Packaging of Shisha should have accuracy in filling, a stable packaging rate, and a proper sealing process. In cases where various types of products are being packed simultaneously, manual weighing and sealing result in variation in weight as well as labor costs. The Shisha Packaging Machine incorporates the processes of weighing, feeding, bag formation, filling, and sealing in one operation, with varying configurations for different specifications and requirements. Having knowledge about the operations of the machinery and parameters will make the selection easier for the manufacturer of packaged shisha.
1. What Is a Shisha Packaging Machine?
A Shisha Packaging Machine is an automated system designed to measure and package shisha or hookah tobacco. Depending on its configuration, the machine can handle material feeding, weighing, filling, bag forming, sealing, and finished-product discharge. Different metering systems and packaging formats can be selected according to the required product weight, bag dimensions, and production volume.
The weights of packages in practice may vary between just a few grams in small retail packages up to dozens of grams or even more. That is why packaging speed cannot be the only criterion to take into consideration. The metering system should fit the peculiarities of the product as well. The moisture, condition, and flowability of particles may influence the feeding and weighing systems’ work.
2. How Does a Shisha Packaging Machine Work?
A complete Shisha Packaging Machine generally follows a sequence of feeding, measuring, filling, bag forming, sealing, and cutting. These stages work together, so instability at any point can affect the final package.
Feeding and Measuring
The shisha then goes into the hopper or feed system. The screw feeder, weighing system, or other measuring equipment is responsible for controlling the amount of material that goes into each package. Metering is especially critical where there needs to be a high degree of consistency in weight.
For instance, if the targeted weight per package is 20 grams and the actual deviation is ±1 gram, the deviation is 5% of the targeted weight. Hence, in mass production, consistency in the filling process becomes more critical than speed alone.
Filling and Sealing
After the shisha has been weighed, it is put into the package that has been formed. The machine will then complete longitudinal and transversal sealing, depending on the type of packaging. The temperature, pressure, and dwell time should be adjusted according to the selected film.
A temperature that is too low might affect the strength of the seal. High temperatures, however, might cause problems with the film. Usually, trial runs are conducted in order to get the right values for the particular film used.
Then, the continuous package is cut into individual packs, and the packages are transported to the collection point.
3. How to Choose the Right Shisha Packaging Machine?
In choosing a Shisha Packaging Machine, manufacturers need to specify what they want in the product and packaging first before considering how it looks or even its maximum rating in speed.
Check the Packaging Specifications
The following factors should be confirmed before selecting a machine:
- Package weight: Common examples include 10 g, 20 g, and 50 g.
- Bag format and dimensions: Determine the required bag width, length, and overall format.
- Packaging material: Film thickness, heat-sealing temperature, and friction characteristics can vary between materials.
- Target output: For example, a requirement of 30–60 bags per minute can be used as a starting point for determining the appropriate machine capacity.
For manufacturers looking for equipment that can accommodate specific shisha packaging requirements, the Shishapack vertical shisha tobacco packing machine is designed for applications involving weighing, filling, bag forming, and sealing. The machines can precisely handle fill weights of up to 250 grams and package 10 to 120 bags per minute. Depending on the model and configuration, the equipment can be adapted to different filling weights, bag sizes, and production capacities. This makes it possible to select a packaging setup based on the actual product specifications rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all configuration.
Match the Machine to Production Needs
If a manufacturing plant manufactures only a few thousand packs a day, the purchase of machines that have excess capacity would not be the best option in terms of value for money. As far as manufacturing 10,000-100,000 packs a day, factors such as running continuously, automation, and changing formats will play their roles.
It is advisable to find out whether the machine can be adjusted easily while changing formats. In case the manufacturing plant makes 10 g, 20 g, and 50 g products, changing formats might affect the number of products manufactured per day.
4. How to Maintain a Shisha Packaging Machine?
Proper maintenance helps reduce downtime and packaging inconsistencies while keeping a Shisha Packaging Machine operating reliably over time.
Daily Maintenance
The residues in the feeding area, metering system, and sealing part should be cleaned after each production shift. The accumulation of shisha may pose an obstacle to future production and the operation of the mechanical parts.
Other checks to be made by the operator include:
- The continuity and uniformity of the seals
- The uniformity of the package weights
- The presence of any obstruction in the feeding system
- The proper running of the packaging film
- The tightness of screws and mechanical connections
Regular Inspection
Apart from cleaning, the machines also need to undergo regular inspection as per the maintenance guidelines provided by the machine manufacturer. For instance, for a duration of between 500-1,000 operating hours, some of the things that could be inspected include drive components, heaters, electrical connections, among others.
Whenever there is a problem with weight variation, it is important to first check the feed and metering system before speeding up or slowing down the machine. Recording of package weight, seal quality, among other things, is also vital in this situation.
5. Conclusion
An appropriate Shisha Packaging Machine is not only dependent on increasing the speed of packaging. Weighing, filling, and sealing are also crucial in ensuring that the packaging process runs consistently. While choosing the right machines, companies must take into account the factors of package weight, bag type, packaging materials, and output. Suppliers such as Shishapack can further help determine the appropriate equipment configuration based on specific packaging needs. If you have any questions about shisha packaging equipment, feel free to contact us.
