Packaging Machine for Ready and Semi-prepared Food - Types, Prices, and Purchase

In modern times, with the increasing demand for prepared and semi-prepared foods, food packaging machines play a crucial role in preserving the quality and freshness of these foods. By using these machines, you can securely and appropriately package ready and semi-prepared foods, keeping them protected from external air.

This article introduces various types of food packaging machines and discusses their features. Additionally, important points regarding the purchase of packaging machines are also addressed.

If you're in the market for a food packaging machine, reading this article can provide you with comprehensive information about the different types of these machines, allowing you to make your purchase confidently.

The Importance of Packaging Ready and Semi-prepared Foods

Packaging of prepared and semi-prepared foods plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and freshness of these foods. These types of foods are widely used due to their convenience and the lack of need for cooking and preparation, and using packaging machines allows them to be properly and hygienically packaged.

The extent of spoilage in ready-made foods depends on their ingredients. Each product may have different durability characteristics.

For example, a lasagna made with meat-based ingredients may have different behaviors and shelf life compared to other types of lasagna. One of the challenges associated with ready-made foods is preventing microbial contamination during the production process. To achieve this goal, food producers must use the highest hygiene standards and quality raw materials.

The most serious processes that occur due to the growth of microorganisms are oxidation and spoilage, leading to sourness, color change, and loss of taste. For example, a fresh pizza exposed to open air at temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees centigrade will spoil in about a week. However, it can last for several weeks when packaged in a suitable modified atmosphere (MAP) with low oxygen concentration and high carbon dioxide level. For such products, the oxygen concentration should be less than 1.5%. The ratio of CO2 to N2 in ready-made food packages is mainly determined based on the moisture content present in the product's composition. This affects microbial growth rate, oxidation, and enzymatic activities. The higher the water activity, the higher the required CO2 concentration in the package.

 

Multi-Component Products

Ready foods can quickly spoil in inappropriate environments. This is especially true for foods with neutral pH levels. Each ready-made food product has its own specific challenges. Products with diverse and variable ingredients (such as sandwiches, pasta, salads, pizzas, etc.) are particularly challenging. Since each product has its own unique characteristics, finding the right gas mixture to effectively prevent spoilage and preserve quality requires good knowledge. Solutions from West Asia Steel can play a valuable role in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of your products.

In fact, food packaging is an important factor in preserving food value from one hand and preventing the penetration of air, moisture, and microbial infections on the other. It helps you to store your food for longer periods of time and use them without worrying about spoilage. This effectively prevents food waste and is beneficial for the environment by increasing the useful life of food. For this reason, proper packaging is beneficial for both households and the food industry.

 

Appropriate Packaging for Semi-Prepared and Frozen Products

Appropriate packaging for semi-prepared and frozen products should be capable of protecting your product against various environmental conditions, accompanied by reasonable costs. When selecting the type of packaging for frozen products, the following considerations should be taken into account:

1. Oxygen: Air oxygen can cause spoilage and degradation of the product, leading to a reduction in its quality. Proper packaging should prevent access to oxygen for the contents inside.
2. Moisture: Loss of moisture can lead to drying of product and decreasing its quality. Proper packaging should prevent moisture loss.
3. Odor and Taste: Freezing a product may diminish its flavor and odor. Proper packaging should preserve the smell and taste of your product.
4. Hygiene: Packaging should ensure the hygiene of the product and prevent the penetration of microorganisms.
5. Physical Damage: Packaging should remain undamaged from the production line to the store shelves.
6. Light: Light can cause changes in the color and taste of the product. Proper packaging should filter out light. Additionally, packaging should facilitate the transfer of internal heat from the product to the outside to freeze it more quickly. The use of recyclable and sustainable packaging can help protect the environment and reduce plastic waste. Furthermore, packaging that can resist water and moisture can protect semi-prepared and frozen products from spoilage and deterioration.

 

Various Applications of Food Packaging Machines

The food packaging machine can be used to package various types of foods. Some of the foods that can be packaged using a food packaging machine include:

1. Ready-to-eat foods such as sandwiches, stews, finger foods, main dishes, snacks, pizzas, nuggets, marinated products, burgers, samosas, pastries, schnitzels, falafel, grilled chicken, and more.
2. Semi-prepared foods such as soups, falafel, nuggets, potatoes, meatballs, cutlets, frittata, and others.
3. Various desserts and appetizers such as cakes, tiramisu, jelly, caramel cream, cheesecake, jelly powder, pudding, halva, and more.

It is worth mentioning that for packaging each type of food, an appropriate type and material of packaging should be used that is hygienic and performs well.

 

The Mechanism of Foodstuff Packaging Machine Performance

A food packaging machine may operate in various forms, but generally, its operational method is as follows:

The mechanism of the food packaging machine generally consists of several stages. Below are the main stages of packaging:

1. Placing trays
2. Loading the product
3. Vacuum and gas injection
4. Sealing
5. Printing and labeling

 

Types of Ready-to-Eat and Semi-Prepared Food Packaging Machines

The methods of packaging ready-to-eat and semi-prepared foods are diverse and may vary depending on the type of product and its storage conditions. Below are some of the packaging machines used for ready-to-eat and semi-prepared food products:

 

Automatic Tray Sealer Packaging Machine

 

The stages of packaging food products in an automatic tray sealer packaging machine are as follows:

1. Pre-made trays are placed automatically (using an automatic denester) or manually onto the machine, and the product is loaded into them automatically (using a filling machine) or manually.
2. Then, the trays containing the product are guided into the mold of the machine, where they are vacuumed and sealed. At this stage, a film is heat-sealed onto the tray.
3. After this stage, the sealed trays can be directed to a labeler where labels can be applied underneath, and other information such as date and other details can be printed on them.

 

The automatic tray sealer packaging machine is one of the products manufactured by West Asia Steel Company, which has the following features:

1. Fully automatic with easy setup and adjustments by the operator.
2. Adjustable for various sizes of trays.
3. Various options available according to customer needs.

For more information, you can visit the page of the automatic tray sealer packaging machine.

The semi-automatic tray sealer packaging machine

This machine is used for daily packaging in small and medium-scale operations. This machine is commonly used in supermarkets and small businesses.

The operation of the semi-automatic tray sealer packaging machine involves placing filled trays onto its tray by the operator. Then, the machine's table needs to be rotated 180 degrees by the operator, and subsequently, the packaging command is issued by the operator using the machine's buttons.

Some features of the semi-automatic tray sealer packaging machine include:

• Suitable for low to medium packaging capacity.
• Requires minimal space.
• Affordable price and easy operation.
• Various options available according to customer needs.

For more information, you can visit the page of the semi-automatic tray sealer packaging machine.

 

Vacuum Chamber Packaging Machine

The vacuum chamber packaging machine, also known as the chamber vacuum or vacuum cabinet (single chamber and double chamber), is used for packaging various food products in plastic bags. Some features of this machine include:

• Packaging products with full vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) method.
• Equipped with a high-powered oil rotary vacuum pump with very strong suction capability.
• Strong and error-free sealing.

Thermoforming Packaging Machine

The thermoforming packaging machine from West Asia Steel Company is utilized for packaging various food products, including ready-to-eat and semi-prepared foods. This machine is commonly used in factories for large-scale food packaging. With this machine, products can be automatically packaged in flexible or rigid film.

The thermoforming machine enables the production of trays in various sizes from film material, automatic loading of trays, and packaging them using different methods.

If you require production capacity according to your specific needs, you can contact us for guidance on building a machine with your desired capacity.

Additionally, automatic fillers (multi-head weighers) are used in some packaging lines to increase automation. However, in many cases, the weighing process is done manually by operators, and products are loaded into trays in both manual and automatic ways.

For more information, you can visit the page of the thermoforming packaging machine.

Features of the thermoforming packaging machine from West Asia Steel Company include:

• Easy cleaning, stainless steel body resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
• Compatibility with various trays and products.
• Ability to install various fillers on the machine.
• Diluted and concentrated liquid fillers, weighing fillers.
• Ability to install labelers and jet printers on the machine.
• Customizable options as per customer requirements.

 

To view more information, you can visit the thermoforming packaging machine page.

 

Features of the thermoforming packaging machine by West Asia Steel:

• Easy to clean, stainless steel body resistant to corrosion and oxidation
• Compatibility with various trays and products
• Ability to install various fillers on the machine
• Filling of both diluted and concentrated liquids, multi-head filling machine
• Ability to install labelers and jet printers on the machine
• Customizable options upon customer request 

It should be noted that West Asia Steel machines, in addition to the ready-made and semi-prepared food mentioned above, are also capable of packaging the following items:

• Different nuts, dried fruits, and dates
• Various ready-to-eat cold foods
• Pickles (such as pickles, olives) and pickled vegetables
• Various meat and protein products
• Vegetables, legumes, fruits, and various salads
• Packaging of number of dairy products such as cheese
• Bread and confectionery
• Medical and hygiene equipment

 

Packaging Trays for Food Products

Packaging trays for food products can be designed and made in various shapes and materials, including:

Packaging Trays for Food Products

• C-PET
• A-PET
• R-PET Polypropylene
• PVC
• Styrene Board
• Paper Smooth Wall Foil

Trays with attractive shapes can indeed enhance the packaging's beauty and have a significant impact on sales. Considering West Asia Steel expertise in the packaging machinery industry, the company can offer customers customized molds for manufacturing trays.

Therefore, customers who require uniquely shaped trays for packaging their food products to differentiate themselves from the generic trays available in the market, can present their designs. At West Asia Steel, we use 3D printers to create initial samples, and once approved by you as the customer, the mold is manufactured, and the desired tray is manufactured according to your desired quantity.

Since we specialize in packaging various food products as well as medical and pharmaceutical items, we can provide you with necessary information regarding selecting the appropriate type of film and suitable packaging tray for your product.

 

You can consult with West Asia Steel for guidance on selecting the best suitable tray for packaging your food products and purchase your ideal tray with the best price.

 

Types of Films Used in Packaging

Types of films used in packaging include ordinary 2-layer films, multi-layer barrier films, skin pack films, anti-fog films, and more.

West Asia Steel offers trays with various materials for food and pharmaceutical purposes.

 

Important Points to Consider When Buying Ready and Semi-Ready Food Packaging Machines

Purchasing ready and semi-ready food packaging machines is a crucial investment for both industrial and home-based businesses. To ensure a confident purchase and satisfaction with the acquired machine, consider the following points:

• Business Needs: Your business requirements should be a priority. Assess what type of packaging machine you need and whether you have the budget to purchase it.
• Packaging Products: Before buying a machine, familiarize yourself with the type of products that will be packaged. The type and size of the products are important for selecting the appropriate machine.
• Type of Machine: Packaging machines can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. Determine which type of machine aligns best with your business needs.
• Machine Quality: The chosen machine should have high quality and comply with industry standards. Also, consider constraints such as maximum speed, size of packaging produced, etc.
• After-Sales Services: Over time, the packaging machine may require maintenance and repairs. Therefore, ensure that the selling company updates its after-sales services and has the capability to repair the machine.
• Upgradeability: Use a machine that can be promoted.
• Price: Evaluating the price of food packaging machines and comparing them with other machines with the same technical specifications is highly important. Keep in mind that a high price does not always mean the best quality, and a low price may result in higher costs in the future.
• Manufacturer Brand: The brand and manufacturer of the food packaging machine can somewhat guarantee its quality and durability. Examining information about the brand and manufacturer and reviewing the feedback from users and recommendations from individuals who have worked with similar machines can help you make an appropriate choice.
• Size and Capacity: Determine in advance the size and capacity of packaging you need. The size of the food packaging machine and its capacity should match your business needs.
• Ease of Use and Efficiency: The food packaging machine should be easy to use and efficient in its performance, and easily controlled by the user. Also, thoroughly examine the automation capabilities, operation, and functioning of the machine.

 

Production Line of Food Products Packaging Machine

To design a food packaging production line, it's necessary to first investigate the types of food products and the form, manner, and packaging requirements for each. Food packaging can take various forms such as plastic, canned, glass, bucket, cartons, or a combination thereof. Different types of machinery need to be incorporated into the production line for each type of packaging. Here are some examples:

Denester: This machine is used to automatically place packaged trays in the production line. This stage can also be done manually. Alternatively, in a machine like thermoforming, using various molds and heating, the trays can be made by the machine itself.

Conveyor: Products move through a continuous belt placed on rollers or metal plates. The conveyor belt is usually powered by an electric motor, and its speed can be adjusted to meet production requirement.

Filling Machine: This machine is used to fill food materials into plastic trays, buckets, bottles, glasses, and so on. In this section, depending on the capacity and type of product, fillers automatically fill the trays. Product loading can also be done manually by the operator.

Lidder: This machine is used for automatic lid placement on packaging and can install various types of lids, including plastic lids, metal lids, and so on. This stage can also be done manually.

Labeling Machine: It refers to sticking labels or labeling on packages, which is done automatically and can contain desired customer information such as ingredients, product manufacturing license, factory address, weight, etc.

Jet printer: This machine can be used to print production date, expiration date, batch number, and other information on the product.

Traffic Table: The traffic table is used in product packaging lines to continuously collect the final product in one direction and in a specified manner, so that the products are gathered in one location for collection, and then transferred to the warehouse.

 

The Purchase Price of Ready-to-eat and Semi-prepared Food Packaging Machines

The purchase price of ready-to-eat and semi-prepared food packaging machines varies depending on factors such as the type and size of the machine, brand and model, different technical capabilities and features. Additionally, the price of the machine can vary depending on the manufacturing country and the destination country.

For more accurate information, it's better to contact different suppliers and obtain more information about the technical specifications, capabilities, and prices of different machines.

 

The Purchase Price of Second-Hand Food Packaging Machines

The purchase price of second-hand food packaging machines may seem cheaper compared to buying a new machine, but it may come with its own set of problems and risks.

Number of the issues you might face with a second-hand packaging machine include:

1. Uncertainty about the lifespan and performance of the machine, as these machines may have been used by others for several years before being sold to you.
2. More frequent breakdowns and the need for repairs, as parts of second-hand packaging machines may have destruction, requiring more expense and time for repairs.
3. Lack of guaranty and after-sales service, which are usually available for new machines, allowing you to seek assistance in case of problems.
4. Difficulty in obtaining support and spare parts after a few years, as some parts of second-hand packaging machines may no longer be available from the manufacturer.
5. Inability to adjust the machine and lack of accuracy in packaging products.
6. Safety hazards associated with using old and faulty machines.
7. Lack of guarantee for quality and variety in packaging products due to limitations of older machines.
8. Unhygienic conditions of the machine and the possibility of product contamination due to inadequate past cleaning and maintenance.

Therefore, using a second-hand packaging machine may lead to a decrease in quality and competitiveness in the market. The best way to avoid these problems is to opt for an up-to-date and qualified packaging machine with adjustable and controllable features.

 

The Price of a Food Packaging Line

The price of a food packaging production line depends on various factors including:

1. Size and features of the production line: The size and capacity of the food packaging production line have a significant impact on the price. The larger the production line, the higher the price will be.
2. Technology and equipment: The technology and equipment used in the food packaging production line also affect its price. Production lines with advanced equipment and higher automation have higher prices.
3. Brand and quality of the machines: The brand and model of the machines in the production line can also affect its price.
4. Space preparation costs
5. Transportation and installation costs of the production line machines
6. Training and maintenance costs of the production line machines

In general, the price of a food packaging production line can range from millions to billions depending on the size and type of the production line and the machines used in it. For a more accurate price determination, it's better to contact different manufacturers and determine the price according to your requirements. You can also contact our experts for free consultation on this matter.

 

Buying Food Packaging Machines on Installment

Buying food packaging machines with installment can be one way to reduce your initial expenses. To do this, you can inquire about installment terms from several machine suppliers and evaluate them.

Before proceeding with installment purchases of packaging machines, you should consider the following:

1. Installment payment terms: You should carefully study the installment payment terms to ensure your ability to pay them.
2. Interest rate: Check the required interest rate for purchasing the machine on installments to be aware of the final price of the machine.
3. Contract terms: You should carefully review the contract terms and ensure your confidence in the machine you are purchasing.
4. Supplier information: You should carefully evaluate the supplier's information to familiarize yourself with them and their credibility.

It is worth mentioning that installment purchases may involve higher costs in some cases compared to cash purchases.

 

Consultation Request for Purchasing

Food processing and preservation should be considered essential aspects in the food industry. Therefore, food packaging machinery is one of the crucial and necessary tools in the food industry that should be carefully selected using advanced technologies.

If you are involved in the production or sale of ready-to-eat and semi-prepared food items, food packaging machinery is one of your fundamental needs.

West Asia Steel Company, with a team of skilled and experienced department in the field of production and distribution of food packaging machinery, is ready to assist you. By assessing your needs, they will introduce the best food packaging machinery to you.

Simply contact our experts and address your requirements. They will provide suitable and optimal solutions for you and recommend the best food packaging machinery according to your business activities. They will also facilitate favorable purchasing conditions for you.