight on a linear scale.
In linear head weighers, the product is dosed out at a greater rate for many target weights and dropped in other portions of gummy content. This faster pace ‘bulk’ fill accounts for 70-90% of target weight which is directly proportional to the filling amount and flow characteristic of the gummy product.

Thus, the potential for overweight is higher when a clump is created on the dribble/dropped portion of gummy products. When you are choosing a multi-headed scale, then the weight of each product in the bucket is measured accurately in order to estimate the final weight. Despite, considering each product or large clumps.

Clumping of Gummy Candies

Multi-Headed Weigher-Gummy Packaging Machine

3.Flow Agents                                                                                                                                                        Sometimes, even a dimpled surface is not enough to facilitate gummy products. For This, you need to incorporate flow agents. These agents are generally corn-starch-based that allow gummy products to move easily through scales and other parts of packaging equipment without sticking.

4.A Controlled Climate                                                                                                                                    

To consider an inherent climate control in the packaging room/facility is essential to achieve excellent product mobility. Additionally, it is also recommended to refrigerate gummy products that may allow an accurate weighing as well as the packaging of content more quickly and smoothly.                                            Because during the production of gummies heating and water incorporation leads to cause instability of content. Moreover, the presence of honey or sticky ingredients may react with air that creates a potential for clumping. Therefore, a well-controlled environment and less humidity in the production room can help to create a quality product.

Gummy Packaging Machine Unit- Photo Credit: Smart Weighing

5.Vibratory Filling Lowers Clumping

For a gummy packaging machine, it is important to ensure a filling container or forming tube has a larger surface area to accommodate each piece of product easily. If the opening for forming tube is narrow it may create a piece of clump and sticks together hence creating a hurdle in the filling procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to use a large forming tube with a vibration that will deliver a smooth flowing of gummy products.
Because vibration may help to break the clumps and meter out filling that ensure there is no clump formation in the opening of a container.
The effect of metering out is that it may slow the process of filling, but it may assure filling of multiple containers is maintained and generate equal output.

8.What is the production line of gummy packaging machines?

The production line of the gummy packaging machine is composed of the following steps:
1) Dosing system
2) Forming Area
3) Filling
4) Sealing and cutting

1) Dosing System
In order to ensure a correct quantity of packaging product, proper weigher is required. Dosing of gummy products is achieved using a filling scale that depends upon the type of product. For instance, multi-head weigher or linear head weigher.

Flow Chart Demonstrate Production Line of Gummy Packaging Machine

2) Forming Area

Packaging material such as plastic laminate, aluminium foil is placed on rollers and weighed pivot arm for good unwinding form. The unwinder is situated at the back of the gummy packaging machine.                     The shape of the pouch is done in order to fill the packaging material. The forming tube which is also known as ‘forming shoulder or forming collar’ twists the material around it and forms a pouch.                          After forming a pouch, a pull-down belt moves the film to seal the material.

Film Forming- Gummy Packaging Machine

3) Film Filling
A dosing system that is available just above the forming tube runs the number of products to dose. The falling of material through a forming tube enters inside the opened pouch and moves to the next step.

4) Sealing

Once the product is filled, the same sealing jaws create top sealing to close the pouch.

5) Cutting and Discharging of Packs
After closing the pouch it is cut and drops down into a collection unit which is typically a conveyor belt that transports the packaging material into assigned containers.

Packaging Line of Gummy Packaging Machine- Video Credit- VikingMasek

9.What are important parameters that you should consider before packaging gummy products?

The packaging of food items such as spices, sugars (free-flowing foods), chips, nuts, etc is very easy to handle in the production process. But when you are dealing with a sticky, gummy product is an utterly different scenario and perhaps not easy to manage. Hence, they require some special consideration during production steps due to the following reasons.

Sticky In Nature
The sticky material always tends to contact with a surface area of machinery or with each other. Furthermore, they are difficult to move into their assigned packaging pouches or may affect their stability when exposing to unfavorable atmospheric conditions.Susceptible to Humidity                                                                                                                                                When it comes to deals with gummy products packaging- challenges are common. Gummies have shown so many factors that require intense management to attain a stable product. Gummy candies tend to lose their shape and become stickier when exposed to humidity. Hence, they become soggier and liquid-y.The manufacturing and packaging condition of gummy products should be based on proper humidity-controlled parameters.Furthermore, before packaging gummies, they have treated air- dry environments for one to two days and lay them in wax paper to control moisture. This treatment allows gummies to become harder and able to deal with humidity.The best tip to keep gummy candies dry is to coat them in citric acid and sugar coating.

Prone to Oxidation
Gummies packaging requires special bags, such as polypropylene plastic bags for wrapping gummies. The storage bag should be impermeable to oxygen that ultimately protects the gummies from oxidation and other environmental calamities which means your product will stay much longer.

Require Less Adhesive Surface Area
The equipment and packaging material for gummies products must be less-adhesive in nature that allows easy and smooth flowing of material.

10.What are the safety precautions for using a gummy packaging machine?

Many industries purchase gummy packaging machines, but they do not aware of the right safety precautions while using this machine.
Discussed below are the following checkpoints that every operator must keep in mind before making use of a gummy packaging machine.

1) Dry Place                                                                                                                                                                            To place a gummy packaging machine in a dry, shady, and ventilated area is mandatory for efficient work output. The machine should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

2) Assemble Proper Electric Connections
Before installing a gummy packaging machine, always check an appropriate voltage and power supply to the gummy packaging machine to avoid unnecessary mishaps or injury. The voltage and power supply of each gummy packaging machine are different, that’s why proper knowledge about the electric connection is necessary for significant work response.

3)  Grounded Electric Wires
For safety purposes, all-electric wires of the gummy packaging machine must be grounded.

4) Disinfect the Device
Before initiating the process, assess any problem in the gummy packaging machine and disinfect the equipment before starting food contact to ensure food hygiene.

5) Technically Dealing with Equipment Failure
In case of equipment failure, disconnect all the power switches, avoid touching all horizontal and vertical seals by hand to avoid scalding.

11.How to maintain and manage a gummy packaging machine?

For efficient work response as well as high productivity, routine maintenance and management of gummy packaging machines must require.

1) Cleaning and Wiping of Equipment After Usage
The gummy packaging machine is constructed with food-grade- stainless steel. Therefore, when cleaning the machine rinse the entire food contact area with hot water to eliminate sticky material from the surface of the machine. Furthermore, air dries the equipment and uses a dry cloth to wipe water content from a machine. Do not use a sharp tool to wipe the instrument as well as avoid using corrosive liquid to wash or clean the equipment.

2) Contacting Food Material
Clean the hopper of the gummy packaging machine and all those units of the machine which are in contact with food before leaving the system.

3) Lubricating Machine
 Weekly lubrication of movable components of the gummy packaging is required for the smooth running of equipment. For instance, lubrication of nut oil filling port etc.

4) Monitor and Replace Worn-Out Parts Routinely
Inspect the machine on daily basis and immediately replace worn-out material to sustain the service life of the equipment. Replace heating tube and cutter of gummy packaging machine in case of failure.

5) Ensure Keeping High Wear Components in Stock
A gummy packaging machine is designed in such a way that needs to be periodically and routinely checked and maintained. Always keep high wear parts of the machine in stock to prevent unscheduled downtime and lowered production activities.

For this, the technical operator must understand the knowledge about machines and a list of important spare parts. For instance, high wear parts (shorter Lifecycle such as nuts, bolt), medium wear parts (a longer lifecycle or may not fail), and low wear parts (never fails- warranty parts).
That’s why it is recommended to keep stock of high wear parts before any interruption/ failure that results in a long-term wait for shipment.

12.Which types of gummies can be packed by gummy packaging machine?

When you open a packet of gummies, no one can stop you to eat until it gets finish. There are many types and shapes of delicious, sweet gummies that creates addictive flavours in mouth.
Therefore, you’ll need gummy packaging machine in order to retain:

• Freshness
• Shelf life
• Protection
• Shapes
• Uniqueness
• Safety, etc.
  

Gummy packaging machine is exclusively used for packaging of following gummies:
1) Confectionary Gummies
 Have you ever seen confectionary gummies with so many flavours?
The answer would be ‘Yes’
Because confectionary items contain a broad range of gummies, jellies, candies, etc, with so many exciting presentation and packaging ideas. Hence, gummy packaging machine yield a reliable and robust output for the packaging of confectionary gummies.

2) Medicated Gummies
Multivitamins, pharmaceutical gummies and herbal gummies requires a high-performance gummy packaging machine that strictly comply with cGMP standards ensures 100% product stability and purity to the end consumer.

3) Stationary Gummies
When you see gummies, you must think of eating it.
Not every gummies are for the eating purpose. Now you can find multi-purpose gummies around you as a household or stationary item. Such as, eraser, pencil cap, or mosquito repellent etc.
These gummies require beautiful packaging as many people use them for gift purpose. Thus, gummy packaging machines are of prime importance when it comes to give a nice, protective and airtight packaging.

13.What are the problems of gummy packaging machines and how to deal with them?

Leakage of Gummy Packaging

Occasionally, a gummy packaging machine can deliver leaked packaging material.
Under these circumstances, the material may expose to an environmental factor and may affect product quality or rejection in further delivery.
This problem may arise due to the sealing temperature that cools the sealing bag slowly. So, the chances of leaking packaging increases. Therefore, a moderate balance between sealing temperature and cooling is very important.
2. Abnormal Performance of Sealing Jaws
Sometimes, the movement of sealing jaws gets abrupted and they do not correspond to the actual temperature. This problem may arise when machine:

• Works continuously without causing cooling to seal material.
• Sealing jaws are not warm up completely
• Fault in temperature sensor

For this situation, you must assess all electric wiring and connections. Also, verify the functioning of the thermostat and solid-state relay light. Reset the PLC setting for the running process.

3.Machine Cannot Reset and E- Stop
When dealing with a gummy packaging machine, sometime the machine can’t be reset. The possible reason for this problem is:

• Opening of guard doors
• Faults in electrical connections
• Poor safety relay
• Reduced air pressure

In this situation, you must monitor the air pressure of the gummy packaging machine. Also, assess proper electrical connections, reset the safety circuits, and tight closing of guard door as well pressure regulation.
Sometimes, human error or component malfunction may cause an E-stop of a gummy packaging machines. Sometimes, this problem may interrupt the whole chain of the packaging process. This may cause poor performance and disturbs the packaging quality. During work, E-stop button causes an immediate stop of functioning. This problem may be resolved by releasing the E-stop button. After releasing it, Press the Reset button to resume the production process.

4.Failure in the Tracing of Packaging Film
During the packaging process, the gummy packaging machine does not trace the packaging film. The possible cause of this problem is:

• The film is not placed on the spindle
• The film is tightened from one side while loose from the other side.
• Film auto-tracking is not working
• Dirty film roll

For this problem, you must check the proper setting of film on forming tube. Furthermore, allow the film to move freely on the spindle, check all the connections and settings of auto-tracking.

5.Wrong Vertical Sealing

This means a vertical sealing on packaging material is inadequate. The possible cause of this problem is the incorrect setting of filming material and forming tube.
Therefore, you must check the film tracking and properly load the film in its right position. Also, monitor the foam and tape arranged on the forming tube.

14.Does gummy packaging machine conform to international quality standards?

It is recommended for every piece of equipment that belongs to the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and foods etc. must necessitate globally assigned quality standards.
Hence, gummy packaging machine primarily belongs to above-mentioned sectors that complies following quality standards:

1.cGMP Compliance

A gummy packaging machine is high-quality equipment that demonstrates cGMP certification for packaging material. Eventually, it renders as a trusted as well as a demandable packaging apparatus.
As a gummy packaging machine is made up of food-grade stainless steel, therefore it offers high quality of sanitation and safety.

2.CE Certified
CE certification is the product manufacturer's claim regarding their product that meets all relevant requirements assigned by European directives and regulations. The assigned regulation outline is related to product safety and performance before they can sell in European Union or EU.

3.ISO Certified Machine

A gummy packaging machine is identified as EN ISO 140-6, which is considered as an assigned packaging machine that certifies quality- assurance, and standardization.

4.FDA Compliant
Gummy packaging machines is an FDA-compliant instrument that certifies as a highly robust, safe, and effective packaging machine with no false claims.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, a gummy packaging machine is the most efficient packaging tool that is required for high-quality, packaging of gummy material. Similarly, Gummy packaging machines offer packaging with greater production speed, safety, accuracy, and capability to deal a wide range of gummy products. Hence, whether you are dealing with packaging gummy products of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, foods, etc, a gummy packaging machine would be the best decision to skyrocket your business.