An automatic shrink wrapping system is a packaging system that moves products through the packaging process automatically. It then wraps each item in shrink film, seals the film and sends the pack through a heat tunnel.
Inside the heat tunnel, the film contracts tightly around the product. This produces a consistent and professional-looking pack while limiting the amount of manual work required.
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.
What Is the Automatic Shrink Wrapping Process?
Most automatic shrink wrap machines use a similar packaging process, even when their designs differ.
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
The packaged item leaves the line ready for handling, delivery or presentation in a retail setting.
What Are the Benefits of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines?
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 businesses with moderate or large production volumes.
Uniform Pack Quality
Every pack is wrapped using the same machine settings. This creates a neat and uniform appearance.
Lower Operator Involvement
The machinery reduces the amount of hands-on packaging work. Employees can then spend more time on other tasks.
Added Protection During Distribution
Shrink film can help protect products from dust, moisture and tampering during storage and distribution.
More Controlled Film Consumption
Current machinery often includes controls designed to limit excess film consumption. This can limit wasted material without weakening the seal.
Which Industries Use Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery?
Automatic shrink wrap machinery is used across many industries because it combines speed with consistent pack quality.
Typical sectors include:
- Food manufacturing
- Beverage production
- Household goods
- Printed materials
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Consumer goods
- Manufactured components
- Grouped retail packs
Machine settings and layout can be adapted for individual items, multipacks or larger product groups.
When Is It Time to Move to Automatic Shrink Wrapping?
Many businesses start with manual or semi-automatic equipment and move to automatic machinery as production grows.
You may need an automatic machine if:
- Manual wrapping takes up too much staff time
- Your required output is increasing website
- Packaging quality differs between operators
- You need greater output without adding more labour
- Products need to be wrapped continuously
As production grows, an automatic system can provide greater efficiency and more predictable output.
How Do You Choose an Automatic Shrink Wrapping 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
- Maximum product dimensions
- A reliable sealing system
- Compatible shrink films
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Conveyor integration
- Simple operator controls
- Low maintenance requirements
Machinery may be adapted for non-standard pack sizes and specific applications.
Automatic Versus Semi-Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machinery
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.
This can provide faster production, repeatable pack quality and reduced manual work.
How Fast Can Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines Operate?
Production speed varies according to product size, machine layout and packaging complexity.
Many automated shrink wrapping machines can produce approximately 25 to 40 packs each minute. For suitable products, high-speed side-sealing machines can process more than 100 packs per minute.
Why Choose Kempner for Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines?
Kempner UK 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.
The company offers commissioning, equipment servicing and ongoing technical help. These services are intended to keep packaging equipment working reliably over the long term.
Questions About Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines
Can automatic shrink wrap machines package different products?
In many cases, yes. Many systems allow operators to change settings for different pack dimensions and product types. However, the time required to switch products varies by machine.
Is automatic shrink wrap machinery suitable for small businesses?
It can be suitable for a small business with growing production volumes. Investment often becomes worthwhile when manual processes begin limiting daily output.
Can automation lower shrink wrapping costs?
They can reduce labour needs, improve efficiency and limit film waste when correctly specified. The machine must be specified according to the required packaging process.
Are automatic machines compatible with recyclable shrink film?
Many current machines can use recyclable films, films containing recycled material and certain compostable options. Suitability depends on the application and equipment settings.