Shrink wrapping is one of today's most common secondary packaging techniques. It is widely used around the world for packaging needs, including maximizing shelf appeal, protection from external factors, bundling, multi-packaging to ease transport and storage, and last but not least, tamper-proofing. This wide array of functionality makes it an excellent option for almost all industries, from food to cosmetics or even boats and construction materials.
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Although the shrink wrapping process is relatively straightforward, many considerations go into choosing the right shrink packaging solution that best meets your needs. So, how do you identify the ideal shrink wrapping machine for your product and production needs? Here are 6 important questions and tips that will give you a head start:
What is your product? Is it a frozen pizza, a wheel rim, a cosmetic product, or a book? Do you want it to be shrink-wrapped for display or logistic purposes?
Here are a few common desired results you can expect from shrink wrapping:
The shiny outer packaging is to be noticed among other products while protecting the primary package. The use of printed film also adds the advantage of branding.
Fully closed shrink wrap protects the product against scratching during transport, water, dust, or any other unwanted external factors.
For some products, Packaging serves as proof of the first usage by the end-user. An unopened shrink wrap gives end-users the confidence to buy the product.
Do you want to group multiple products to display or logistics purposes? Is your product heavy and do you need openings on the sides of the package to easily carry by hand? Or you have a promotion and you want to put together two products that will be sold together in the supermarket?
To create an easy-to-carry package for heavy items.
The minimum and maximum dimensions of the products you will shrink wrap is the second most important question to determine in terms of identifying the right shrink wrapping machine. All packages have three dimensions, the product width, length, and height. Also, the orientation that the product will be packaged is another important data needed.
Shrink wrapping machines have limitations in terms of the maximum dimensions they can package. In the L-Sealer manual or semi-automatic machine models, this limit is decided by the size of the L bar.
In fully automatic machines, there is no limit to the product length however the product height and the width do have some mechanical limitations.
Selecting the right-sized shrink wrapper optimizes the packaging cost and production capacity. Keep in mind that the size of the shrink wrapper and heat tunnel should be able to accommodate your largest product.
The number of products you need to package daily is another critical piece of information in choosing the right shrink wrapping solution.
The capacity of shrink wrapping machines varies from Low Capacity to High Capacity and is typically measured as packages per minute and varies according to the length and the height of the product.
These are manual shrink wrapping machines that hold the capacity to produce 5 to 10 packages per minute. These machines are run by an operator whose experience level has a considerable effect on the total packaged products per minute.
Semi-Automatic L sealers fall into this category. In semi-automatic shrink wrappers, the sealing arm is automatic. This automatic motion gives the operator time to prepare the product in line for sealing. The average output expectation for semi-automatic shrink wrapping machines is anywhere from 10 to 25 packages per minute.
High capacity shrink wrapping machines are Fully Automatic Shrink Wrappers. These systems can integrate into your production line if wanted. Equipped with conveyors and multiple sensors they don't require an operator which in return maximizes the output and saves cost. The capacity of automatic shrink wrappers is 25 to 80 packages per minute.
It's important to take into consideration your production volume growth projections at least for the following year.
Do you want to integrate the shrink wrapping station into your production line is another defining question you need to answer when choosing the right shrink wrapping machine. If the answer is yes, then you would require a fully automatic shrink wrapper. In an inline system, the alignment, rotation, separation, collation, upending, dividing, or even bonding of the products must be well projected initially.
If the answer is no, then a stand-alone shrink wrapping system that will be hand-fed is what you are looking into. In this case, an operator manually feeds the products to the conveyor.
This takes us to this question ' What is the desired result you are aiming for with shrink wrapping? To achieve the right outcome the shrink film you choose the film with proper specifications for your product and shrink wrapper.
You can be directed to the right film by the shrink wrapper manufacturer or your film supplier. But before doing that the following information will allow you to get familiar with shrink films.
There are different types and thicknesses of shrink film and which one you need to use depends on what you want to achieve by shrink wrapping your product. If you want to package a box of chocolate to be displayed on a market shelf then preference should be a film that gives your package an extra shine making it stand out among other products. In the case, you have multiple and/or heavy products such as a pack of soft drinks or a steel spare part then you will need a film that is strong and durable.
In choosing the right shrink film the product's shape, shrink wrapping machine being used, and temperature restrictions all play a role. It is best to get a professional opinion for your unique product before purchasing a shrink film.
Polyolefin aka POF film is preferred almost in all industries due to its versatile and environment-friendly nature. It is also safe to use for edible and non-edible products. The film is highly clear making the content of the package visible to the end-user and has a glossy appearance that makes the product presentable and attractive on the market shelf. Especially cross-linked POF film provides extra clarity and is stronger than the regular POF film. It is widely applied to products including food, toys, cosmetics, books, and stationary just being a few.
The clarity of Polyethylene shrink film is lower than POF film. It is mostly used for heavy products mostly for industrial products. It is a highly durable and strong film making it ideal for protection and transit purposes. It is also the most cost-effective Packaging material. It is widely used for packaging products such as spare parts, doors, and window frames, bundling of cans or glass jars to name a few.
PVC film is a lightweight and inexpensive film option. However, the hazardous fumes, it releases when heated making it the least ideal choice of film. However, it still finds use for industrial products.
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Using the right thickness of shrink film will support you in a good-looking and functioning packaging. Also, the right shrink film will help you save money as the price of the film is defined by its width and thickness.
A labeling unit can be integrated into the shrink wrapper to add labels to the product or the package. Used to apply barcodes, product labels, etc.
Checkweighers serve as a control point to ensure the correct weight of the product being packaged. If the product is lighter or heavier than indicated it will be pushed off the line with a discarded arm.
Feeders can be used to place items on the product before it is packaged such as a sheet of paper.
Products that are found unfit by the sensors or the checkweigher are pushed off the packaging line via a discard arm for future inspection.
You are now ready to start looking for a shrink wrapper. You can get in touch with our Project Engineers to find the ideal shrink wrapping machine for your products.
Many people understand the benefits of using shrink wrap machines to package their products, as it is a great packaging solution for anything from baked goods to mechanical gears. When companies choose shrink wrap packaging; they get protection, product display, and tamper evidence.
When determining the best shrink wrap machine, you should consider the details of the machine and shrink film being used. These details include the gauge, size, and clarity of your shrink film, along with the shrink tunnel length, storage, environmental conditions, and packaging purpose should all factor into a machine purchase. We have a previous blog post focused on the right shrink wrap machine for your business. This post offers more detail to help make an informed purchasing decision.
Continue reading to learn the factors you should consider when choosing the best shrink wrap machine.
There are many ways businesses can wrap their products, and shrink wrapping is growing in popularity. There are several reasons why they choose this method, including the following:
1. Protection: Shrink wrapping offers protection for products. Once you apply the shrink wrap, seal the ends to create a fully enclosed package and heat the material to conform to the product. It protects products against water damage, dust, rubbing and tearing.
2. Durability: Shrink wrap protects products from rubbing during transit in palletized loads. No dirt or moisture can get inside, so it creates a durable barrier to keep products safe as they ship from warehouses or directly to customers.
3. Tamper-resistance: Another reason businesses use shrink wrapping is tamper-resistance. If anyone tampers, it is obvious and the products can be pulled before going to the customer. It also helps end-users feel confident in the purchases they make.
4. Cost-efficiency: Shrink wrapping is affordable compared to other packaging options, and it also requires less storage space and is more efficient. Products can be wrapped and labeled for pennies.
5. Convenience: You can use shrink wrapping on many different shapes and sizes of products. It can cover objects with odd shapes and protect any size of product.
6 Display: Businesses can use shrink wrapping and still display the products on shelves. The transparent film allows products to be seen before customers make a purchase.
When choosing the best shrink wrap machine for your business, selecting a suitable shrink wrap for your products is essential. Companies often choose PVC shrink wrap for everyday products, and POF is approved for direct contact with consumable items. The film thickness is rated in gauge or mil with several shrinking options available. Some POF film shrinks at low temperatures, and others require more heat for durable seals.
Shrink wrap machines come in different classifications, and different sizes are available for products that might have obscure uses. Consider the following:
1. Volume of Products: You can choose a smaller machine for smaller volumes and smaller products. These machines are affordable and work well for small eCommerce businesses and online stores. Impulse sealers, I-bar sealers, and heat guns are used for low volumes because they can all be purched with lower entry costs.
2. Full Automation: Some machines offer full automation, usually used for businesses with large scale and large production over 10,000 products daily. Full auto machines can wrap up to 30 products per minute.
3. Type of Sealers: There are three types of shrink wrap sealers: the I-bar shrink wrapper, L-bar sealer, and continuos.
The I-bar shrink wrapper is a manual device, and it uses an I-bar sealer and a feed roller. It will cut the film to size and seal the side. It works with stock bags as well. This type of shrink wrap machine can pack around 200 items a day. Single I-style sealers are used with automatic bundlers and some side seal machines.
The L-bar shrink wrapper has a square frame and a heat seal device on an L-shaped sealer. It seals two intersecting sides and works well for higher-level applications. This type of machine can do thousands of products daily with semi-auto or full automatic capabilities.
Shrink wrap tunnels are temperature controlled to heat packaging shrink film as it moves through the heated chamber. They help businesses package products more quickly. They have a conveyor system, and they are mobile. They can accommodate high volume, but they can also work for medium-sized products. Larger shrink tunnels can package tens of thousands of products daily. They are more efficient than a handheld device when you have more packages to wrap.
Businesses that do industrial-level manufacturing use larger automated machines to speed up production and increase efficiency.
Your projected output is a critical factor that will help you decide what shrink wrap machine is best for your business. Higher output levels will require more expensive machines, but it will save you money in the long run. Take a look at the best shrink wrap machines based on output levels.
If your business has low output with less than 100 products per day, you can use a hand impulse sealer and a heat gun. You can wrap your products with shrink tubing, centerfold shrink wrap, or shrink bags.
2. You will use the impulse sealer to seal open ends of the bag or film, and then the heat gun will shrink the film to match the product's shape. Shrink bags are the most efficient type of wrap because you only need to seal one side. Low to Medium Output: Less Than 250 Products Per Day
If your business has an output of fewer than 250 products each day, you might consider using an I bar sealer. The best type of film to use with this machine is a centerfold shrink film. When you get an I-bar sealer, it comes with a centerfold roll of film, a sealing bar, film rack, heat gun, film separator, and gun rack. It is easy to use with centerfold film dispensing.
3. Medium Output: 250 to 750 Products Per Day
If your needs fall in this category, a few different shrink wrap machines will do the job. Many businesses choose the shrink chamber because it is an all-in-one machine and an affordable option. Place products in the centerfold shrink film, and the L-bar sealer will seal the open ends, and the chamber will shrink the material. The compact design is perfect for offices and tight spaces.
Another option is to use a tabletop L-bar sealer and a shrink tunnel. This approach is more efficient than the chamber. The L-bar sealer seals the open ends of the shrink film while the shrink tunnel applies heat to the film. This option can do more than 750 products a day, making it more popular with businesses looking to increase their output.
One advantage of the L-bar sealer and shrink tunnel combination is the continuous heat and motion of the shrink tunnel. The chamber always needs to reheat with a one-step machine, shrink tunnels maintain consistent heat with an adjustable speed conveyor moving products through the machine.
4. High Output: More Than 750 Products Per Day
You can also use the L-bar sealer and shrink tunnel combination unit for outputs as high as to per day. If exceeding this number, consider a fully automatic shrink wrap machine.
In addition to your output, you should consider the size of the products you are wrapping. Choose the shrink wrap machine that can accommodate your most significant products because a larger machine will do smaller products as well. Make sure that you consider your products' length, width, and height when determining the size.
It is essential to understand the basics of shrink film. Some machines do not work well with certain types of film. Having a general knowledge will make sure your machine and materials are compatible.
Polyolefin Shrink Film
This type of film is commonly used for both edible and nonedible products. It has fewer odors, a more robust seal, and more flexible storage when sealing. In addition, it doesn't produce hydrogen chloride gas like PVC shrink film. It is used for nearly every product type, including toys, sporting goods, food, stationery, and more. Polyolefin shrink film is available in many different options. A low-temperature film shrinks at lower temperatures, crosslinked polyolefin requires more heat, but has stronger seals. Crosslinked shrink film is the best option for fully automatic machines, and many standard polyolefin films will not work.
PVC Shrink Film
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is the third most-produced plastic in the world. It is used to package boxes, CDs, DVDs, software, and other non-edible items. It is compatible with automated machines. The drawbacks are that it can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, releasing small amounts of hydrogen chloride gas into the air. PVC shrink film is commonly used on neck banding and tamper-evident seals for bottles.
Other Types
There are other types of shrink film, including shrink sleeves and polyethylene bundling shrink film. Polyethylene is a heavier-duty shrink film that is used for large commercial items. Shrink sleeves can be made of several different materials. Some shrink sleeves require a steam tunnel to correctly shrink the sleeve to the product.
The best way to choose your shrink wrap machine is by following these steps:
Shrink wrapping is an excellent option if you want to protect your products. It provides many benefits, including protection, tamper resistance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. There are several different shrink machines available, and you can choose the one that is ideal based on your product sizes and your output. Take a look at the various choices and get one for your products today.
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