Air Pillow Machines
Air Pillow Machines
Air pillow machines produce protective void fill on demand, right at the packing bench. Instead of storing bulky, pre-filled cushions, your team runs film through the machine and creates lightweight air pillows as needed, keeping products stable inside cartons and reducing damage in transit.
These systems suit operations that ship fragile or high-mix items and want a consistent packing method across staff. If you are reviewing void fill options across your site, you can also browse our void fill range to compare materials and formats.
Air pillow systems for faster packing and reliable cushioning
Air pillows are designed to fill empty space in a carton so your products do not shift during handling. They also help maintain carton shape by supporting the pack from the inside, which is especially useful when shipping mixed items where movement is the main cause of damage.
Machine options
-
Polycell Air3 Air Pillow and Quilt Machine
- Key features: Compact footprint for bench or stand placement, straightforward setup, and consistent cushioning output for day-to-day dispatch.
- Film flexibility: Choose from a broad range of compatible films to suit your packing style and usage targets. View the Air3 air pillow film range.
- Best suited for: Teams that want a simple, repeatable process and the ability to adjust pillow formats to suit different carton sizes.
-
Sealed Air Rocket Air Pillow Machine
- Efficiency: Produces air pillows on demand using Fill-Air Extreme Efficiency Film rolls. Minimum purchase requirement of 2 rolls per month applies.
- Operational advantage: On-demand production helps reduce waste from over-filling cartons and keeps void fill consistent across different packers.
- Film options: Longer roll formats can help reduce changeovers and keep the bench moving. View the Fill-Air air pillow film range.
Where air pillows work best
- Fragile products that need cushioning and separation inside a carton
- High-mix operations where carton sizes vary and void space changes order to order
- E-commerce and warehouse dispatch where packing speed and consistency matter
- Workflows where you want to reduce the storage footprint of pre-filled void fill
Buying considerations
- Daily packing volume: Higher volumes benefit from fewer roll changeovers and a machine that matches your line speed.
- Bench space and layout: Consider where the machine sits, where film feeds from, and how pillows are dispensed to the operator.
- Pillow format: Different pillow types and sizes suit different cartons and product weights. Matching the format to your cartons helps prevent over-filling.
- Film selection: Choose film that suits your performance needs and packing targets. If you are comparing alternatives, view our void fill category for other options.
- Supporting packaging: Air pillows work best alongside the right carton size and protective wrap where needed. See stock size cartons and bubble wrap rolls.
FAQs
What are air pillow machines used for?
Air pillow machines create air-filled cushions used as protective void fill. They help prevent product movement inside a carton, support the carton structure, and absorb knocks during handling and transit.
Can these machines be integrated into an existing packing line?
Yes. Most air pillow machines can be positioned at the bench, on a stand, or alongside a conveyor so pillows dispense directly where packers need them. The best setup depends on your bench space, carton flow, and who needs access to the pillows.
How do I maintain an air pillow machine?
Keep the sealing area and rollers clean, check film tracking, and inspect wear points during regular housekeeping checks. Follow the machine’s operating instructions for cleaning intervals and part replacement so performance stays consistent.
Are air pillow films recyclable or lower-waste?
Film options vary by range. We offer recyclable and biodegradable options in selected products, and we can help you choose a film that aligns with your packing and waste targets.
How do I choose the right film roll?
Start with the types of cartons you ship, the typical void space, and your dispatch volume. Longer rolls can reduce changeovers, while different pillow formats suit different product weights and carton sizes. If you are unsure, tell us what you pack and your daily volume and we will recommend a suitable option.