An automatic shrink wrap machine is a packaging system that automatically receives products from a conveyor or production line. It then positions shrink film around each product, seals the film and sends the pack through a heat tunnel.
The heat tunnel causes the film to shrink closely around the item. This produces a secure and tidy finish while limiting the amount of manual work required.
Automatic machines differ from manual systems because they are built for ongoing production. Once the correct settings have been entered, the equipment can wrap products repeatedly using the same settings.
How Do Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machines Work?
The exact machinery may vary, but the basic shrink wrapping process is usually similar.
1. Product Feeding
Products are transferred into the machine using a conveyor system or connected production line.
2. Film Wrapping
The machine places shrink film around the item ready for sealing.
3. Sealing the Pack
The machine forms a precise seal around the product.
4. Heat Tunnel
The wrapped item travels through a heat tunnel where the film shrinks.
5. The Completed Pack
Once wrapped, the completed product exits the machine and can be stored, distributed or displayed.
Advantages of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery
There are several reasons why manufacturers choose automatic shrink wrapping equipment.
Increased Output
An automatic line can wrap products at a much faster rate than a manual system. This makes them suitable for production environments that require steady or high output.
Repeatable Results
The machinery applies consistent settings to each product. This creates a consistent finish across the production run.
Reduced Labour Requirements
Operators spend less time wrapping products by hand. Employees can then be assigned to other parts of the production process.
Added Protection During Distribution
Shrink film can help protect products from dust, moisture and tampering during warehousing and delivery.
Reduced Material Use
Current machinery often includes controls designed to limit excess film consumption. This can reduce waste while retaining reliable seals.
Common Uses for Automatic Shrink Wrapping Equipment
Many sectors use automatic shrink wrapping equipment to package goods quickly and consistently.
Common applications include:
- Food manufacturing
- Beverage production
- Household goods
- Printed materials
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Consumer goods
- Industrial components
- Grouped retail packs
The equipment can be configured to wrap single products, promotional bundles and grouped goods.
When Should You Invest in an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?
Companies often begin with manual or semi-automatic systems before upgrading when output rises.
Signs that it may be time to upgrade include:
- Employees spend a large amount of time wrapping products manually
- Production volumes are continuing to rise more info
- Pack consistency varies depending on the operator
- The business needs to increase production without employing additional packaging staff
- The production line requires continuous packaging
Automatic machinery often becomes more efficient as packaging demand increases.
How Do You Choose an Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machine?
The right machine depends on the products being wrapped and the requirements of the production line.
Important features to assess include:
- Production speed
- Supported product sizes
- Seal quality and reliability
- Suitable film types
- Controllable tunnel temperatures
- Compatibility with existing conveyors
- Straightforward machine controls
- Low maintenance requirements
Custom configurations are available for unusual products or specialist production requirements.
How Do Automatic and Semi-Automatic Machines Differ?
Semi-automatic systems depend on staff to carry out certain parts of the packaging process.
An automatic shrink wrap machine performs nearly every stage without direct operator input. They are therefore better suited to businesses producing hundreds or thousands of packs each day.
The main results are higher throughput, greater consistency and less operator involvement.
How Many Packs Per Minute Can an Automatic Machine Produce?
Operating speeds differ based on the product, machinery configuration and complexity of the packaging process.
Many automatic shrink wrapping systems can produce between 25 and 40 packs per minute. High-speed automatic side sealers may exceed 100 packs per minute in suitable applications.
Kempner Automatic Shrink Wrapping Systems
Kempner has supplied shrink wrapping equipment and packaging materials for over five decades. The company works with businesses across many different industries.
Its machinery range includes compact automatic sealers, standard L-sealers, side sealers and custom-built systems.
Support services include installation commissioning, maintenance and technical assistance. These services are intended to support reliable long-term operation.
Questions About Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines
Can automatic machines handle different product sizes?
Yes. Many systems allow operators to change settings for different pack dimensions and product types. However, some equipment can be changed over more quickly than others.
Is automatic shrink wrap machinery suitable for small businesses?
Yes, particularly when a smaller company is increasing its output. Investment often becomes worthwhile when manual processes begin limiting daily output.
Do automatic shrink wrap machines reduce packaging costs?
A suitable machine may lower labour requirements, increase output and control material use. The machine must be properly selected for the products and production targets.
Can lower-impact shrink films be used?
Many current machines can use recyclable films, films containing recycled material and certain compostable options. Suitability depends on the application and equipment settings.