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Introduction
The Growing Demand for Food Packaging Machines
In today’s fast-paced food industry, packaging plays a vital role in product safety, extended shelf life, and consumer appeal. With the rising demand for convenience, hygiene, and sustainability, more manufacturers are investing in reliable packaging solutions.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Equipment
Selecting the appropriate packaging machine isn’t just a matter of efficiency—it directly affects production cost, product quality, and market competitiveness. Among the most widely used solutions in the food industry are tray sealing machines and thermoforming packaging machines. While they serve similar purposes, they operate differently and cater to different production needs.
Hualian Offers a Full Range of Reliable Food Packaging Machines
What is the Tray Sealer?
A tray sealing machine is used to seal pre-formed trays filled with food using heat and pressure. These machines often utilize MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) or vacuum skin packaging to extend shelf life. Tray sealers are ideal for small to medium production lines and offer flexibility in handling different tray types and materials.
Learn more: 3 Types of Tray Sealing Packaging You Should Know
Learn more: How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Work?
What is the Thermoforming Packaging Machine?
A thermoforming packaging machine forms the tray or package from a flat film within the machine itself. Once formed, the product is filled and sealed in a continuous process. Thermoforming machines are typically used in high-volume production environments where automation, hygiene, and design customization are top priorities.
Tray Sealing vs Thermoforming Packaging Machine: 12 Differences
| Aspect | Tray Sealing Machine | Thermoforming Packaging Machine |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Seals ready-made trays with film | Makes trays from film, then fills and seals |
| Packaging method | Supports MAP and vacuum skin packaging | Also supports MAP and vacuum, with more shape control |
| Speed | Good for small to medium production | Faster, best for large-scale production |
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher upfront cost, but may save on materials |
| Tray source | Uses purchased trays | Makes trays in-house from roll stock film |
| Maintenance | Easy and low cost to maintain | More complex, needs skilled technicians |
| Space needed | Compact, fits in small spaces | Larger machine, needs more room |
| Ease of use | Simple to operate | Requires trained staff |
| Packaging look | Great appearance, especially for vacuum skin packs | Allows custom shapes and designs |
| Flexibility | Works with many tray types and materials | Best for standard, high-volume packaging |
| Hygiene | Clean, but some manual steps involved | Very hygienic due to full automation |
| Best for | Delicate or low-volume food items | Standardized, high-volume foods like meat or ready meals |
Working Principle
Tray sealing machines work with pre-made trays. The product is placed in the tray, and the machine seals it with a top film using heat and pressure.
Thermoforming machines, on the other hand, form trays from roll stock film, fill them, and then seal them—all in one continuous process.
Packaging Method
Tray sealers usually support MAP or vacuum skin packaging, which helps preserve freshness and reduce oxidation.
Thermoforming machines can also perform vacuum and MAP, but their forming process allows for more control over the final shape and structure of the package.
Production Efficiency
Thermoforming machines offer higher production speeds, making them suitable for large-scale operations.
Tray sealers are better suited for medium or flexible production where product variety and changeover are more common.
Cost & Investment
Tray sealing machines require a lower initial investment, typically costing 30–50% less than thermoforming machines.
Thermoforming packaging machines involve higher upfront costs but may result in lower long-term packaging material expenses due to in-house tray forming.
Packaging Material Source
Tray sealers rely on externally sourced trays, which means you need a consistent supply chain for tray procurement.
Thermoforming machines form trays in-house using roll stock film, offering more control over supply and reducing dependence on tray vendors.
Maintenance & Repair
Tray sealers have simpler mechanical structures, making them easier and less costly to maintain.
Thermoforming machines are more complex and require skilled technicians for repair and calibration.
Footprint & Space Requirements
Tray sealing machines are compact and can fit in smaller production environments.
Thermoforming machines require more space due to their integrated forming, filling, and sealing modules.
Ease of Use & Operation
Tray sealers are user-friendly and require minimal training to operate.
Thermoforming machines involve more complex settings and usually require trained operators and engineers.
Packaging Form & Aesthetic Appeal
Tray sealers offer high-quality, visually appealing finishes, especially for premium vacuum skin packaging.
Thermoforming allows for customized packaging shapes and branding, ideal for mass retail distribution.
Flexibility & Application Range
Tray sealing machines can accommodate different tray shapes, sizes, and materials, making them versatile for various product types.
Thermoforming machines are less flexible but excel in consistent, high-volume packaging for standard products.
Packaging Hygiene
Thermoforming packaging machines provide a higher level of hygiene due to their closed and automated system.
Tray sealers may involve more manual handling, but can still meet hygiene standards when operated properly.
Product Compatibility
Tray sealers are excellent for delicate, irregular-shaped, or low-volume items.
Thermoforming machines are ideal for standardized food products like deli meats, cheese blocks, or ready meals.
How to Choose Between Tray Sealer and Thermoforming Packaging Machine?
Your choice should depend on production scale, budget, product variety, and long-term operational strategy.
Choose a tray sealing machine if you:
- Have a moderate production volume
- Need packaging flexibility
- Want lower startup costs
Choose Hualian: Effortless Automation, Maximum Output
Choose a thermoforming packaging machine if you:
- Have high-volume production needs
- Require in-line automation
- Want complete control over packaging design and material
Elevate with Hualian: Custom Tray Forming, Seamless Sealing
Evaluate your operational goals, labor availability, and hygiene requirements before making your final decision.
Conclusion
Both tray sealing machines and thermoforming packaging machines are essential technologies in modern food packaging. Each offers unique advantages based on your business scale and packaging objectives. By understanding the core differences and aligning them with your production needs, you can make a strategic investment that enhances both efficiency and product appeal.
