An automated shrink wrapping machine is a packaging system that automatically receives products from a conveyor or production line. It then covers the product with shrink film, seals the film and sends the pack through a heat tunnel.
As the pack travels through the tunnel, heat makes the film contract around it. This produces a neat, secure package while cutting the need for hands-on wrapping.
Where manual equipment depends heavily on an operator, automatic machinery is made for continuous output. Once the correct settings have been entered, the equipment can maintain steady packaging quality during long production runs.
How Does Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery Work?
The exact machinery may vary, but the basic shrink wrapping process is usually similar.
1. Product Feeding
A conveyor automatically carries products into the wrapping equipment.
2. The Product Is Wrapped
Shrink film is positioned around each product before sealing begins.
3. The Film Is Sealed
The film is sealed around the product to prepare it for the shrinking stage.
4. Shrinking the Film
The sealed product passes through a heated tunnel, causing the film to contract.
5. Finished Package
The packaged item leaves the line ready for handling, delivery or presentation in a retail setting.
Advantages of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery
Businesses use automatic shrink wrap machines for several practical reasons.
Faster Production
Automated systems usually process substantially more packs than manual machinery. This makes them suitable for production environments that require steady or high output.
Repeatable Results
Every pack is wrapped using the same machine settings. This creates a neat and uniform appearance.
Reduced Labour Requirements
The machinery reduces the amount of hands-on packaging work. Employees can then be assigned to other parts of the production process.
Added Protection During Distribution
The wrapped film provides a barrier against dust, moisture and interference during handling, storage and transport.
Reduced Material Use
Automatic systems can regulate film use more closely than manual wrapping. This can reduce waste while retaining reliable seals.
Which Industries Use Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery?
Businesses in a wide range of industries rely on automatic machinery for repeatable, high-speed packaging.
Common applications include:
- Food production
- Beverage production
- Domestic products
- Printed materials
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Consumer goods
- Manufactured components
- Retail multipacks
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.
An upgrade may be worth considering when:
- Manual wrapping takes up too much staff time
- Production volumes are continuing to rise
- Packaging quality differs between operators
- The business needs to increase production without employing additional packaging staff
- The production line requires continuous packaging
For businesses with rising volumes, automation can provide steadier output with less operator input.
What Features Should You Look for in an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?
Different businesses need different machinery, so the correct system will depend on your products and production process.
Important features to assess include:
- Production speed
- Supported product sizes
- Seal quality and reliability here
- Compatible shrink films
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Compatibility with existing conveyors
- Straightforward machine controls
- Servicing and maintenance needs
Machinery may be adapted for non-standard pack sizes and specific applications.
How Do Automatic and Semi-Automatic Machines Differ?
Semi-automatic equipment still requires an operator to position products or start part of the wrapping cycle.
By comparison, automatic machinery completes most parts of the wrapping process by itself. They are therefore more appropriate for high daily packaging volumes.
Businesses gain more predictable output while relying less on hands-on packaging.
How Many Packs Per Minute Can an Automatic Machine Produce?
Production speed varies according to product size, machine layout and packaging complexity.
Many automatic shrink wrapping systems can produce between 25 and 40 packs per minute. For suitable products, high-speed side-sealing machines can process more than 100 packs per minute.
Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery from Kempner
Kempner has supplied packaging machinery and shrink wrap materials for more than 50 years. 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.
Automatic Shrink Wrapping FAQs
Can one machine wrap several product types?
Yes. Most machines can be adjusted for different product sizes and formats. However, some equipment can be changed over more quickly than others.
Are automatic machines only for large manufacturers?
Automatic equipment may suit a small business when packaging demand begins to rise. Investment often becomes worthwhile when manual packaging starts to restrict production.
Will an automatic machine save money?
A suitable machine may lower labour requirements, increase output and control material use. The machine must be specified according to the required packaging process.
Can automatic shrink wrap machines use sustainable films?
Some automatic machines are compatible with recyclable, recycled-content and selected compostable shrink films. Suitability depends on the type of film, pack format and machinery specification.