An automatic shrink wrapping system 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.
The heat tunnel causes the film to shrink closely around the item. 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 package products consistently throughout the working day.
How Do Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machines Work?
Although machine designs vary, most automatic shrink wrapping systems follow the same main stages.
1. Automatic Product Feeding
Products enter the machine by conveyor or through an integrated 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
The packaged item leaves the line ready for handling, delivery or presentation in a retail setting.
Advantages of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery
There are several reasons why manufacturers choose automatic shrink wrapping equipment.
Increased Output
Automatic machines can package far more products than manual equipment. This makes them suitable for production environments that require steady or high output.
Uniform Pack Quality
Every pack is wrapped using the same machine settings. This creates a neat and uniform appearance.
Reduced Labour Requirements
Operators spend less time wrapping products by hand. Employees can then be assigned to other parts of the production process.
Protection for Stored and Transported Goods
A close film covering helps shield products from dirt, damp conditions and tampering during warehousing and delivery.
More Controlled Film Consumption
Automatic systems can regulate film use more closely than manual wrapping. This can keep material use controlled while maintaining pack integrity.
Where Are Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines Used?
Businesses in a wide range of industries rely on automatic machinery for repeatable, high-speed packaging.
The machinery is often used in:
- Food production
- Drinks and beverages
- Domestic products
- Printed materials
- Pharmaceutical products
- General consumer products
- Industrial components
- Grouped retail packs
Machine settings and layout can be adapted for individual items, multipacks or larger product groups.
When Should You Invest in an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?
Many businesses start with manual or semi-automatic equipment and move to automatic machinery as production grows.
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 here
- Pack consistency varies depending on the operator
- The business needs to increase production without employing additional packaging staff
- The production line requires continuous packaging
As production grows, an automatic system can provide greater efficiency and more predictable output.
Key Features to Check Before Buying
Different businesses need different machinery, so the correct system will depend on your products and production process.
Important features to assess include:
- Maximum operating speed
- Supported product sizes
- A reliable sealing system
- Compatible shrink films
- Controllable tunnel temperatures
- Conveyor integration
- Simple operator controls
- Low maintenance requirements
Custom configurations are available for unusual products or specialist production requirements.
Automatic Versus Semi-Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machinery
With a semi-automatic machine, an operator usually has to place the product or begin one or more stages.
Automatic systems handle almost the entire cycle with limited operator involvement. They are therefore more appropriate for high daily packaging volumes.
This can provide faster production, repeatable pack quality and reduced manual work.
What Is the Operating Speed of an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?
The number of packs produced per minute depends on product dimensions, equipment settings and the type of wrap required.
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 packaging machinery and shrink wrap materials for more than 50 years. The company works with businesses across a broad range of sectors.
Available equipment includes compact sealers, automatic L-sealers, side-sealing machines and tailored systems.
Kempner also provides commissioning, servicing and technical support. These services are intended to keep packaging equipment working reliably over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can automatic machines handle different product sizes?
Yes. Automatic equipment can often be configured to handle several product formats. However, the time required to switch products varies by machine.
Are automatic machines only for large manufacturers?
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 specified according to the required packaging process.
Can lower-impact shrink films be used?
Depending on the application, modern systems may accept recyclable film, recycled-content film or some compostable materials. Suitability depends on the application and equipment settings.