During a packaging equipment trial, you bring your specific products to a manufacturer's demo center to test fill, seal, and label accuracy on live machinery. This hands-on process verifies that the machine handles your unique viscosity, container shape, and throughput requirements before you commit to a purchase. JDA Progress facilitates these trials in its Vaughan, Ontario facility, allowing you to see real-world performance with your own materials.

Preparing Your Product Samples

Successful trials begin with proper sample preparation. You should bring a sufficient quantity of your product to allow for multiple test cycles, including startup and shutdown phases. For liquid products, ensure the samples are at the temperature they will be at during production, as viscosity changes significantly with heat. For powders, bring both the raw material and any pre-mixed blends to test flow characteristics. This preparation ensures the machine is tested under conditions that mirror your actual production environment.

At JDA Progress, our team works with you to determine the exact volume needed for a comprehensive test. We recommend bringing enough product to fill at least 50 to 100 containers, depending on the machine speed. This volume allows us to observe consistency over time, not just in the first few seconds of operation. Proper preparation prevents false positives where a machine might perform well initially but struggle with material settling or clogging later in the run.

Selecting the Right Machine for Your Trial

Choosing the correct machine model is the first technical step in the trial. A vertical form fill sealer is a machine that forms, fills, and seals bags from a roll of film in a single continuous motion. This type of equipment is ideal for free-flowing powders and granules. Alternatively, a premade pouch bagger is a system that picks, opens, and loads pre-made bags, which is better suited for products that require specific bag geometries or complex sealing patterns. Understanding these distinctions helps you select the right platform for your trial.

JDA Progress offers a wide range of equipment, from automatic filling machines to VFFS and premade pouch baggers. Our experts will help you identify which machine type best fits your product's physical properties. For example, if you are filling a thick, viscous sauce, a piston filler is often the better choice than a pump filler. We will guide you through this selection process to ensure you are testing the most relevant equipment for your specific application.

The Live Demonstration Process

The live demonstration is the core of the equipment trial. During this phase, our technicians will set up the machine with your product and containers. You will observe the machine in action, watching how it handles the material from the hopper to the final seal. We will run the machine at various speeds to test its stability and consistency. You will be able to inspect the filled containers for accuracy, checking for overfills, underfills, or seal defects.

At our Test and Demo Centre, dozens of packaging machines are on display, ready for live product demonstrations. We encourage you to bring your own containers, labels, and caps to test the full packaging line. This includes testing bottle capping machines and labeling machines if you are building a complete line. The goal is to see how all components work together in a seamless production flow.

Evaluating Performance Metrics

During the trial, we will track several key performance metrics to provide you with objective data. These metrics include fill accuracy, cycle time, and rejection rate. Fill accuracy is the measure of how close the actual fill weight or volume is to the target value. Cycle time is the duration it takes to complete one packaging cycle. Rejection rate is the percentage of containers that fail to meet quality standards and must be discarded. These numbers help you calculate the return on investment for the equipment. according to Writing up your

For example, if you are using a multihead weigher, we will monitor the accuracy of the weighing heads and the speed at which they combine product to hit the target weight. We will also test the machine's ability to handle product variations, such as changes in particle size or moisture content. This data provides a clear picture of the machine's reliability and efficiency in your specific production environment.

Post-Trial Support and Integration

After the trial, we will review the results with you and discuss any adjustments needed. If the machine performs well, we will move to the next steps of ordering and installation. If there are issues, we will work with you to troubleshoot and find a solution. JDA Progress provides ongoing support and service, ensuring that your equipment continues to perform well after installation. Our team is available for training, spare parts, and technical assistance throughout the life of the machine.

We understand that buying packaging equipment is a significant investment. That is why we offer a service and parts program that includes fast delivery and reliable support. By testing your products before you buy, you can make a confident decision that aligns with your business goals. Our commitment is to help you maximize efficiency, minimize cost, and boost your ROI with the right packaging solution.

Key Takeaways

• Bring sufficient product samples at production temperature to ensure accurate trial results.
• Select the machine type based on your product's physical properties, such as viscosity or flowability. according to Why Are Product
• Observe the live demonstration to assess fill accuracy, cycle time, and seal quality.
• Track objective performance metrics to calculate return on investment.
• Utilize post-trial support for training, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
• Test the full packaging line, including capping and labeling, to ensure seamless integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much product do I need to bring for a trial?

We recommend bringing enough product to fill at least 50 to 100 containers. This volume allows us to test the machine's consistency over time and observe any potential issues with material settling or clogging.

Can I test multiple products in one trial?

Yes, you can test multiple products in one trial. This is useful if you plan to run different SKUs on the same machine. We will help you set up changeover procedures to test the machine's flexibility.

Do I need to bring my own containers and labels?

Yes, bringing your own containers, labels, and caps is highly recommended. This ensures that the trial accurately reflects your actual production setup and helps identify any compatibility issues.

How long does a typical trial take?

A typical trial takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of products and machines being tested. We will work with you to schedule a time that fits your availability.

What if the machine does not perform well during the trial?

If the machine does not perform well, we will work with you to troubleshoot the issue. We may recommend a different machine model or configuration that better suits your product. Our goal is to find the right solution for your needs.

Is there a cost for the trial?

Free product demos are available at JDA Progress. We encourage you to bring your products and see the machines in action before making a purchase decision.

Ready to Test Your Products?

Testing your products on live machinery is the best way to ensure you choose the right packaging equipment. At JDA Progress, we provide a dedicated test and demo center where you can see our machines in action with your own materials. Our team will guide you through the process, helping you evaluate performance metrics and select the best solution for your business. To plan your visit, to schedule a demo at our Vaughan facility.