Machine Overview
| Machine type | Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) |
| Products | Powders, granules, liquids and pastes |
| Output | Based on product, bag size, filler and configuration |
| Filling systems | Auger, multihead weigher, pump and measuring cup |
| Bag formats | Pillow, sachet and gusseted |
| Film | Flexible rollstock packaging films |
| Controls | Touchscreen PLC with machine monitoring |
| Options | Date coder, nitrogen flushing, checkweigher, labelling and line integration |
Filling Systems
The filling system determines how accurately and efficiently your product is dispensed into each bag. Different filling machines are designed for specific product types.
01
A multihead weigher packaging machine is ideal for granules and irregular products. It uses multiple weighing heads to achieve fast, accurate, and consistent filling.
02
An auger filler packaging machine is designed for free-flowing and non-free-flowing powders. A rotating screw ensures controlled, accurate, and stable dosing.
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A liquid packaging machine uses specialised pumps suited to different viscosities, from thin liquids to thick or viscous products.
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A measuring cup filler is a simple volumetric system offering a cost-effective solution for consistent product filling.
Pack Formats
Different bag types for packaging machines offer unique benefits in terms of presentation, storage, and functionality.
The most common flexible packaging bag type, suitable for nearly all products.
A compact and clean bag style produced on smaller machine models, such as our SAP-160. It is also the bag shape used for tea bags, including the gusseted loose-leaf retail bag.
A premium packaging option sealed on all four sides produced on smaller machine models, such as our SAP-160.
A high-volume bag style with expandable sides.
Applications
VFFS packaging machines are widely used in the food industry for the following applications:
Vertical powder packing machines are ideal for the following applications:
Liquid form fill and seal machines are commonly used for the following applications:
VFFS machines are widely used across multiple industries, which you can explore in our applications of VFFS machines guide.
Some products are packed on a VFFS built to a specific configuration rather than the standard setup. Tea is the clearest example: the same frame runs a filter-paper film path with a volumetric cup doser, plus optional tag-and-string and outer-envelope stations, and produces three-side seal tea bags rather than the pillow bag the machine forms for powders and granules. Pyramid bags can be run on the same frame with a different fill-and-seal configuration, but are not standard and must be specified at enquiry stage. See the tea bag machine page for the configuration, output and quotation inputs.
For every machine in the range that fills liquid, and how the filler is matched to thin, foamy, hot or viscous products, see liquid filling machines.
Specifications
Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines are designed to deliver efficient, high-speed packaging across a wide range of industries, bag sizes, and product types. The SAP series of VFFS packaging machines offers solutions ranging from compact, high-speed units for small sachets to large-scale systems built for bulk and high-volume production. The technical specifications below highlight the key differences between each model, including bag dimensions, packaging speed, power requirements, and machine size, helping you compare options and select the best VFFS machine for your operation.
Choosing the right VFFS machine depends not only on your current packaging requirements but also on future growth and flexibility. For example, if your bag size fits within both the SAP-420 and SAP-520 models, the SAP-520 provides a larger operating range, enabling faster packaging speeds on smaller bags while allowing you to scale up to larger formats without upgrading to a new machine.
These automatic packaging machines can also accommodate multiple bag styles, including pillow bags, and side-gusset bags; however, each bag type requires its own dedicated forming set and sealing configuration and is not interchangeable on the same setup. Mid-range models typically offer an ideal balance between versatility and performance across these configurations.
In terms of output, VFFS machine speed generally decreases as machine size increases, since larger machines handle heavier product volumes and larger format bags, resulting in lower bags-per-minute rates compared to compact, high-speed sachet packaging machines.
| Machine Model | SAP-320 | SAP-420 | SAP-520 | SAP-1250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packaging Size | W50-150mm x L60-250mm | W60-200mm x L60-300mm | W80-250mm x L80-350mm | W500-600mm x L150-800mm |
| Packaging Speed | 40-100 bags/min | 35-80 bags/min | 30-80 bags/min | 5-30 bags/min |
| Air Consumption | 0.3m\u00b3/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m\u00b3/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m\u00b3/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m\u00b3/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) |
| Power Supply | 220 V | 50 Hz | 3.0 kW | 220 V | 50 Hz | 3.0 kW | 220 V | 50 Hz | 4.0 kW | 220 V | 50 Hz | 5.0 kW |
| Machine Weight | 300Kg | 350Kg | 350Kg | 500Kg |
| Machine Dimensions | L1400*W1000*H1200mm | L1650*W1100*H1500mm | L1650*W1200*H1600mm | L2200*W2100*H2400mm |
One of the most important factors in machine selection is understanding VFFS dosing systems, including auger, volumetric cups, and multihead weighers.
About our modelModel codes shown are machines we have built or configured for previous projects. Your machine is specified and built to suit your product, output and pack format — not supplied off the shelf.
ABOUT THE MACHINE
A VFFS machine, also known as a vertical form fill seal machine, is one of the most efficient automated packaging solutions used in modern manufacturing and production environments. These systems are designed to form packaging bags from roll stock film, fill them with product, and seal them in one continuous automated process.
At SA Packaging Machinery, we supply high-performance VFFS packaging machines in South Africa for a wide range of industries including food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, cosmetics, chemicals, and industrial packaging.
Also known as
The VFFS machine working process typically includes:
This automated process allows manufacturers to achieve high-speed packaging with excellent sealing consistency and reduced manual labour.
Modern automatic form fill seal machines can also integrate:
Read our detailed guide on how a VFFS machine works, where we break down each step of the process, the different filling systems used, and how to choose the right configuration for your product and production needs.
Whether you require a vertical filling machine for powders, liquids, granules, snacks, or medical products, our VFFS packaging machines are built to deliver consistent, repeatable results.
To understand how the system works in detail, our VFFS machine guide breaks down each stage of the packaging process.
The system is widely used for packaging products such as:
Our VFFS packaging machines are ideal for powders, granules, liquids, snacks, coffee, agricultural products and pharmaceutical products.
See it running
Case Studies
Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) packaging machines are a cornerstone of efficient, high-speed packaging operations across industries such as food, agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Designed to form, fill, and seal products in a single automated process, these machines deliver consistent pack quality while significantly improving production output and reducing labour requirements. Below are real-world case studies highlighting how our VFFS packaging machines have been successfully implemented to solve production challenges, improve efficiency, and deliver reliable, scalable packaging solutions for a wide range of applications.
“Highly recommended! Excellent customer service, great prices, and they always go above and beyond.”
Ratings and reviews are published on our Google Business Profile, where they can be read in full and in context.
PackMan purchased an Automatic 6-Lane, 4-Side Seal Vinegar Packaging Machine, and it has been performing reliably since installation. The machine delivers consistent packaging quality, operates efficiently, and has met our production expectations.
SA Packaging Machinery delivered a solution that has met our expectations. The equipment has been reliable in daily production, and we’re pleased with its performance. We found the team knowledgeable, professional, and willing to assist whenever required.
We’ve been very happy with the equipment supplied by SA Packaging Machinery. It’s straightforward to use, performs consistently, and has helped us improve our production process. The team was easy to work with and made the entire experience smooth.
Comparison
Understanding the difference between VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) and HFFS (Horizontal Form Fill Seal) machines is key when selecting the right packaging solution. Another important comparison is horizontal vs vertical systems, explained in HFFS vs VFFS packaging machines.
| Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) | Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) | |
|---|---|---|
|  | |
| How it works | A vertical form fill seal machine forms, fills, and seals the bag in a vertical process. It is best suited to simple and flexible bag styles commonly used in bulk and industrial packaging. | A horizontal form fill seal machine forms, fills, and seals pouches in a horizontal process. It is suitable for a wide range of products and more complex bag styles that require precision and strong retail presentation. |
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| Advantages |
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Choosing the right packaging machine is essential for efficiency, product quality, and scalability. Whether you’re packaging powders, granules, or liquids, understanding the differences between filling systems, bag types, and machine configurations will help you select the best solution for your production line.
Production requirements will determine whether a single-lane or multi-lane packaging machine is best for your operation.
| Single Lane Packaging Machine | Multi-Lane / Multi-Track Packaging Machine | |
|---|---|---|
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| Key points |
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When selecting a packaging machine, it is important to consider the product type, whether powder, liquid, or granule, as well as the required bag style, production speed and output requirements, and the desired level of automation. By carefully matching the correct filling system, bag type, and machine configuration, you can maximise efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall packaging quality.
Advantages
A VFFS machine suits products that are dosed by weight or volume into a bag formed from roll film: powders, granules, snacks, frozen pieces and liquids in sachets. Compared with a horizontal or premade-bag machine it takes less floor space for the same output, uses the cheapest film format (plain rollstock rather than premade pouches), changes bag size by swapping the forming tube, and pairs with any dosing system, so one frame can run flour today and chips tomorrow. It is the lowest cost-per-pack route to automated bagging for most dry and free-flowing products.
Quotation
Every VFFS machine is quoted to your configuration: bag size range, filling system (auger, cup, pump or multihead weigher), speed and automation level, plus options such as date coding, gas flushing, zippers and multi-lane heads. The quotation confirms lead time and covers delivery, installation, commissioning, operator training, warranty and recommended spares. To see how those factors shape a quotation, read what determines VFFS machine cost in South Africa; to narrow the specification first, read how to choose the right VFFS machine, or send us your product for a trial and we will quote the configuration that suits it.
Why us
Every VFFS machine we supply is installed and commissioned on your floor, with operator training, a spare-parts holding in Johannesburg and remote technical support. Choosing the right configuration comes down to five things:
Our team works closely with businesses to identify the best vertical form fill seal packaging solution based on:
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SA Packaging Machinery supplies VFFS packaging machines throughout South Africa.
Questions
VFFS machines can package granules, powders, liquids, and paste products such as sugar, flour, sauces, and detergents.
Common options include pillow bags, sachets, and gusseted bags.
VFFS machines can be equipped with auger screw fillers for powders, multi-head weighers for granular products, and volumetric cup fillers for consistent product quantities or pumps for paste and liquids.
Speed depends on the model and product, but typically ranges from 20 to 80 bags per minute.
VFFS machines can handle various materials, including PET, PE, and laminated films. These materials provide excellent barrier properties to maintain the freshness and quality of powdered, granular or liquid products.
Yes, many VFFS machines can incorporate features like resealable zippers, tear notches, and hole punches to enhance packaging functionality and convenience.
Think of ketchup sachets, yeast bags, or even candy/ sweet bags or muesli bags. We would suggest horizontal form-fill-seal machines as they would be more suitable for these types of packages.
Routine care rather than a lot of it: clean the forming tube and sealing jaws daily, check film pull belts and PTFE jaw covers weekly, and calibrate the doser monthly. Sealing jaw covers, cutting knives and pull belts are the normal wear parts. The full schedule is in our VFFS machine maintenance guide.
VFFS machines package products vertically, while HFFS machines package products horizontally.
