What Are The Main Types Of Laundry Pods Machines?
Are you looking for the right laundry pods packing machine but unsure of what type to purchase? With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to determine what is best for your business. Some types of machines are fast and all automatic, while others are less intricate and low-cost, but what do you really need? Choosing the wrong machine can slow your production down or cost you more money.
That is why this guide is here for you. We will explain the basic types of laundry pod machines, how they work, and provide a brief summary on which is best for your needs.
So, let's get started.
What Is a Laundry Pods Packing Machine?
Before getting straight to the types of laundry pods packaging machines, it's essential to first understand what these machines are.
A laundry pods packing machine is a machine that packs and makes laundry detergent pods. These are the little sachets that you toss into the washing machine that are single laundry-use; the machine fills these with the proper amount of liquid or powder detergent, then the machine encases it in a special water-soluble film.
The process is basically automatic and consists of the machine forming the pod, filling the pod, sealing the pod, and cutting the pods. This ensures that every pod is the same and contains the proper amount to make the detergent work.
Types of Laundry Pods Packing Machine
Before choosing your machine, it's important to understand all available types and how they differ.
1. Classification by Automation Level
Fully Automatic Machines
These machines handle the complete machine process - pod forming, filling, sealing, cutting, and inspection - with little human input. Fully automatic machines can be configured with a PLC, servo motors, and smart sensors, providing production rates of 240 - 600 + pods per minute, and their filling accuracy can be tighter than ± 0.02 ml. These pod filling machines are good for high-volume manufacturers who are looking for consistency and efficiency.
Semi-Automatic Machines
These machines will require some manual operations (in terms of film or misaligned pod loading by people). Although these semi-automatic machines will be slower, facing more labor needs, they would be ideal machines for recent start-ups or a medium volume manufacturer who needs some flexibility while keeping capital costs low.
2. Classification by Machine Style / Packaging Format
Rotary (Drum-Type) Machines
Rotary systems can process pods in a similar way to a rotating carousel (i.e., rotary actions). Each cycle can produce 20 - 30 pods each time, presenting a reliable process to efficiently produce pods at high volume without interruptions. Features include CNC-molded cavities, servo-controlled, patented designs for sealing, and, if maintained in good condition, can produce pods for a long duration.
Vertical Form-Fill-Seal (VFFS) Machines
VFFS machines create pouches, using roll film as a construction method, to form a vertical pouch that fills pods and seals shut vertically. VFFS machines can produce up to 40 - 60 pods/min with the advantage of a smaller physical footprint, allowing a manufacturing space to package flexible pouches and achieve clean, consistent seals on their products.
Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal (HFFS) / Flow-Wrap Machines
Pods are inserted horizontally and then wrapped as part of a pouch in a film segment. Outputs can be as high as 30 - 50 pods per minute. HFFS/flow-wrapping machines provide format flexibility; they can package sachets, trays, or long-format wraps. HFFS can quickly be configured for different sizes or formats without spending too much time on changeovers.
3. Component-Specific Support Equipment
The following are all ancillary machines necessary for improved accuracy or multi-chamber packaging configurations. These types of mechanisms include:
1. Vacuum Forming Machines: Vacuum forming utilizes a thermal process and vacuum to form pod cavities, making it possible to create complex pod configurations. Vacuum forming is best suited for multi-chamber pods or custom-shaped pods.
2. Liquid Filling Units: Liquid filling units provide the capability for volumetric control (~25–35 pods/min). The filling nozzle can be operated via a sensor system that significantly reduces overfilling and/or leaking.
3. Sealing Units: Sealing units form products with either heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing. The air-tight seals formed with these pod filling machines will maintain the integrity of the product. Most systems can be adjusted, are continuous motion systems, and do not lose seal integrity.
4. Product-Specific Pod Packaging Machines
The contents of the pod will dictate the capability needed from a machine:
1. Liquid Detergent Pods: Need volumetric pumps for volumetric control, moisture-tolerant seals, and a robust film-to-film bond so as not to lose or leak the liquid.
2. Powder Detergent Pods: Provide relatively simple dosing procedures (often with heat sealing), and suit stable forms.
3. Dishwashing or Dual Chamber Containers: Require machine-specific molds, film (layered), and multi-channel filling systems.
5. Advanced Quality Control & Efficiency Features
Modern machines offer:
1. Vision and sensor-based inspections for each pod's shape, weight, volume, and seal—a necessity for regulatory compliance. Automated systems reject defects before they enter packaging.
2. Energy-efficient controls, such as VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) to manage power use, reduce mechanical stress, and prolong machine life.
3. Smart data systems to log production metrics, error tracking, and batch performance for continuous optimization.
Where To Buy A Laundry Pods Machine? Final Words
Looking to purchase a lint-free, high-performance laundry packaging machines? Here's where to find reliable options, especially from the trusted brand TC Machinery.
TC Machinery offers a complete line of PVA water-soluble film laundry pod machines, including models such as:
1. TC-360: Compact model ideal for mid-scale production. Capacity: ~300–800 pods/min. Features include PLC touchscreen control, servo drive accuracy, and easy mold changeover.
2. TC-530 & TC-660: Industrial-grade rotary models with speeds of 800–1,600 pods/min and ±0.05g precision, built for high output and minimal downtime.
They manufacture and supply in-house PVA film, provide installation, spare parts, and extended support, all assembled from one reliable source.
FAQs
1. Can I use one machine to pack both liquid and powder laundry pods?
It really depends on the design of the machine. Most laundry packaging machines that fill laundry pods are designed to do either liquid or powder, not both. If you need to have multiple types of products, you will likely need one or more filling units to accommodate all your needs, or you might need to invest in a custom-made machine that is configured for all of the above.
2. Do I need a cleanroom environment to run a laundry pods machine?
Not technically, but a clean, temperature-controlled environment works best, prevents any changes to the pod's quality, and gives the PVA films the best chance of not being affected by moisture in the environment. In particular, humidity control is important if you are filling liquid pods.
3. How much training is needed to operate these machines?
Full automatic machines are user-friendly and often have touchscreens and preset programs; therefore, not a lot of training is needed to operate them. However, it is good practice to have at least one technician trained to do troubleshooting, general maintenance, and calibrate the machine.
4. What certifications should a laundry pods machine have for export?
If you are importing or exporting, look for machines with CE certification, ISO9001, and/or UL certification. They are compliance marks to indicate adherence to the relevant safety and quality standards in markets including the EU and the USA.
5. Can I customize the shape and color of my pods with the same machine?
Yes, most machines in the high-end category allow you to change molds to produce different shapes. Color can be modified by either changing the detergent used or adding some colorants to the formula, without changing the machine itself