Shrink Wrap Machine: What It Is and How to Use It

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Efficiency and protection are paramount in packaging. A shrink wrap machine, a staple in various industries, embodies these qualities by providing a means to quickly and securely wrap products in a protective plastic film. Let us explore what shrink wrap machines are, the different types available, how they operate, and practical tips for their use.

 

What is a Shrink Wrap Machine?

 

A shrink wrap machine is a device that encloses or wraps products in a transparent, plastic film that is then subjected to heat. The heat causes the film to shrink tightly over whatever it is covering. This process secures the product and protects against dirt, moisture, and tampering. The result is a clean, attractive packaging solution widely used in numerous sectors, including food and beverage, electronics, publishing, and pharmaceuticals.

 

How to Use a Shrink Wrap Machine?

 

Setup and Preparation

 

1. Choose the Right Film: Options include PVC, polyolefin, and polyethylene, each with different characteristics suitable for various products and durability needs. An additional tip, QUICK SHRINK-IR or QUICK SHRINK-201 , may help ensure that you choose the right film for your shrink-wrap machine.

2. Set Up the Machine

   : Install the film roll and thread it through the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust the sealer and heat tunnel temperature settings based on the film type and product size.

 

Operating Process

 

1. Product Placement

   : Place the product in the center of the film sheet. For manual machines, wrap the film around the product and seal it using the sealer bar.

2. Sealing

   : For automatic machines, the product with the film automatically moves into the sealing area, where the machine cuts and seals the film.

3. Shrinking

   : The sealed product then passes through the heat tunnel, where the film shrinks tightly around it.

4. Quality Check

   : After the product exits the machine, check for consistent sealing and the absence of wrinkles or loose ends.

   
   

 

Types of Shrink Wrap Machines

 

Shrink wrap machines come in various forms, each designed to meet specific needs:

1. Manual Shrink Wrap Machines

   : These are hand-operated. The operator wraps the product with film and manually moves it to a heat source to shrink the wrap.

2. Semi-Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines

   : The operator must still place the products in the film. However, the process of sealing and shrinking the film is automated.

3. Fully Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines

   : These machines handle the entire process from product insertion, film wrapping, sealing, and shrinking without human intervention, suitable for high-volume packaging operations.

   
   

 

Components of a Shrink Wrap Machine

 

• Sealer

  : This part of the machine cuts and seals the film around the product. Sealers vary depending on the type of machine, ranging from manual bars to automated arms.

• Heat Tunnel

  : After sealing, the product passes through a heat tunnel where hot air or radiant heat shrinks the film tightly around the product.

• Conveyor System

  : Particularly in semi-automatic and automatic machines, a conveyor system moves the product through the machine.

  
  

 

What is the Size of a Shrink Wrap Machine?

 

The second most critical aspect to consider when selecting the appropriate shrink-wrapping machine is the minimum and maximum dimensions of the products you will be wrapping. Every package has three dimensions: width, length, and height. Additionally, knowing the orientation in which the product will be packaged.

Shrink wrapping machines are constrained by the maximum size of the items they can encase. For manual or semi-automatic L-Sealer models, this maximum is determined by the dimensions of the L bar.

Fully automatic models, on the other hand, do not restrict the length of the product, but there are still mechanical limits on the height and width.

Choosing a shrink wrapper of the appropriate size is crucial for minimizing packaging costs and maximizing production efficiency. Ensuring that the shrink wrapper and the heat tunnel are large enough to handle your most significant product is essential.

 

What Shrink Wrap Machine Offers?

 

What is your product? Whatever that may be, here are some typical results to expect from a shrink-wrap machine:

• Display: Notice the shiny outer packaging among other products while protecting the primary packaging. For an additional advantage in branding, also use a printed film.

• Tamper-Resistance: The packaging is proof of the end-user's first usage. End-users gain confidence in buying the product with an unopened shrink wrap.

• Protection: During transport, water, dust, or any unwanted external material/factors on the product ensures a fully closed shrink wrap that protects the product.

• Storage/Logistics: To create an easy-to-carry package for heavy items.

• Bundle of Products: It can shrink and wrap group products for multiple purposes. For your convenience, it can also provide results with an opening on the sides of the package when your product is heavy and you need to carry it by hand easily.

  Additional reading:
  Plastic Bag Making Machinery Suppliers

  For more paper roll wrapping machineinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

  
  

 

More Flexible Film Wrapping Equipment

 

To understand what equipment to use in the packaging world. Here are some ideas for flexible film-wrapping equipment:

1. L-Bar Sealers: BestPack provides the best range of L-Bars available. These include their budget-friendly All-in-One Sealer/Shrink Chamber, the affordable series, the robust Series available with different cutting options, various models of their Automatic L-Sealer, and several types of faster side sealers.

2. Side Sealers: These wrappers encapsulate products in a continuous tube of film, sealing along one side of the package and then separating them into individual units downstream using a cross seal. Unlike L-bar sealers, side seal machines can run random products of infinite length.

3. Shrink Tunnels: A shrink or heat tunnel is a heated tunnel mounted over or around a conveyor system. Items (such as packaging) have shrink film loosely applied; with heat, the film shrinks to fit snugly around the wrapped object. BPX provides a wide range of shrink tunnels, from small 110v models to the largest, most durable ones available. They come in many sizes, with different conveyor styles and voltages, and include easy-to-use features.

4. Flow Wrappers: Flow wrapping helps keep your raw materials safe and protected. It tightly wraps the packaging around the product to prevent it from moving too much and getting damaged. The wrapping uses just enough material to seal the package, avoiding excess that would hang off the ends.

5. Poly Bundlers: Poly bundling is a method to group items of the same size into packs, which can be wrapped with either transparent or printed film. Printed film needs special plates and designs to create. All bundles have openings at each end called 'bulls eyes' due to their oval shape. Now, Poly Bundlers have become more accessible and affordable. They are also being offered hand-fed, belted or right-angle automatic feeding.

 

Maintenance Tips

 

• Regular Cleaning

  : Keep the machine clean from dust and film residues, which can affect its performance and the quality of the seal.

• Periodic Checks

  : Regularly inspect the sealing bar and heat tunnel to ensure they function correctly and efficiently.

• Lubrication

  : Depending on the model, some parts may require lubrication to maintain smooth operation.

 

Conclusion

 

A shrink wrap machine is an invaluable tool in modern packaging, offering an efficient method to protect and enhance the appearance of products. By understanding the different types of machines and their components and how to use them effectively, businesses can ensure their products are presented in the best possible manner, with safety and cleanliness guaranteed. Mastering a shrink wrap machine can significantly impact productivity and product presentation for small-scale operations or large industrial environments.

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Semi and fully-automatic stretch wrappers allow your workers to quickly and safely wrap your skids for shipment. They significantly cut down on manual labor and improve overall efficiencies.

However, determining which type best suits your needs can be challenging. Throughput, load uniformity, space constraints, and budget are just a few considerations that you'll need to evaluate.

Read on to learn more about semi and fully-automatic pallet wrappers and how to decide which one is right for you.

What Are Semi-Automatic Wrappers?

Semi-automatic wrappers require a human operator to drive the pallet onto the turntable and secure the film to the load. 

Once the worker pushes the 'Start' button, the machine wraps the pallet according to the pre-selected wrap program.

Several semi-automatic stretch wrapper models can be ideal for low-to-medium operations that need to wrap anywhere from 20 to 300 loads daily. 

For example, the Model UL Ultra-Low enables loading pallets without using a long ramp, thereby saving precious floor space.

Some machines, such as the Handle It® Model 850PS, come with a 250% power pre-stretch film carriage. This feature provides efficient film usage and can save thousands of dollars annually. 

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Semi-automatic wrappers range in price from $5,000 ' $15,000, plus add-on accessories.

Check out our semi-automatic stretch wrap machine comparison table to see which model suits your packaging operation.

What Are Fully Automatic Wrapping Machines?

Automatic pallet wrapping machines offer increased performance and improved efficiency. They're ideal for packaging operations that need to wrap many loads daily. As their name implies, fully automatic wrappers require little human intervention.

The forklift operator drives the pallet onto the turntable, backs away, and then presses a button on the remote control. 

The wrap machine will size up the load via an onboard photo-eye, select the ideal wrapping program, and then secure the start of the wrap.

Once the process is completed, the machine cuts the film and secures the tail end. This makes it a completely seamless operation and allows the operator to stay on their forklift for the entire cycle.

Fully automatic and rotary arm stretch wrappers range in price from $50,000 and up, depending on the project requirements This type of equipment eliminates all of  the labor associated with the wrapping process. Check out our automatic stretch wrapper comparison table to see which model is right for your packaging operation.

Fully-Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper Machine

Semi-automatic and automatic stretch wrappers each have different advantages. For example, semi-automatics provide flexibility for irregular loads and varying pallet sizes with operator oversight. Alternatively, automatics streamline high volumes of uniform-sized pallets.

Semi-automatics require manual loading but enable customizing settings per pallet. Automatics work continuously with no oversight but only suit consistent, standardized pallets. 

Consider your throughput, load consistency, and labor goals when choosing between the two types of stretch wrappers.

FeatureSemi-AutomaticAutomaticThroughputUp to 100 pallets/day100+ pallets/dayPallet UniformityVarying sizes and shapesFixed standard sizeLoad TypeIrregular loads possibleUniform A-type loads onlyOperationManual pallet loading. The operator starts the wrapping cycleContinuous automatic operationAdjustmentsSettings adjusted per palletPreset settings are harder to changeLabor NeedsOperator loading/unloadingLittle direct oversight neededTrainingBasic trainingTraining for the technician for maintenance is advisedCostLower initial investmentUp to 5x initial investmentFlexibilityAdaptable to varying palletsOptimized for consistent palletsPallet FlowIndividual palletsInline conveyor systemLoad StabilityCan wrap irregular loadsBoxes falling risks total line stoppageCustomizationSettings fully adjustableLimited between presets

In summary, automatic wrappers provide fully unattended operation at high speeds but require a more considerable capital investment. Semi-automatic machines have a lower upfront cost but involve operator labor that can limit throughput.

What Are the Benefits of Automatic and Semi-Automatic Machines?

The main difference between full and semi-automatic pallet wrappers is the manual effort required to operate the machine. However, depending on the model, they both share several benefits, such as:

• User-Friendly Control Panel'The integrated control board enables you to customize up to 18 wrap programs. Users can also control speed, film tension, and view wrap counts.
• Power Pre-Stretch'The power pre-stretch feature stretches the film up to 250% before beginning the wrapping process. This can result in thousands of dollars in film savings every year.
• Optional Scale'You can add a factory-installed optional scale to most machines. This allows for accurate weight and increased freight savings.
• Consistent Results'Achieve uniform wrap quality and pallet stability load after load.
• Increased Safety'Minimize product shift during transport and securely contain loads.
• Labor Savings'Automate wrapping to reduce direct labor costs compared to manual wrapping.
• Maximized Output'Fast operation increases throughput and pallets wrapped per day. 
• Easy Operation'Intuitive controls make machines easy to operate after basic training.
• Enhanced Monitoring'Digital displays provide instant notifications if issues arise.

How to Choose the Right Stretch Wrapper?

Semi-automatic machines provide more flexibility because they are not in line with a conveyor. Automatic machines are more limited in terms of pallet width and depth, and they're typically better for wrapping A-load pallets. 

Automatic stretch wrappers operate without human interaction. If unstable B or C loads shift, they can cause full line stoppages. Alternatively, a semi-automatic pallet wrapper allows the forklift driver to stop and rewrap a shifting B or C load without causing a stoppage.

Several other considerations can help you determine which model stretch wrapper will work best for your packaging operations:

Loads Per Day'How many pallets do you need to wrap daily? Each model varies in how many loads they can wrap per hour or day.

Film Savings'Is saving film a concern? If so, consider models with a power pre-stretch feature to ensure maximum film savings.

Warehouse Space'How much floor space can you allot to a stretch wrapping machine? If available space is a concern, consider the Model UL. It offers a unique frame design that's ideal for smaller areas.

Pallet Jacks or Forklifts'Using manual or electric pallet jacks for loading? We have several ramp options to improve safety and efficiency.

Film Flexibility'Semi-automatic wrappers are ideal for accommodating multiple film types, like colored or printed rolls for seasonal packaging. The operator can switch film types between pallets while automatics are optimized for consistent film.

Integration'Automatic stretch wrappers integrate well at the end of the line, and with conveyor systems, matching high throughput operations. Semi-automatics create a start-and-stop workflow between pallets rather than continuous operation. Consider how wrapping fits your overall automation ecosystem.

Which Stretch Pallet Wrapper Is Right for You?

Fully automatic and semi-automatic pallet wrappers offer many advantages, such as increased efficiency, faster wrapping speeds, and quick ROI. The ideal stretch wrapper should closely meet your workflow, speed, load type, and labor availability needs.

Check out our semi-automatic and fully automatic stretch wrappers below to discover the right stretch wrapper for your facility.

Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines

Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines

For more information, please visit Orbital Stretch Film Packaging Solutions.

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