An automatic shrink wrapping system is a packaging system that feeds products into the machine 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.
Automatic machines differ from manual systems because they are built for ongoing production. Once the correct settings have been entered, the equipment can package products consistently throughout the working day.
What Is the Automatic Shrink Wrapping Process?
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
Each product is surrounded by shrink film before it reaches the sealing section.
3. Automatic Sealing
A sealing system joins the film securely around the item.
4. Heat Tunnel
Heat is applied as the pack moves through the tunnel, tightening the film around the product.
5. Finished Package
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?
Automatic shrink wrapping offers a number of practical benefits for production businesses.
Increased Output
Automatic machines can package far more products than manual equipment. This makes them suitable for medium- and high-volume production lines.
Uniform Pack Quality
Every pack is wrapped using the same machine settings. This creates a neat and uniform appearance.
Reduced Labour Requirements
Staff are not required to carry out every stage manually. Employees can then spend more time on other tasks.
Added Protection During Distribution
The wrapped film provides a barrier against dust, moisture and interference during handling, storage and transport.
More Controlled Film Consumption
Automatic systems can regulate film use more closely than manual wrapping. This can reduce waste while retaining reliable seals.
Where Are Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines Used?
Many sectors use automatic shrink wrapping equipment to package goods quickly and consistently.
Common applications include:
- Food production
- Beverage production
- Household goods
- Books, magazines and other printed goods
- Pharmaceutical products
- General consumer products
- 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?
Many businesses start with manual or semi-automatic equipment and move to automatic machinery as production grows.
An upgrade may be worth considering when:
- Employees spend a large amount of time wrapping products manually
- Your required output is increasing
- Pack consistency varies depending on the operator
- You need greater output without adding more labour
- Products need to be wrapped continuously
Automatic machinery often becomes more efficient as packaging demand increases.
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
- Suitable film types
- Controllable tunnel temperatures
- Compatibility with existing conveyors website
- Straightforward machine controls
- Low maintenance requirements
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.
This can provide faster production, repeatable pack quality and reduced manual work.
What Is the Operating Speed of an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?
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. For suitable products, high-speed side-sealing machines can process more than 100 packs per minute.
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 numerous production environments.
Available equipment includes compact sealers, automatic L-sealers, side-sealing machines and tailored 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 shrink wrap machines package different products?
In many cases, yes. Most machines can be adjusted for different product sizes and formats. However, some equipment can be changed over more quickly than others.
Is automatic shrink wrap machinery suitable for small businesses?
Automatic equipment may suit a small business when packaging demand begins to rise. Investment often becomes worthwhile when manual packaging starts to restrict production.
Do automatic shrink wrap machines reduce packaging costs?
Cost savings may come from reduced manual work, steadier production and less wasted film. The machine must be matched correctly to the application.
Are automatic machines compatible with recyclable shrink film?
Some automatic machines are compatible with recyclable, recycled-content and selected compostable shrink films. Suitability depends on the product, machine configuration and packaging requirements.