Shrink wraps have remarkably changed how the packaging industry operates. Also, more and more organizations are shifting to shrink wrap to protect their products owing to its benefits.
There are many questions though, regarding its usage, and specifically how to operate shrink wrap machine. But for those who don’t know, let’s start by explaining what shrink wrap really is.
What is Shrinkwrap?
Shrinkwrapping is a process in which any product item is covered or wrapped around in a free sleeve of loose polyolefin shrink film. The desired product is wrapped around by such film on the application of heat and this results in a clean, crystal clear, tight, and safe wrap around the product. It is not only cost-effective but also gives the required protection to the product.
How to Operate Shrink wrapping machine?
Having talked about shrink wrap machines, now let’s deliberate on the main topic. So here’s how you work on the shrink wrapping machine.
- I-Bar Sealers
These are wrapping solutions for small business houses. They are simple and easy to use. All you have to do is seal one side and turn 90 degrees to seal again. After completing this process, you have to use a heat gun to shrink the film.
- L-Bar Sealers
This sealer machine eliminates the need of having to turn the item being sealed 90 degrees by sealing two sides at the same time.
- Shrink Tunnel
They are arguably the most efficient and easy to use. Not only just this, but shrink tunnel also offers consistency as no use of handheld heat gun is necessary. All the operator has to do is set the required temperature and speed on the machine and place the product on the conveyor belt.
After putting the product on the conveyor you have to leave it up on the machine to do its job. The product you place would come out fully wrapped.
- Foot Sealers
These are apt for wrapping products and require foot pedals to do the job. You’ll have to use this pedal to raise and lower the sealing bar. As these are hands-free and use the work of foot, you’ll be free to use your hands in doing some other work.
- Chamber Sealers
A chamber sealer works differently than the shrink tunnel. Here, the product is put up with the shrink wrap through a compartment. Thereafter the compartment is heated so that shrink wrap is wrapped around the product. Once the heat is applied to the whole compartment, shrink wrap gets compressed, giving a tight, clean, and sophisticated finish.
There are several benefits or advantages of using this technique, and we’ve listed them in the below section.
Benefits of Shrinkwrapping
Below are the 5 advantages of using this technique. This would enlighten you on the positive sides of shrink wrapping.
- More Stronger than alternatives
As compared to alternatives like overwraps or stretch wraps, shrink wrapping is stronger. This ensures the packaging doesn’t fall apart even when occasional bumps come in transit. As the film sticks pretty tightly to the product there are fewer chances of it getting torn or messed up.
- Aesthetically pleasing
While we seldom look for aesthetics when it comes to packaging, there’s no harm when such advantages come in the bundle of benefits. The shrink wrap confers a shiny look on the product which not only looks clean but also seems tight and professional. The products packaged through shrink wrap are also easy to clean as dust attached to the product could be cleaned with just the application of a damp cloth.
- Cost-Effective
There are several types of sealing machines available on the planet. A business house’s requirement would depend on its scale of operation. If you are just starting, then I-Bar sealers would be helpful. They come at a cost ranging from $100 to $550, for medium-sized enterprises, L-Bar sealers are a good option and if your factory needs to wrap 100s of products in a minute, the Shrink Tunnels would be helpful. Their cost range from $2000 to $3900.
At Pro-Pack Solutions, we deal in Shrinkwrap machines and services to organizations of every size. These solutions are a cost-effective and initial investment as well as long term investment for these machines would be quite low as compared to alternatives available.
- Speed up the whole process
Speed and efficiency are two aspects that are indispensable in the present world. Corporates are spending money to save that extra second and provide quick service to customers. Shrinkwrap machines serve this purpose too and drastically reduces the time that is taken on the production line. As manual wrapping is eliminated, the automated machines work towards saving as much time as possible.
- The convenience of using different types of films
It’s important to know that you could use three types of film shrink wrapping: polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, and polyethylene. As they come with distinct characteristics, upsides, and downsides, you can choose the one which serves your purpose. While Polyolefin is durable, versatile and FDA approved, PVC may seem a little brittle and unreliable under extreme temperatures.
On the other hand, polyethylene comes with its own benefits and downsides. We suggest reading more about their characteristics and settle for one which serves your needs.
Buying the best Shrink wrapping machine
As these machines are more like a one-time investment with a substantial upfront cost, you should rely on professionals when buying one. Having been in the market for more than 63 years, at Pro Pack Solutions, we deal in the best shrink wrap machines available on the internet. Browse our store to find more packaging equipment and products. We’d be happy to associate with you!