For potato chips manufacturers, the final step — packaging — is just as important as the frying process. A well-designed packaging system not only protects the product’s crispness and flavor but also ensures your chips look professional and shelf-ready.
In medium-scale potato chips production lines (300–500kg/h), using the right chips packaging machine can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and maintain consistent output. In this article, we’ll walk through the core packaging process, key machine types, and how to choose the right solution for your production needs.
Why Packaging Matters for Potato Chips
* Protect freshness – Prevents chips from absorbing moisture
* Ensure shelf life – Barrier packaging and nitrogen filling delay oxidation
* Build brand image – Clean, uniform packaging reflects product quality
* Improve efficiency – Automated systems reduce human error and downtime
Typical Packaging Process in a 500kg/h Chips Line
A complete chips packaging system usually involves these steps:
1. Weighing – Chips are measured into exact portions using a multi-head weigher
2. Bag forming – Film rolls are shaped into pouches inside a form-fill-seal machine (VFFS)
3. Filling – Chips are dropped into each pouch
4. Sealing – Bags are sealed by heat
5. Date printing / Gas flushing (optional)
6. Output – Finished bags are discharged for boxing or retail distribution
Key Packaging Machines for Potato Chips
1. Multi-head Weigher
This is the heart of the portioning system. Chips are fragile and vary in shape and weight. A multi-head combination weigher ensures high-speed, accurate portion control without damaging the product.
* Accuracy: ±0.5–1g
* Speed: Up to 60 packs/min (depending on weight)
* Typical capacity: 10–14 weighing heads
* Stainless steel construction
* Vibrating feeding pans and weighing buckets
> *Best for: Chips, snacks, nuts, and other lightweight solids*
2. **Vertical Form-Fill-Seal Machine (VFFS)
This machine automates the bag forming, filling, and sealing. It works in sync with the weigher and creates pillow-type or gusseted bags.
* Film types: OPP/CPP, PET/PE, aluminum-plated film, etc.
* Bag width: 80–250mm (customizable)
* Bag length: 100–350mm (adjustable)
* Speed: Up to 60 bags/min
* Heat-sealing with PID temperature control
> Optional functions:
> Date printer
> Tear notch
> Euro hole punching
> Nitrogen gas flushing for extended shelf life
Bag Types You Can Choose
* Pillow pouch – Most common for potato chips
* Quad seal pouch – Premium appearance
* Gusseted bag – Greater volume, more stable
* Stand-up pouch (requires different machine)
Make sure your packaging film is food-grade and moisture-proof. Barrier properties are critical for fried snacks.
Nitrogen Flushing: Do You Need It?
Adding nitrogen gas into each bag before sealing helps push out oxygen and extend shelf life. It’s highly recommended if:
* You export to distant markets
* Your product will sit in storage for over 30 days
* You want to avoid chips becoming soft or oxidized
> Good news: Most of our VFFS machines can be equipped with a nitrogen flushing unit.
Chips-Friendly Design Features
Packaging potato chips requires gentle handling to avoid breakage. Here are key design features to look for:
* Inclined conveyor with soft drop belt
* Anti-static discharge chute
* Low vibration weighing pans
* Dust extraction and crumb catching systems
Recommended Setup for 500kg/h Chips Line
| Component | Specification |
| Multi-head Weigher | 10 or 14 heads, 1.6L or 2.5L hopper |
| VFFS Packing Machine | Servo motor, PLC control, 60 bags/min |
| Nitrogen Generator | Optional add-on for freshness preservation |
| Discharge Conveyor | Finished bag output, optional checkweigher |