Shrink Wrap Machines

Shrink Wrap packaging is a cost-effective alternative for virtually any product. Depending on the method used, shrink wrap protects the product from moisture and weather, and also leaves the product visible for easy identification and inspection. Shrink wrap machines come in a variety of styles and configurations designed for almost any packaging application.

Straight-bar shrink wrappers are mechanical low-volume shrink wrap machines typically used with a heat gun to package small units like CDs, DVDs, etc. They typically use shrink wrap film on rolls, and a heat gun is used to shrink the material after it’s sealed.

L-bar sealers, like the straight-bar, are low-volume shrink wrap machines that work best with small items, but they take the straight bar a little farther and actually cut the film with electrical impulses. They can be manual, automatic, or some combination of the two. They typically use shrink wrap film on rolls. A heat gun is used to shrink the material after it’s sealed.

Heat guns, another type of low-volume shrink wrapping device that’s similar to a hair dryer, are heavy-duty handheld units that usually produce more air velocity and greater heat than a hair dryer. Shrink wrap film, tubes, and shrink bags are typically sealed first with a sealing machine and then shrunk with a heat gun.

Heat tunnel systems wrap the product in shrink-wrap material and seal it before passing the product through an enclosure, or “tunnel,” via an automated conveyor belt where uniform forced-air heat shrinks the film. They typically use shrink wrap film on rolls.

Mail bagging systems wrap and seal newspapers, magazines, and other publications for distribution in protective shrink-wrap film. They typically use material on rolls and form the shrink wrap around the product in a box-like area before sealing the film with a heated wheel.

Vacuum sealers do exactly what the name implies: they remove air from the packaging bag and create a vacuum seal. Vacuum systems use bags.

Sleeve wrappers wrap a product with a “curtain” of material and seal it, leaving a large hole at the top. Typically, companies use this method to wrap in-cabinet appliances such dishwashers, clothes dryers, etc. Sleeve wrapping also facilitates product stacking, because it doesn’t leave a seam “weld” on top of the unit that might create an unstable stacking situation. They typically use shrink wrap film on rolls.

Continuous band sealers come in vertical, horizontal, or tilted configurations and typically have an embossing wheel that stamps alphanumeric information into the sealing material. They are usually expensive; however, they’re fast and efficient, and used extensively to seal food and beverage products in various size bags.