Machinery
Shrink wrapping and heat tunnel options for grouped products, presentation packs and end-of-line packaging.
Shrink wrapping and heat tunnel options for grouped products, presentation packs and end-of-line packaging.
Machinery page
Shrink wrapping and heat tunnel options for grouped products, presentation packs and end-of-line packaging.
Next step
Provide the product, packaging format, current process and the level of automation you want to achieve.
Discuss this requirement as part of your machinery specification.
Discuss this requirement as part of your machinery specification.
Discuss this requirement as part of your machinery specification.
Shrink wrapping selection
Shrink wrapping performance depends on the product, grouping method, film, seal arrangement, heat exposure and the way packs enter and leave the machine.
Clarify whether the wrap is for retail presentation, tamper indication, grouping, dust protection or transit handling. The required result affects film and machine format.
Heat, pressure, sharp edges, unstable groups and variable pack heights can change the suitable wrapping method and tunnel conditions.
Film type, width, thickness, roll format, seal position and shrink behaviour should be confirmed with the intended pack rather than assumed from a generic material name.
The process may involve arranging one or more products, presenting film, creating a seal and transferring the pack through a controlled heat zone. A good result requires the film, seal and tunnel settings to work together. Excessive film, poor product spacing or unsuitable heat exposure can produce distortion, open seals or an inconsistent appearance.
For grouped packs, the infeed must maintain the intended arrangement before wrapping. For individual presentation packs, product orientation and seal position may be more important. Cooling and discharge handling also need enough space so a finished pack is not marked or disturbed immediately after the tunnel.
When shrink wrapping follows filling, capping and labelling, the wrapped product must be stable and able to tolerate the selected heat process. Labels, closures and filled product may influence testing. Samples of the final decorated pack are therefore more useful than empty undecorated containers alone.
A carton, tray, band, sleeve, bag or stretch-wrap method may be more appropriate where heat sensitivity, pack rigidity, presentation or transit requirements make shrink film unsuitable. The packaging objective should be defined before selecting the process.
Use the end-of-line packaging page to compare related stages, then send product and film details through the enquiry form.
Buyer questions
The actual film and finished product should be used for meaningful trials.
Provide finished product dimensions, weight, grouping, wrap purpose, film details, required seal position, acceptable appearance and target operating pattern.
Yes, where the group can be formed and held consistently before wrapping. The arrangement, support and film behaviour must be confirmed with representative packs.
The tunnel controls how the film shrinks around the product. Airflow, exposure and product movement must suit the film and pack so that the seal and presentation remain acceptable.
Possibly, but the product, closure, label and contents must tolerate the selected process. A practical trial is required and another packaging method may be preferable.
Yes, when the infeed receives products at the correct spacing or group pattern and the discharge provides enough cooling and transfer space for the finished pack.
Supply complete decorated products, the proposed film if available, and examples of every grouping or size that must be handled.
Shrink project planning
Compare the complete project scope with the cost-factor guide. Confirm delivery route, electrical and ventilation considerations, operator access and line layout through the site-preparation guide.
Use representative product arrangements and final film during the FAT and acceptance process. Build routine inspection and safe service tasks into the maintenance and spares plan.
Pack and film evidence
Shrink wrapping performance depends on film behaviour, product stability, seal creation, tunnel conditions and the state in which the pack is judged.
Provide production film, the exact product or collation, any trays or boards and examples of acceptable and unacceptable finished packs. Record whether the priority is containment, presentation, tamper indication or protection because those objectives can lead to different acceptance criteria.
If downstream inspection or rejection is required, define whether the system checks film presence, pack count, code, label or a visible seal condition. Use the inspection guide to connect that check with pack tracking and handling.
Shrink-pack quality should be judged at the agreed point after the film has completed the relevant shrinking and cooling behaviour, not only as it exits the heat zone. Define the observation point and acceptance features before trials so temporary warm-film appearance is not confused with the final result.
One shrink wrapper can run several product sizes when the sealing area, film path, product presentation, tunnel range and changeover method cover the required formats. Provide the smallest, largest and most unstable collations for trial rather than assuming intermediate sizes are the only challenge.
Alternative film process
Horizontal flow wrapping should be assessed when individual supported products need a roll-film pack with longitudinal and end seals. Shrink wrapping should be assessed when film is sealed around a product or bundle and controlled heat creates the final overwrap. The required finished pack determines the route.
The two methods place different demands on product spacing, film, sealing and heat exposure. A flow wrapper needs stable horizontal orientation and clear end-seal gaps. A shrink wrapper needs a stable product or bundle through the sealer and tunnel. Compare the actual product, pack appearance, grouping and downstream task rather than treating both as interchangeable film machines.
