Vertical Form Fill and Seal Machines: Why the Right Automation Partner Makes Your Line Stronger

by MFT Automation

Vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) machines have become essential for companies packaging food, medical supplies, and pharmaceuticals. As demand grows for safer products, faster throughput, and more flexible packaging formats, manufacturers are expanding their VFFS operations with supporting automation that keeps lines running smoothly.

At MFT Automation, we play a critical role in strengthening the systems that surround automated VFFS lines. From hygienic friction feeders and labeling systems to robotic pick-and-place solutions, tray forming, sanitary conveying, and custom solutions, we’ll help you engineer a fully integrated packaging line that scales with your production goals.

If you’re looking to improve efficiency, increase product safety, or automate more of your packaging process, the right automation partner can make all the difference.

The Role of Vertical Form Fill and Seal Machines in Modern Production

Vertical form fill and seal machines streamline three critical packaging steps: forming the pouch, filling it with product, and sealing it for distribution. Their speed, flexibility, and compact footprint make them ideal for industries prioritizing product safety, hygiene, and throughput.

As packaging demands evolve, facilities rely on VFFS systems to handle:

  • More frequent product or SKU changeovers
  • Variable pouch formats
  • Stricter quality and traceability standards
  • Higher output without expanding floor space

Because VFFS machines sit at the heart of high-volume operations, the systems surrounding them must perform with equal precision. That’s where integrated automation becomes a strategic advantage.

Why Integrated Automation Matters for VFFS Lines

To get the most out of your VFFS equipment, the machinery upstream and downstream must work in harmony. Supporting automation helps you:

  • Improve throughput by eliminating manual bottlenecks
  • Ensure hygienic handling for food, medical, and pharma packaging
  • Increase accuracy and repeatability for labeling, loading, and product movement
  • Reduce changeover time with smarter, modular equipment
  • Create end-to-end traceability with labeling and verification systems

MFT Automation specializes in these surrounding components–the systems that enhance VFFS performance, strengthen compliance, and expand automation across your line.

Supporting Automation Systems That Strengthen VFFS Performance

This is where MFT delivers the most impact. Whether you’re automating a single step or building a comprehensive packaging line, our systems help VFFS machines operate at peak efficiency.

1. Hygienic and Industrial Friction Feeders

Friction feeders are essential for adding inserts, coupons, cards, labels, or specialty materials into a VFFS workflow. In food, pharmaceutical, and medical environments, hygienic engineering is non-negotiable–and that’s where our Hygienic Washdown Series stands out.

These feeders meet IP67 or higher and NEMA4X standards and are built with:

  • Type 304 stainless steel
  • 1200-watt brushless servo motor
  • An open, self-draining design
  • FDA-compliant materials with no hollow areas

Their clean-in-place (CIP) compatibility minimizes contamination risk while keeping your line fast, compliant, and easy to maintain.

2. Hygienic Labeling Systems

A VFFS line is only as accurate as its labeling and identification. For food, pharma, and medical packaging, hygienic labelers allow you to maintain compliance without downtime.

MFT’s hygienic label machine features:

  • Open, self-draining construction
  • Moisture and corrosion resistance
  • Minimal disassembly for quick sanitation
  • High-precision servo control for consistent placement

These product labeling machines integrate easily into automated packaging equipment to support traceability, coding, and regulatory requirements.

3. Robotic Pick-and-Place and Loading

Robotics are increasingly important in VFFS operations, especially for:

  • Loading trays or containers
  • Transferring flexible or semi-rigid packs
  • Sorting, stacking, or orienting products
  • Supporting sanitary or clean-room workflows

As a Diamond Partner with Mitsubishi Electric Automation, MFT offers robots in ISO3 clean room, IP20, IP65, food-grade, and chemical-resistant versions. Robotic flexibility allows you to boost accuracy, speed, and safety while automating the “fill” and “transition” steps around VFFS equipment.

4. Tray Forming for Container-Based VFFS Applications

While many teams think of VFFS exclusively for bags and pouches, a growing number of operations are integrating tray forming into their packaging lineup. The MFT Tray Former 500 supports this by forming consistent trays at high speed with:

  • Toolless die and ram changeovers
  • Drawer-style access for easy maintenance
  • A compact footprint for tight floors
  • Simple operator controls
  • Servo-driven precision and welded steel stability

As part of a VFFS ecosystem, the tray former delivers reliable container forming for packaging filled trays, cups, portion packs, or semi-rigid formats.

5. Conveying and Material Handling

Reliable product flow is critical for VFFS performance. MFT conveyors, including washdown-ready options, help you move materials safely and consistently through forming, filling, sealing, labeling, and packing stages.

This includes:

  • Hygienic conveyors for food and pharma
  • Product transport between VFFS and downstream modules
  • Support for automated inspection and rejection stations
  • Space-conscious configurations for tight production areas

With sanitary construction and modular flexibility, your conveying system becomes an extension of your quality control strategy.

Why MFT Automation Makes an Ideal Partner for VFFS Lines

Your VFFS machine can only perform as well as the systems that surrounds it. That’s where MFT’s engineering-driven approach adds long-term value. When you collaborate with MFT, you get:

A Production Problem-Solver, Not Just a Component Vendor

We don’t just sell modules and widgets; we help you engineer a complete solution that solves real operational challenges.

Deep Expertise in Food, Medical, and Pharma Packaging

From hygienic design to washdown-friendly materials, our systems meet the standards these industries demand.

Configurable Systems That Scale with You

As you expand your VFFS operations, every MFT system is designed to evolve with your line and adapt to changing requirements.

Reliable Automation Backed by Quality Engineering

Every machine is built for long-term performance, operator-friendly usability, and minimal maintenance.

Stronger, Smarter, More Complete Packaging Lines

VFFS machines are foundational to high-speed packaging, and they’re even more powerful with the right automation partner beside them. Whether you’re improving an existing line or building a new one, MFT Automation supports you with hygienic equipment, robotic integration, tray forming, labeling, feeding, and connected material handling systems.

If you’re looking to elevate efficiency, expand automation, or solve a persistent production challenge, we’re here to help.

Talk with an Automation Specialist

Ready to strengthen your vertical form fill and seal operations?

Our engineering team is here to help you solve your next automation challenge and build a smarter, more scalable packaging line.

MFT Tray Former 500

TRAY FORMING PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Unique Solutions for Common Packaging Challenges

Smart Automation. Faster Changeovers. Better Results.
Meet the Next-Generation MFT Tray Former 500.

The MFT Tray Former 500 is designed to keep production lines running smoothly by combining speed, reliability, and efficiency in one compact system. Its thoughtful engineering reduces complexity on the floor, making it easier for operators to keep lines moving and costs down.

Whether used as a standalone solution or as part of a fully automated packaging line, the new MFT Tray Former delivers consistent results that scale with your business and increase ROI.

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FEATURES AND BENEFITS

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Faster
Changeovers

Switch between products quickly with toolless dies and rams. No tools required and no downtime for cooling.

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Less Maintenance,
More Uptime

Drawer-style access to both the die holder and gluer keeps service simple and fast, so your line stays running.

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Space-Saving
Design

A compact footprint allows the Tray Former to fit seamlessly into crowded production floors or existing lines.

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Simpler
Operation

Straightforward controls and a simple design make the machine easy to learn, run, and maintain.

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Reliable, Long-Term
Performance

Built with a welded steel frame and servo-driven precision for consistent operation shift after shift.

SEE THE MFT TRAY FORMER 500 IN ACTION

The MFT Tray Former 500 Scales With Your Automation Needs

Integrate with MFT feeders, robotics, and conveyors for a complete packaging line. With advanced safety features and precise counting sensors, it ensures safe, repeatable, and accurate tray forming every time.

Robotic Integration

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Hygienic Equipment

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All Friction Feeders

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Looking for spare parts?

Current customers get access to our online store, the Parts Portal, for convenient and fast online ordering of spare parts and accessories.

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Sustainability in Printing & Packaging: Meeting Market Demand Without Compromise

by MFT Automation

Sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable in today’s packaging industry. Brands are under growing pressure from consumers, regulators, and their own environmental commitments to reduce waste, lower emissions, and choose eco-friendly materials. The challenge? Meeting these sustainability goals without sacrificing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or quality. 

That’s where we aim to provide expert insights and resources for you: the modern manufacturer. We design automated packaging equipment and automatic label machines that support greener practices while keeping production running at peak performance.

Circular Manufacturing: Closing the Loop

At the heart of sustainable production is circular manufacturing–a model that keeps materials and products in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach, circular systems aim to design out waste, extend equipment lifespan, and reuse materials wherever possible. MFT Automation supports circular manufacturing by:

  • Designing for Durability: We engineer machines to withstand long production cycles, reducing the frequency of replacement.
  • Refurbishing and Recertifying Equipment: Extending the life of our own machinery and helping you buy high-quality used systems at a lower cost.
  • Precision Automation: We manufacture automatic label application and feeding systems that minimize misprints, material waste, and downtime.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials

Switching to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials is a key step toward sustainability. But these materials can behave differently than traditional substrates–making accuracy and control in production lines more important than ever. When you incorporate eco-friendly packaging components, you need a solution that offers maximum control and precision. MFT’s product labeling machines and feeding systems are engineered to:

  • Handle delicate, flexible, or thinner eco-materials without damage.
  • Apply labels with precision and consistently, reducing wasted product and rework.
  • Integrate seamlessly into existing lines so manufacturers can make sustainable changes without disrupting production.

The Role of Automation in Sustainability

Automation, by design, maximizes efficiency, consistency, and control–making it a powerful driver of sustainable production. Compared to traditional machinery, automated solutions deliver greater accountability, repeatability, and real-time data visibility. MFT systems are engineered with intuitive operator interfaces and advanced monitoring capabilities, providing insights into processes, software performance, bottlenecks, and errors. This combination of precision and intelligence supports you in meeting your production targets while advancing sustainability goals through:

  • Less Waste: Precision-driven systems cut down on misprints, over-labeling, and defective packaging.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern automated packaging equipment often consumes less energy than older manual or semi-automatic systems.
  • Data Tracking: Integration with vision inspection and track-and-trace systems allows for better monitoring of materials and waste output–informing continuous improvements.

Meeting the Demand for Responsible Packaging

Consumer awareness around packaging waste is at an all-time high and regulations are increasing worldwide. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing opportunities to those prioritizing sustainable innovation. By combining automatic systems, refurbished equipment programs, and expertise in working with sustainable materials, MFT Automation helps you meet new environmental commitments without compromising quality or efficiency.

Looking to make your packaging operations more sustainable?

Let’s build a system that’s good for the planet and your bottom line. Contact MFT Automation to learn how our automated packaging equipment and product labeling machines can support your evolving sustainability goals.

Scalable Automation Systems: Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging Operations

by MFT Automation

Companies face increasing pressure across industries to meet higher production demands while staying compliant with changing regulations. Especially in the world of printing and packaging, manufacturers need automation solutions that don’t just work today but can evolve as their businesses do. That’s where scalable automation solutions come in: improving performance, expanding capabilities, and evolving solutions to meet new problems.

The Challenge: Scaling Without Disrupting Production

For businesses in printing and packaging, growth can be a double-edged sword. Expanding product lines, increasing order volumes, and complying with new regulations require more efficient processes. But introducing new automation technology can introduce new challenges:

  • How do we upgrade without causing downtime?
  • Will the new system integrate with our existing workflow?
  • Can the system adapt as our needs change?

Many companies struggle with rigid, one-size-fits-all automation that can’t keep up with their evolving requirements. MFT Automation specializes in solving these challenges with scalable, modular systems designed for flexibility and growth.

The Solution: Adaptable, High-Performance Automation

MFT Automation’s industrial labeling machines, automated feeders, and print-and-apply labelers are built to handle complex, high-speed packaging operations. Our systems help businesses:

1. Solve Complex Printing & Packaging Problems

Automation is most valuable when it directly addresses industry challenges. MFT Automation designs solutions for:

  • Labeling: From game pieces and scratch-off labels to security labels like RFID and UPC barcodes, our industrial label machines ensure precision and consistency at high speeds.
  • Cutting & Placing: Our industrial paper cutters and automated placement systems streamline sheet handling for currency, paper, and specialty materials.
  • Feeding & Folding: Whether it’s booklets, envelopes, or direct mail, our friction feeders and modular components keep production moving smoothly.

2. Scale & Adapt as Your Business Grows

Static automation solutions become bottlenecks over time. MFT’s highly customizable approach to these systems allows businesses to:

  • Customize solutions to perfectly fit your specific packaging and printing processes.
  • Add or upgrade components as regulations shift and product lines expand.
  • Integrate seamlessly with existing production lines for minimal disruption.

3. Build Reliability into Every Stage of Production

At MFT Automation, we understand that automation isn’t just about machines—it’s about maintaining reliable production and strong partnerships. Our systems are designed for durability, and our team works closely with clients to engineer custom solutions and provide long-term support. We know that people are at the core of production, that’s why we prioritize training, service, and support for every system we engineer.

Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging with Scalable Automation

As industry demands grow, automation needs to be more than just a tool—it must be a strategic advantage. With MFT Automation’s adaptable systems, businesses in the printing and packaging industry can scale efficiently, stay compliant, and ensure seamless operations for years to come.

Curious how flexible automation might help solve your production problems? Contact MFT Automation today to find out how we can help optimize your production line with scalable, high-performance technology.

Flexible Automation for Food Production: Meeting Industry Demands with Scalable Solutions

by MFT Automation

The food packaging industry requires your operation to adjust to rapidly evolving trends and regulations, which are often driven by shifting consumer preferences for convenience and sustainability. It is also imperative that your facilities ensure a consistently sanitary environment. To keep pace, it is important to embrace automation that enhances efficiency, meets strict sanitation standards, and adapts to ever-changing production needs. At MFT Automation, we specialize in flexible automation solutions designed to streamline food packaging and optimize your production processes.

Why Flexibility is Key in Food Packaging Automation

Food production presents unique challenges: from handling different packaging formats to maintaining hygiene and compliance. Our flexible automation systems allow you as a food manufacturer to:

  • Increase Efficiency – Automated equipment in our washdown and hygienic line reduces manual labor, speeds up processes, and enhances overall productivity.
  • Maintain Sanitation Standards – Equipment built with passivated stainless steel and FDA-approved contact surfaces ensures compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Adapt to Market Demands – As consumer preferences shift, automation must support new packaging types, sustainable initiatives, and materials like wax paper, cardboard, and biodegradable plastics.

Hygienic Washdown Friction Feeders: Solutions for High-Performance Food Packaging

Designed for food producers who require reliable, washdown-ready automation, our Hygienic Washdown Friction Feeders ensure seamless food packaging with:

  • Minimal Contamination Points – Reduces downtime with a design that minimizes the need for disassembly and reassembly.
  • Easy Cleaning & Maintenance – Built with 304 passivated stainless steel, offering superior resistance to moisture and corrosion.
  • Sanitary Compliance – FDA-approved contact surfaces including feed belts, stripper wheels and discharge belts, and IP-certified components allow you to meet industry regulations.

Whether utilizing flow wrapping machines for snack packaging or food production machines for frozen goods, MFT’s custom automation solutions provide the flexibility you need to stay competitive.

Future-Proof Your Food Production with MFT Automation

Your food industry operation demands scalable, hygienic, and efficient automation to keep up with rising production needs. MFT Automation’s custom food packaging machines empower manufacturers to increase output, maintain safety standards, and adapt to evolving industry trends.

Ready to optimize your food packaging process? Contact MFT Automation today to discover how our solutions can enhance your production line.

Automation Scalability: Creating Your Perfect Automation System

by MFT Automation

In today’s rapidly changing manufacturing environment, businesses demand efficiency, flexibility, and growth-ready solutions, all while keeping the quality of your product. The challenge? Finding automation systems that not only meet your current needs but also evolve alongside your business. At MFT Automation, we specialize in designing custom automation packaging systems that scale—so you’re always on the cutting edge of your industry. Read more

Robotics Trends in the Packaging Industry

by Shane

The future is now! What was once thought to be science fiction is now happening right in packaging production lines around the world. With an increase in consumer demands and tightening budgets, packaging companies have turned to automation to save money and increase productivity and efficiency.  Lights out manufacturing, the idea of a factory with little to no humans and therefore no need for lights, seems to be within reach with the advancements in robotics and automation. Read more to learn about 3 robotics trends in the packaging industry. 

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have been hot topics these past years with the rise of public-facing applications such as ChatGPT and AI assistants like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. In robotics, AI is commonly used to process and analyze data from the robots’ sensors to adapt performance and more in real-time.  Machine Learning (ML) refers to the algorithms that learn from robotic data to make predictions and decisions. As the algorithm is exposed to more data, it makes more data-driven decisions. In packaging, there are hundreds of applications for AI-powered robots, from simple pick-and-place robots to automated quality control. In Pick-and-place applications, AI technologies use vision sensors to gather information and train the robot’s algorithms to detect and classify objects as well as understand the robot’s environment better. Allowing the robots to make inferences and complete the task faster. The sky is the limit with AI robotics as they are connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and can not only utilize its own data, but also the data from the entire production floor. 

Cobots

Collaborative Robots or Cobots simply refer to robots that work alongside humans. There’s a huge increase in productivity and efficiency when humans work alongside robots as the robots complete difficult or tedious tasks while humans do the more complex tasks. Commonly pick and place robots and other robotic arms. In the past, humans working alongside robots was a safety concern as they were bigger, heavier, and moved faster than any human worker, the risk was just too great. Robots were guarded by cages that took up space on already densely packed production floors. Now, new advancements in sensors, AI, and programming have made it possible for robots to work side by side with humans safely. AI allows Cobots to respond to and learn human movements, making them safer while working next to humans. Cobots also include autonomous guided carts and vehicles that move around the warehouse.  

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Guided Carts (AGCs)

Alternatives to conveyor belts, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Automated Guided Carts (AGC) are autonomous robots, usually mobile, guided by software predefined routes. They can be as large as a forklift or as small as a wagon, allowing for a wide range of applications.  With new advancements in safety and AI, AGVs and AGCs are becoming more prevalent in warehouses for transporting materials, packages, pallets, and more. The AGVs and AGCs work side by side with humans with special safety sensors and programs to avoid collisions. Optical sensors trained with AI quickly identify obstacles, such as human workers, boxes, machines, and more to alter the AGCs path and avoid collisions. Using RFID and sensors stationed around the warehouse makes the AGVs and AGCs easy for workers and technicians to locate them. The real-time location data can be used to extrapolate productivity and efficiency statistics for managers to make data driven decisions for the production process. 

Your Robotics Integrator MFT Automation

MFT Automation is a proud Mitsubishi Electric Automation Diamond Solutions Partner. We integrate robotics into a variety of systems for complete packaging automation solutions. Ranging from simple pick-and-place applications to more complex packaging applications, we manufacture, design, and integrate systems for flexible and semi-rigid packaging. Specializing in 6-axis robotic arms, we work directly with customers to fit the robot to their application. Robots are available in ISO3 clean room, IP20, IP65, food grade, and chemical resistant versions. Payloads range from 1 kg to 20 kg with 150 mm to 1000 mm reaches. Contact us about your automation challenge! Call 1-651-427-1264 or contact us online.