An Introduction to Shrink Wrap Machinery
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An Introduction to Shrink Wrap Machinery
Overview
The shrink wrap process comprises two key stages: first, enveloping the product in shrink wrap, either partially or wholly, and second, applying heat to the film. This heat activates the film’s molecular memory, causing it to shrink and tightly seal the package.
Types of Shrink Wrap Application
Shrink wrap applications are primarily categorized into two types: transit and display.
Transit Packaging
Transit packaging focuses on cost-efficiency, using materials like polyethylene for strength and affordability. This method is commonly used for bundling multiple items, such as cans or bottles, with or without tray support.
The machinery involved typically includes a sleeve or bundle sealer paired with a shrink tunnel. The process uses two rolls of film to create a sleeve around the pack, which is then sent through the tunnel. Although the sleeves may have open sections, these generally do not impact pack integrity. However, modifications can be made to close any openings using excess film.
Automation in this process is extensive, ranging from manual to fully automatic systems. High-speed lines can reach up to 200 packs per minute. For polyethylene, achieving near-melt temperatures is crucial, necessitating tunnels with specific cooling solutions for higher output speeds.
This equipment is versatile enough to wrap individual items that require protection, from radiators to office doors and rolls of cloth.
Display Packaging
Display shrink wrap is similar but tailored for products needing a sleeker presentation, such as gift wraps or wallpaper rolls. The principles remain consistent, although adjustments are made for smaller diameters.
The characteristic feature of display applications is a total wrap. This involves forming a flat, two-dimensional bag around the product, which is then processed through a shrink tunnel. The simplest setup uses an L-sealer and folded film, where items are manually inserted and sealed before moving through the tunnel. This continuous process also generates some waste film.
Automation enhances efficiency, with the seal process and pack movement becoming automated. In semi-automatic systems, the sealer head is controlled by a solenoid or pneumatic ram. Fully automatic L-sealers can continuously feed and seal packs without manual intervention.
Manual vs. Automatic Systems
Recently, there’s been a shift towards fully automatic and manual machines, with semi-automatic systems becoming less common. Manual machines produce about 10 packs per minute, while fully automatic machines can double that rate. Semi-automatic machines offer limited speed advantages.
Cost is a significant factor, with entry-level machines priced under £2,000, and fully automatic systems available for under £20,000. The traditional use of separate sealers and tunnels has diminished with the rise of chamber equipment, which combines sealing and shrinking in one small-footprint unit.
Fully automatic systems can handle 25-35 packs per minute, while side seal and flow wrap machines achieve speeds near 100 packs per minute. These systems maintain the core method of creating a two-dimensional bag using shrink wrap film, either flat or folded.
Cross seals move with the pack, and side or overlap seals allow for continuous sealing. These machines are also adaptable for other bagging needs, like magazine mailing.
Customization and Advanced Applications
Shrink wrap machinery can be customized to utilize specific film properties, ensuring optimal packaging. One advanced application is modified atmosphere packaging for food, using barrier shrink film.
Overall, shrink wrap machinery offers versatile, efficient solutions for both transit and display packaging needs, accommodating a wide range of products and production speeds.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: An Introduction to Shrink Wrap Machinery.
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