$0.00

Cart

No products in the cart.

Vertical vs Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine: VFFS vs HFFS

Vertical form fill seal (VFFS machines) and horizontal form fill seal (HFFS machines) are two different variations of a form fill seal machine that seal the bag or packaging film in different ways. So, what does a form fill seal machine do? To put it simply, a form fill and seal machine uses a flat roll to form a package, fill it with a product, and then seal it.

It's important to select the right FFS machine because your materials need to be compatible. Its compatibility affects the efficiency of the packaging process and the quality of the final product. Your packaging provider partner can help you select the appropriate packaging formats.

What is a Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine?

A horizontal form fill seal machine is a packaging machine that forms, fills, and seals flexible pouches or bags horizontally. Horizontal machines require more room than vertical packaging machines. Although they can wrap everything from small objects to bulky items, HFFS are best for single (and solid) goods. The types of items you'll often see packaged in horizontal machines are single serving food items, like bakery products and protein bars, making horizontal seal machines a popular choice in the food industry.

Advantages of Horizontal Packaging Machines

The advantages of horizontal machines are many. Here are some of the key benefits:

Minimal material waste, which can lead to cost savings
Cost-effective option for packaging promo items and samples
Packaging shape and construction can support brand visibility when combined with the right packaging design
HFFS bags weigh less than other packaging types, which can reduce transport costs
Available in a range of sizes; can be square and rectangular
Can be combined with gas flushing to ensure that all oxygen is removed before being sealed
A HFFS machine is better for heavier products

What is a Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine?

lenis-vertical-form-fill-seal-vffs-pouch-packaging-machines-3

As you probably guessed, a VFFS machine is used in the packaging industry to form, fill, and seal flexible pouches vertically. VFFS machines are suitable for powder, granular, or liquid products that need to be packaged in a stable and leak-proof manner. Though this packaging machine can be used to package some solids, vertical baggers are usually used for liquids and other consistencies that are difficult for HFFS machines to handle. If you're packaging a liquid, VFFS machines are your best bet.

Advantages of Vertical Packaging Machines

Here are some of the key benefits of a vertical form fill seal machine:

Though the cost can vary depending on machine size and production volume, in general VFFS machines are a more cost-effective packaging solution than HFFS machines
Due to their compact design, vertical form fill seal machines require less floor space than a horizontal packaging machine, making them a great choice if you have limited space (which many businesses do)
Ideal for sealed sachets and pouches and packaging items of varying consistencies

Key Differences Between Vertical & Horizontal Packaging Machines

The main differences between vertical machines and HFFS machines can be broken down into the following categories: orientation of packaging, machine footprint, product compatibility, sealing mechanisms, speed and efficiency, and packaging format.

Packaging Orientation

As you already know (and as the name indicates) the primary difference between vertical machines and HFFS machines is their physical orientation. HFFS machines seal packaging materials horizontally, while VFFS machines are a packaging solution that seals things vertically.

Machine Footprint

An HFFS machine requires more floor space than a vertical form fill seal machine. The reason for this is that horizontal flow wrappers are typically much longer than they are wide. Unfortunately, some facilities just don't have the room for horizontal seal machines and many businesses make do with a VFFS machine instead.

Photo production, clean room with stainless steel hardware

Product Compatibility

If you're looking for a sealed bag that is holding liquid, powder, or some other type of granular product, a vertical form fill seal machine is your best choice. Single-use food products, like cereal bars and candy bars, are best suited for HFFS machines.

Speed & Efficiency

While both HFFS machines and VFFS machines offer unique benefits, machines with a horizontal layout have a clear advantage in terms of packaging speed during the packaging process. Since HFFS machines can pack a large number of stand up pouches in a short about of time, these sealing machines are especially useful for high-volume applications, particularly if your warehouse has multiple filling stations.

Packaging Format

Both seal machines can work with various packaging formats and films, though horizontal filling machines work with more closure types. Though VFFS machines can accommodate bags of different sizes, HFFS machines can work with a plastic film, and pouches, cartons, and heavier bags with zippers or nozzles.

VFFS_S250-1_discharge_cereal_snacks-037851-edited

Choosing the Right FFS Machine for Your Needs

So, how do you choose between horizontal and VFFS machines? It ultimately comes down to your own unique circumstances, as each of these form fill seal machines has its own unique pros and cons. Before you can decide, you'll need to ask yourself these questions:

Which product am I packaging?

HFFS machines are ideal for solid and irregular product shapes. VFFS machines, on the other hand, are the preferred choice for powders, granules, and liquids. If you're packaging electronic components or a user friendly control panel, you'll want to go with an HFFS machine. If you're packaging laundry detergent or liquid dish soap, a VFFS machine is the way to go.

Does production speed matter?

If production speed is of the essence (i.e., you use a conveyor belt and need to seal packages quickly), horizontal form fill seal machines can pack up to 400 bags a minute. A VFFS machine is slower.

How much space do I have?

If you have a lot of space to house your production line, you can get away with horizontal form fill seal machines. A VFFS machine is a good choice for various industries with a smaller facility.

CarePac: Your Partner in All Things Packaging

Regardless of the packaging equipment you choose, both HFFS and VFFS machines allow for precise control, allowing you to maintain high product quality. Though both may have a higher initial investment than other options and have ongoing maintenance costs, they're both great choices.

If you have questions about how to package your diverse product lines, we can help. We know how HFFS and VFFS machines work and have tons of experience with both types of machines. If precise product presentation is important to you, we can help provide the packaging your product deserves. Whether you're a start up or an established company, our packaging design services can help take your brand to the next level.

Vertical vs Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine: VFFS vs HFFS

What is a Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine?

Advantages of Horizontal Packaging Machines

What is a Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine?

Advantages of Vertical Packaging Machines