Machine OverviewProduction-scale machines and full lines available
| 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.
The auger VFFS we have supplied for powder sachets fills up to 325 g into three-side seal, four-side seal and pillow bags 30 to 150 mm wide and 30 to 165 mm long, at 40 to 60 bags a minute, to within 1%, fed by an auger screw conveyor.
03
A liquid packaging machine uses specialised pumps suited to different viscosities, from thin liquids to thick or viscous products. For thick sauces and pastes, a piston filler doses a fixed volume on every stroke instead.
The liquid VFFS we have supplied for shoe polish fills 10 ml to 100 ml into pillow sachets with a pneumatic dosing pump, at 20 to 40 sachets a minute.
04
A measuring cup filler is a simple volumetric system offering a cost-effective solution for consistent product filling.
The measuring cup VFFS we have supplied for snacks packs 9 g to 50 g into pillow packs and 3-side and 4-side seal sachets at 20 to 60 bags a minute, on film up to 320 mm wide, in SUS316 stainless steel, fed by an auger screw conveyor.
Smaller VFFS frames pack sachets and stick packs rather than bags. The dosing unit on top decides what each one packs: an auger for powder, a measuring cup for granules, a pump for liquids.
A compact VFFS with an auger filler, for powder sachets such as spices, coffee, milk powder and seasonings.
Volumetric cups dose free-flowing granules, seeds and small snacks into pillow sachets at a fixed volume.
A pump doses sauces, oils, lotions and creams into pillow or shaped sachets on the same small frame.
Pack Formats
Different bag types for packaging machines offer unique benefits in terms of presentation, storage, and functionality.
A pillow bag, also called a pillow pouch or spine seal bag, is sealed down the back and at both ends. It is the most common flexible packaging bag type and suits nearly all products. Every VFFS forms it from roll film, so a VFFS is the pillow pouch packaging machine for food such as rice, sugar, snacks and coffee. A flow wrap machine also makes a pillow pack, but wraps a solid product, such as a bar, laid on its side.
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
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 run multiple bag styles, including pillow bags and side-gusset bags, and quad-seal bags and stick packs depending on the configuration; however, each bag type requires its own dedicated forming set and sealing configuration and is not interchangeable on the same setup. Tear notches, hole punches and euro slots can be added to the bag. Mid-range models typically offer an ideal balance between versatility and performance across these configurations. For every bag style and size, see the bagging machines page.
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 | 0.3m³/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m³/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m³/min(0.6-0.8Mpa) | 0.3m³/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 | 1000Kg |
| Machine Dimensions | L1400*W1000*H1200mm | L1650*W1100*H1500mm | L1650*W1200*H1600mm | L2200*W2100*H2400mm |
| Machine Model | SAP-520 rice line (10-head weigher) | SAP-520 sugar line (2-head weigher) | SAP-520 sugar line (10-head weigher) | SAP-140 sugar sticks (cup filler) | SAP-520 coffee bags (10-head weigher) | SAP-520 coffee bags (14-head weigher) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packaging Size | W80-250mm x L80-350mm | W100-300mm x L100-350mm | W80-250mm x L80-350mm | Stick W17mm x L50-160mm | W80-250mm x L80-350mm (4-side seal gusset) | W80-250mm x L80-350mm (4-side seal gusset) |
| Packaging Speed | Rated 10-60 bags/min | Rated 6-8 bags/min | Rated 10-15 bags/min (2 kg bags) | Rated 20-40 sticks/min | Rated 10-15 bags/min | Rated 20-25 bags/min |
| Air Consumption | 0.5m³/min (0.6-0.7Mpa) | 0.5m³/min (0.6-0.7Mpa) | 0.5m³/min (0.6-0.7Mpa) | — | 0.5m³/min (0.6-0.7Mpa) | 0.5m³/min (0.6-0.7Mpa) |
| Power Supply | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 8.5 kW (full line) | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 8.5 kW (full line) | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 8.5 kW (full line) | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 3 kW | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 8.5 kW (full line) | 220 V or 380 V | 50 Hz | 8.5 kW (full line) |
| Machine Weight | 550Kg | 550Kg | 550Kg | 350Kg | 550Kg | 550Kg |
| Machine Dimensions | Line approx. L4660*W2000*H4000mm incl. elevator and weigher | — | Line approx. L4660*W2000*H4000mm incl. elevator and weigher | L1385*W918*H2005mm | Line approx. L4660*W2000*H4000mm incl. elevator and weigher | Line approx. L4660*W2000*H4000mm incl. elevator and weigher |
The builds on the right are VFFS lines we have supplied. The rice line pairs a 10-head multihead weigher with a Z-type elevator for 100 g to 2 kg pillow bags, to within 3%; see the rice packaging machine page. The sugar lines are a 10-head weigher line for 500 g to 2 kg bags, to within 2%; a 2-head weigher line for 500 g to 5 kg bags of brown sugar; and a measuring-cup VFFS for 5 g sugar sticks. See the sugar packaging machine page. The coffee lines form 4-side seal gusseted bags of 250 g to 1 kg with a degassing valve inserter and nitrogen flushing, to within 2%; see the coffee packaging machine page. Speeds are the rating of each build, not measured results. For spice, see the spice packaging machine page. For maize meal, see the maize meal packaging machine page.
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 supplied and configured for previous projects. Your machine is specified and configured 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
A VFFS machine forms a bag from roll film, fills it and seals it in one continuous cycle. These stages run in sequence on the same frame.
Roll film feeds off the reel.
Film wraps around the forming tube.
The back seam is sealed.
A dose drops through the tube.
Top of this bag, bottom of the next.
The finished bag drops out.
The film is PE, BOPP, PET or a laminate. Bag length is set by a printed eye mark, so each cut lands in the same place on the print, or by a fixed repeat length on plain film.
Powders, granules, liquids, snacks, coffee, pet food and hardware. Anything that flows or can be weighed into a bag.
Machines from the range: weigher, auger, pump and measuring-cup VFFS builds, a multi-lane sachet machine and a VFFS feeding a baler.
A multihead weigher drops a weighed portion into each bag, the set-up for snacks, sweets, nuts and granules.
The machine forms the bag from roll film, an auger filler doses the powder, and the bag is sealed and cut in the same cycle.
Pumps dose sauces, oils and thin liquids into pillow sachets on the same VFFS frame.
Volumetric cups dose free-flowing rice, sugar and seeds at a fixed volume per bag.
One machine runs several lanes of sachets side by side, so output multiplies without taking more floor space.
A piston pump doses thick products such as sauces, honey and creams into sachets.
Auger-dosed powder into pillow bags, the standard set-up for flour, spice and milk powder.
Filled bags are collated and baled into a larger sack for wholesale, straight off the VFFS.
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. |
| Best for |
|
|
| Advantages |
|
|
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 | |
|---|---|---|
|  | |
| Key points |
|
|
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. As a VFFS bagging machine, it is the lowest cost-per-pack route to automated bagging for most dry and free-flowing products. For sachets and stick packs in particular, see our sachet filling machines.
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 these points:
Our team works closely with businesses to identify the best vertical form fill seal packaging solution based on:
You might also like
Browse the full range
Filling MachinesSealing MachinesFlow WrapHorizontal Fill-SealHorizontal Form-Fill-SealCartoningCup Fill and SealTube Fill and SealLabellingShrink Sleeve LabellingShrink TunnelSleeve Sealer and Shrink TunnelL-Bar SealerSide Bar SealerBlister and ClamshellBottle Filling MachineBottle CappingCan Fill-SeamWrapping MachinesPiston FillerAuger FillerScrew ConveyorZ-Type Bucket ElevatorVacuum PackagingPallet Wrapping
SA Packaging Machinery supplies VFFS packaging machines throughout South Africa. We have supplied packaging machines since 2017.
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 pastes 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.
