An automated shrink wrapping machine is a packaging system that feeds products into the machine automatically. It then positions shrink film around each product, seals the film and sends the pack through a heat tunnel.

As the pack travels through the tunnel, heat makes the film contract around it. This produces a neat, secure package while reducing manual handling.

Unlike manual packaging systems, automatic machines are designed for continuous production. Once the correct settings have been entered, the equipment can package products consistently throughout the working day.

How Does Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery Work?

The exact machinery may vary, but the basic shrink wrapping process is usually similar.

1. Automatic Product Feeding

A conveyor automatically carries products into the wrapping equipment.

2. Shrink Film Positioning

Shrink film is positioned around each product before sealing begins.

3. Automatic Sealing

The film is sealed around the product to prepare it for the shrinking stage.

4. The Pack Enters the Heat Tunnel

Heat is applied as the pack moves through the tunnel, tightening the film around the product.

5. The Completed Pack

Once wrapped, the completed product exits the machine and can be stored, distributed or displayed.

What Are the Benefits of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines?

There are several reasons why manufacturers choose automatic shrink wrapping equipment.

Faster Production

An automatic line can wrap products at a much faster rate than a manual system. This makes them suitable for businesses with moderate or large production volumes.

Repeatable Results

Every pack is wrapped using the same machine settings. This creates a reliable and repeatable pack appearance.

Less Manual Handling

The machinery reduces the amount of hands-on packaging work. Employees can then focus on other production duties.

Added Protection During Distribution

A close film covering helps shield products from dirt, damp conditions and tampering during storage and distribution.

Lower Film Waste

Automatic systems can regulate film use more closely than manual wrapping. This can reduce waste while retaining reliable seals.

Which Industries Use Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery?

Many sectors use automatic shrink wrapping equipment to package goods quickly and consistently.

Typical sectors include:

• Food manufacturing
• Beverage production
• Household goods
• Books, magazines and other printed goods
• Pharmaceutical packaging
• Consumer goods
• 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.

Signs that it may be time to upgrade include:

• Employees spend a large amount of time wrapping products manually
• Production volumes are continuing to rise
• Pack consistency varies depending on the operator
• You need greater output without adding more labour
• The production line requires continuous packaging

As production grows, an automatic system can provide greater efficiency and more predictable output.

How Do You Choose an Automatic Shrink Wrapping Machine?

The right machine depends on the products being wrapped and the requirements of the production line.

Points to check include:

• Production speed
• Maximum product dimensions
• A reliable sealing system
• Compatible shrink films
• Controllable tunnel temperatures
• Compatibility with existing conveyors
• Straightforward machine controls
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• Servicing and maintenance needs

Some systems can also be customised for unusual product dimensions or specialist packaging tasks.

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 Many Packs Per Minute Can an Automatic Machine Produce?

Production speed varies according to product size, machine layout and packaging complexity.

Many automatic shrink wrapping systems can produce between 25 and 40 packs per minute. Some high-speed automatic side sealers can produce over 100 packs each minute when the application permits.

Kempner Automatic Shrink Wrapping Systems

Kempner UK has supplied packaging machinery and shrink wrap materials for more than 50 years. The company works with businesses across numerous production environments.

Its machinery range includes compact automatic sealers, standard L-sealers, side sealers and custom-built systems.

Kempner also provides commissioning, servicing and technical support. 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, changeover times depend on the machinery.

Are automatic machines only for large manufacturers?

Yes, particularly when a smaller company is increasing its output. Investment often becomes worthwhile when manual processes begin limiting daily output.

Do automatic shrink wrap machines reduce packaging costs?

A suitable machine may lower labour requirements, increase output and control material use. The machine must be specified according to the required packaging process.

Can automatic shrink wrap machines use sustainable films?

Some automatic machines are compatible with recyclable, recycled-content and selected compostable shrink films. Suitability depends on the type of film, pack format and machinery specification.