The biggest cost driver in stretch wrapping is in-transit damage incurred by loads that were stretch wrapped ineffectively. One of the best ways to stretch wrap well is with a stretch wrapping machine. In fact, we’ve talked about some of the problems with hand wrapping pallets before, and often the biggest issue with hand wrapping is that machines are just better at wrapping loads than people are.
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However, as much as machines are capable, they’re not as smart as you. They can’t decide:
More than likely, film used for hand wrapping won’t work as well on a machine. You’ve got to consider the gauge, pre-stretch, and material of the film. Talk with a distributor in your area, who knows as much about machines as he does film.
The top, middle, and bottom layers of your load need to all have the correct amount of containment force, which is the film tension multiplied by the number of film layers. Containment force is what holds the load together. The right amount of containment force depends on the type of load you’re wrapping. Is your load heavy, light, or unstable? Heavy loads may require more containment force and light loads may require less.
The top, middle, and bottom layers of your load need to all have the correct amount of containment force, which is the film tension multiplied by the number of film layers. Containment force is what holds the load together. The right amount of containment force depends on the type of load you’re wrapping. Is your load heavy, light, or unstable? Heavy loads may require more containment force and light loads may require less.
The way the load is wrapped depends on your stretch wrapper’s settings. You need to choose the number of top and bottom wrap counts. You must also decide the wrap force settings and how much overwrap you want applied on top of the load as well film delivery system’s speed and the rotation speed of the turn table or wrap arm.
If the load needs special attention or reinforcement at some spot.
You may need to secure partial layers with the roping technique or you may need to band – apply multiple layers of film to one spot on the load.
Stretch wrapping machines have the potential to greatly increase a pallet load’s chances of arriving in as made condition. They simply do a better job than people at consistently wrapping loads to wrap standards. However, human beings do have a place in the stretch wrapping process. With a bit of research and practice people can work with their stretch wrapping machines to make sure their loads have the best chance of reaching their destination in as made condition.
Make sure the machine you buy will get the job done. A good rule of thumb is always not to guess, but to test. Get help if you’re not sure.
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How much does a shrink wrap machine cost? A common question asked by customers who see our products and videos online. To answer that question, we like to point out the basics of shrink wrap packaging. To professionally package items in shrink wrap, users need three things: shrink film, a sealer, and a heating element. The film is made from a variety of materials. The two most common types of film for packaging are PVC and polyolefin. A sealer is used to seal the open ends of the film once the product is inserted. Sealers come in a wide selection of prices, sizes, and production levels. A heating source is used to heat the film after the open ends have been sealed. The heat from the heating element is what shrinks the film to conform to the wrapped product.
When our sales staff is speaking with customers, they begin by asking a few questions to help determine what type of shrink machine and film the customer may need. Once a couple of basic questions can be addressed, the different options available can be presented.
Let's start with a few questions to help determine the type of machine needed.
What are your production levels or projected production levels?
Many customers are new to shrink wrapping and do not realize that knowing production levels are essential to help determine what type of machine is needed. Some customers have established businesses that are moving to shrink wrap packaging for established product lines. Most of the time, those customers are familiar with production levels. Other customers are starting a new business or producing a new product line and do not know the number of products they will be wrapping because they do not have any sales. An accurately forecasted production level will assist in determining the proper machine to recommend. Efficiency and size are the two primary factors that determine a shrink machine costs.
What are the dimensions of the largest item to be wrapped?
As mentioned above, size is a significant factor in the overall cost of a shrink wrap machine. Knowing the dimensions of the largest item to be wrapped will ensure the ability to find a device that will encase all products. A machine that will seal and cover the largest object to be packaged will also wrap smaller ones.
What form of shrink wrap do you intend using?
The three primary forms of shrink wrap commonly used in packaging are tubing, bags, and centerfold. Determining the best kind of shrink wrap is essential when deciding on a shrink wrap machine. Different machines assist with sealing various types of shrink wrap. If you are not sure what form of shrink wrap you are interested in, call us, and we will be happy to assist you.
By addressing the three questions above, we can now help determine the best shrink wrap machine options for your application. Since there are many variables to answer the questions above, we are going to start listing shrink wrap machines by production levels. We hope to give readers an idea of how much shrink wrapping machines cost.
Low Output Beginner Shrink Wrap Machines
Impulse Sealer and Heat Gun - An impulse sealer and heat gun combo is the most basic type of shrink wrap machine available. Impulse sealers come in flat wire, flat wire with a cutting blade, and round wire sealers. Each type of sealer has specific functions depending on the form of shrink wrap.
Flat Wire Impulse Sealers- Ideal for heavier shrink wrap gauges. The flat wire does not offer the ability to seal and cut the film. They are used for sealing non-shrinkable poly bags and other plastics. Flat wire sealers range from $61 to $327 depending on the size of the sealing bar.
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Flat Wire Impulse Sealers With Cutter Blade- The cutting blade on the top of the sealing bar enables users to seal and cut the film quickly. The flat wire impulse sealer with a cutting blade is used with any form of shrink film. We recommend it for anyone wrapping objects with shrink tubing. The cutting blade enables users to seal tubing and cut past the seal to open for the next product to be inserted. These sealers range from $107 to $200.
Round Wire Impulse Sealers- An excellent option for centerfold shrink wrap and shrink bags. The round wire sealers offer users the ability to seal and cut the shrink film in one motion. We do not recommend round wire sealers for tubing because the sealer will seal the open end of tubing from the roll. Round wire sealers range in price from $68 to $190.
Heat Gun- Heat guns are the most basic heating element, ideal for use with low output operations. Heat guns become much hotter than hair dryers within second. We recommend them for anyone over a hairdryer. There are a variety of heat guns available. We offer two types, a two-speed heat gun, and a variable temp. heat gun. The main difference between the two is the variable temp heat gun offers a dial that allows users to adjust the gun to multiple temperatures, and the two-speed heat gun only provides a low and high setting. Prices range from $54 to $77.
The total cost for a low output shrink wrap machine can be as low as $115 for a sealer and heat gun. Charges can be higher depending on the size of the sealer needed.
Medium Output Shrink Wrap Machines
I-Bar Shrink Wrap System- One of our best selling machines. The I-Bar shrink wrap system comes with everything needed to begin shrink wrapping. Each order includes a 500 ft. roll of PVC shrink film, a heat gun, a work table, and a film rack. Anyone using a centerfold shrink film should consider a shrink wrap system for wrapping products. Users can typically wrap up to 300 products per day using this system. I-Bar shrink wrap systems range from $236 to $445, depending on the size of the sealer needed.
Foot Sealers- An excellent option for users who choose to use shrink bags for wrapping products. Foot sealers allow users the ability to package products with both hands-free. A foot pedal is used to raise and lower the sealing bar. Sealing is faster and more efficient. When used for packaging products in shrink bags, we recommend using a heat gun or shrink tunnel depending on the desired level of production. Foot sealers are available from 12" to 32" seal widths. Prices start at $255.
Portable I-Bar Sealers- The main advantage of portable I-Bar sealers is the ability to bring the sealing bar to the product being wrapped instead of bringing the product to the sealing bar. The portable I-Bar sealers have a detachable sealing bar that allows easy and efficient sealing. Portable I-Bar sealers are available from 12" to 32" sealing widths. Prices range from $500 to $700.
L-Bar Sealers- L-Bar sealers are more efficient than I-Bar sealers for wrapping centerfold shrink film. An L-Bar sealer has two sealing bars to seal both open ends of centerfold shrink film. L-Bar sealers is used in both medium and high output operations. Automatic L-Bar sealers are used in fully automatic high output operations. Manual L-Bar sealers range in price from $570 to $1250, depending on the size of the sealing bars. We recommend them to be used with a shrink tunnel or heat gun. Users wrapping products with an L-bar sealer and shrink tunnel can wrap thousands of products per day.
Shrink Chambers- A shrink chamber uses an enclosed L-Bar sealer and applies heat to the film once the seal is complete. Shrink chambers are all-in-one systems that quickly and efficiently wrap products in one motion. It is essential to be aware of the height of each chamber. Since the sealer is in an enclosed chamber, the product height must be small enough to fit inside the chamber. Shrink chambers range in price from $2700 to $3500.
High Output Shrink Wrap Machines
Shrink Tunnels- We recommend the use of shrink tunnels for anyone producing a high volume of shrink wrapped products. Shrink tunnels are a high-speed heating element and far more efficient than heat guns. Shrink tunnels are most commonly paired with a manual or fully automatic L-Bar sealer for maximum efficiency. Shrink tunnel pricing mostly depends on the chamber size. Prices range from $2000 to $6600.
Semi-Automatic L-Bar/Shrink Tunnel Combos- These systems are connected wrapping systems that require an operator inserting products into the film and opening and closing the sealing bar. These combo systems are highly efficient enabling users to seal thousands of products per day. Prices start at $12,000 and can go up from there depending on additional attachments to each system.
Fully Automatic L-Bar/Shrink Tunnel Combos- Fully automatic machines are what large corporations use to package high quantities of shrink wrapped products. Fully automatic machines are capable of packaging up to 1200 to 1500 products per hour! There are a variety of add-ons available, as well as multiple machines available. For a rough estimate on the low-end price, users can expect to spend at minimum of $33,000. Call us if you have specific questions about fully automatic machines and pricing.
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