Bale Packing - Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find commonly asked questions about our Bale Packing range. If you have any question or query which isn't answered on this page, please Contact Us and our expert team will assist you promptly.
What is the difference between vertical and horizontal baling machines?
With a vertical baler - the product being packed is dropped into the bale forming tube from above, however a horizontal baler pre-compacts then pushes the product into the tube longitudinally.
What is the floor space required?
An auto baler typically requires approximately 6m x 3m of floor space, but varies by product application.
How long do product changeovers take on an auto bale machine?
Product changeovers are instantaneous, changing to a new pre-set packing programme is automatic. Changeover to a new size of bale takes 15 -20 minutes. During normal operation replenishing film/reel should take 5 minutes.
What is the required operator input?
Zero operator input, the machine is fully automatic and runs continuously without the operator in attendance.
What type/shape of bags and bales can be made on a Webster Griffin bale packing machine?
The velocity baler will make rectangular bales (any length), and pillow bags or bags with block shaped ends.
What weight bags and/or bales can be filled on a velocity 2 in 1 filler?
5 - 25kg range for bales and 5 - 50kg range for bags
How should Webster Griffin Velocity Baler be fed with product?
The product comes direct from the clients mixer above the machine or from an inclined product feeding belt conveyor.
What type of products can be bagged?
Free flowing powders and non free flowing 'chopped' materials like sticky horse feeds mixed with molasses.
How reliable are FFS (Form Fill Seal) baling machines?
Baling machines can operate continuously around the clock. Reel film changes are only required every 6-10 hours and only take 10 minutes. The machine does not require an operator in attendance.
Can liquids be handled on an auto baler?
Unfortunately, Our Form Fill Seal Machines cannot handle liquids but cater to a vast range of solid materials.
What regular maintenance is required on an auto baling machine?
Typically only a single annual service is required.
What is the expected lifetime of a FFS baling machine?
On average 15 years (16 hour/day operation x 52 weeks/year). The system is capable of operating over 20 years with proper routine annual maintenance.
Can the baling machine be supplied for a hazardous environment?
A special ATEX version is available at extra cost. The baler/bagger cannot be placed in an explosive gas hazard zone.
When making bags from plastic film what sealing devices is used?
Impulse film welding technology, which is a combination of controlled temperature and pressure.
What additional options are available on a vertical FFS baler?
Please refer to the machine data, Read More
How many bags are produced within one film reel on a Webster Griffin Velocity Baler?
Typically from a 240 kg roll of PE film of 120 - 140 micron, 1850 25kg pillow bags or 1400 rectangular bales can be produced from just one roll of film.
What is the cost per a bag made on a auto baling machine?
Approximately €0.15 - €0.30 per bag/bale. Please contact your film suppliers for accurate data.
What warranty does the machine come with?
We offer a typical 12 month warranty excluding works (parts only).
What is the maximum baling throughput?
3 to 8 Bales per a minute depending on the application and client's requirements.
Can the auto baling machine operate continuously?
Yes - Form Fill Seal machines can operate continuously without direct operator input. The machine is capable of performing 24/7. Reel changeovers requires operation to stop but only occurs every 6-10 hours and only take 5-10 minutes to complete.
How much can I expect a Baling system to cost?
Is he system capable of producing sacks as well as bales?
Yes, the vertical baler can be adapted for packing bags as well as bales - or purchases a 'dual purpose' baling and bagging machine.
What weight bales can be made?
5 - 25kg (10 - 60 lbs)
How suitable are the bales for palletising?
Compressed bales made by a velocity baler are ideal for palletising 2.0 m (6.5') high =
What type of plastic film is used to make bales or bags on an auto baler?
LDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) film - either 'mono' film or co-extruded PE film.
How can I buy my auto baling machines and packing lines from Webster Griffin
Systems can be paid for directly or by lease purchase - depending upon satisfactory credit approval.
What does a fully automatic baling mean?
A machine which can compress a material and pack the compressed slug into a PE bag to make a tight rectangular block.
How long does it take to service an auto baler?
Weekly Check: 20 minutes
Annual Service: 5 hours
Do I need Webster Griffin Technical assistance when making a change over from one bale size to another?
No, full operator training is provided by Webster Griffin engineers during machine installation and hand over to the client.
Do I need a Webster Griffin technician on site when changing from making compacted bales to filling normal bags with loose 'un compacted' materials?
No, Provided that machine is purchased as a 'dual purpose' unit for bagging and baling - the client will always make change overs themselves in approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
What is the typical consumption of spare parts?
Minimal wear parts and slow running - low cost spare parts. Consumables on an auto baler include Teflon tape, impulse welding tape, lubrication oil and hydraulic oil.
What is the power consumption of an auto baler?
15 to 30 KW
What is the typical costs of an auto baler or bale making machine for 25kg/55 lbg bale?
Typical ranging from €50,000 up to €250,000 depending on the application.
Are reconditioned second-hand baling machines available from Webster Griffin?
Very, very rarely, we have a long list of clients waiting for a wide range of used machines which may become available.
How many automatic vertical baler has Webster Griffin sold?
We have installed over 150 balers worldwide.
Can I use the same auto baler to fill silage for feeding cattle made from sugar cane and extruded cattle feed pellets or nuts?
Yes - please note it will be necessary to change the forming tube.
Do Webster Griffin manufacture a special small baling machine for making 'mini' bales of 1 to 5 kg?
No - unfortunately we currently do not offer this. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, we may be able to offer an alternative.
What is the total cost of a fully automatic baling line combining auto bale packer and automatic palletiser from Webster Griffin?
This typically ranges from €100,00 up to €400,000 - depending on our scope of supply and client requirements.
Why is the Webster Griffin auto baler superior to a conventional horizontal baler?
The Vertical Form Fill Seal Baler is more versatile - it is able to make bales and full bags.
Its mode of operation is simpler - because the material is compressed inside the same tube which is employed to form or make the plastic outer bag. It is also quicker to change over to a different bale size and these machines often represent a less expensive option.
What are the disadvantages of Webster Griffin's auto baler?
The Vertical Form Fill Seal Baler is a tall machine - approximately 4.5 m high - plus an extra 2.0 m for the compression cylinder.
Is the Webster Griffin auto baler/bagger suitable for installation in tropical humid environments and/or high temperature climates?
Yes - please advise your location and environmental conditions with your enquiry.
Is the Webster Griffin automatic bale compacting system suitable for packing moist, damp, non free flowing materials?
Yes - we have developed special techniques for weighing then feeding non-free flowing materials into the vertical compression chamber.
Why is Webster Griffin's vertical form fill seal baler less expensive than a fully automatic horizontal baler?
The velocity baler is a standard production machine - which shares many interchangeable parts with our range of form fill seal bagging machines. It is a smaller machine occupying less floor space than a horizontal baler.
What are the most frequently supplied applications for the Webster Griffin auto bale packing system>
Chopped Alfalfa grass feeds, special horse feeds with molasses, softwood flakes, cattle feed silage, compost, peat, potting soils.
How much dust is made during auto bagging/baling process?
The baling/bagging process is encapsulated and therefore dust free - however displaced air and dust created during product feeding to the machine and weighing must be sucked up = we provide dust collection connection points.
What is the main benefit of Webster Griffin's vertical FFS baling technology compared with using pre-made bags?
Minimal plastic film consumption, because bags/bales are cut by the machine to the required volume and length eliminating wastage.