Shrink machine

Types of shrink machines

Shrink packaging machines are used to achieve distinct, tight packaging by applying heat to the shrink film covered over products. Based on the kind of method they use to shrink wrap things, they come in a variety of types. Supply-side shrinking machines have the following key varieties:

• Bench-top shrink machines: Bench-top shrink machines are ideal for low-volume production. Products are manually placed in the shrink tunnel using this straightforward, cost-effective system. The operator uses a handheld or automatic sealing machine with a shrink film to make the shrink film a sealed, shrinkable bag. Then, the item is put into a shrink tunnel that uses heat to shrink the film tightly about it. Bench-top shrink machines have minimal floor space, making them ideal for table-mounted or counter-mounted applications. Limited operator interaction is needed, even though training is still vital to avoid handling mistakes and ensure product quality.
• Neck banders: Banding systems use shrink film to wrap one or more products and secure them with a neck band. They are economical and effective solutions to tamper resistance, product bundling, and closure enhancement. Compared to other types of machines, neck banders are usually reasonably priced and excellent for low- to medium-speed production lines. Manual handling is less necessary because they are often integrated into manufacturing lines where other processes take place. The machine will automatically feed, cut, and shrink the film around the product. Operators need to be taught to understand when the machine works well and when it needs further assistance.
• Fully enclosed shrink machines: Fully enclosed shrink machines with a chamber are often used to shrink wrap items in various industries tightly. This type of shrink wrap machine is popular because it can be used to change the envelope of any item precisely. A fully enclosed shrink machine works like this: The product is placed on top of the film, which is pulled to cover the product by a powered take-up roller and forced to shrink by hot air provided by a controlled air blower through a chamber.
• Mid-sealed cavities: Mid-seal cavity models are a mid-seal option between fully enclosed and open cavity configurations. They provide an optimal balance between operator visibility and product containment. Mid-seal cavity designs are ideal for applications that require partial enclosure without sacrificing airflow regulation.
• Open cavity shrink machines: Open cavity shrink machines, often referred to as flow-through machines, enable excessive air pressure and product overflow to escape, reducing the risk of overheating and damage to products inside the enclosure. Because they function less like an oven and more like a heat gun, open cavity shrink machines are often more economical than fully enclosed models.

Maintenance and specifications of shrink machines

Specifications

• Shrinking materials

  Products are generally made of PVC, PS, PET, etc. Some shrink machines can also work with POF, PP, etc.

• Shrinkage rate

  The machine's shrinkage rate indicates the extent to which the machine can reduce the size of the packaging. Different shrink machines have different shrinkage rates.

• Shrink tunnel temperature

  The temperature of the shrink tunnel is an essential factor in determining the quality of shrink packaging. The temperature of different shrink machines vary, typically from 120°C to 180°C.

• Shrink productivity

  The shrink productivity refers to the number of packages shrunk by a shrink machine in a unit of time. Factor affecting the productivity includes the speed of the shrink machine, the size of the shrink conveyor, and the temperature of the shrink tunnel.

• Power supply and power

  Shrink machines usually require a specific power supply. Their power is also different, ranging from several hundred watts to several thousand watts.

Maintenance

To keep the shrink wrap machine working properly, users need to do regular maintenance carefully and pay attention to some instructions as follows.

• Users need to check the power supply and circuit regularly. Make sure connections are reliable and the power supply is stable. They need to avoid problems like power off or electrical surge that may damage equipment.
• Check heating elements and temperature control frequently. Users need to ensure heating elements work properly and temperature controllers can accurately control the packing temperatures. They also need to keep relevant parts clean and avoid the accumulation of dust or debris.
• Users should periodically calibrate parameters of shrink packaging, such as shrink speed, conveyor speed, and packing temperatures. These parameters are crucial for ensuring packaging quality, and they need to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the products to be packed.
• Users need to inspect the belts and rollers regularly to check whether they are damaged or loose. They need to adjust the tension and position to ensure smooth and stable packaging operations.
• Users should periodically tidy up and clean the shrink packaging area to avoid the interference of external factors on equipment operations, such as crowded space or flammable materials.

Uses of shrink machines

Shrink machines are used in various industries for packaging, protecting, and enhancing products. Here are some common applications and uses of shrink machines:

• Multipack Packaging: Shrink machines are commonly used to create multipack packages for products like beverages, snacks, CDs, and DVDs. They wrap multiple individual items together for easy handling, transportation, and retail display.
• Bundling: Shrink machines can bundle together related products or items, such as magazines, catalogs, or promotional materials. Bundling can improve cross-selling opportunities and provide a value-added service to customers.
• Box Packaging: Shrink machines are used to shrink-wrap boxes and cartons for various products, such as electronics, cosmetics, and apparel. Shrink-wrapping provides tamper evidence, enhances product visibility, and prevents box collapse during shipping.
• Protective Packaging: Shrink machines are used to create protective packages for fragile or delicate items, such as glassware, ceramics, and jewelry. Shrink-wrapping provides cushioning, padding, and protection from dirt, dust, and moisture.
• Product Enhancement: Shrink machines can be used to enhance products by adding shrink labels, sleeves, or bands. These items can provide branding, advertising, product information, or security features.
• Food Packaging: Shrink machines are widely used in the food industry to package perishable items, such as meat, poultry, cheese, and baked goods. Shrink-wrapping extends shelf life, maintains product freshness, and reduces food waste.
• Automotive Packaging: Shrink machines are used to package automotive parts, accessories, and tools. Shrink-wrapping protects items from damage, dust, and moisture and enables efficient storage and transportation.
• Textile Packaging: Shrink machines are used in the textile and apparel industry to package garments, linens, and other textile products. Shrink-wrapping prevents wrinkling, ensures product integrity, and simplifies inventory management.
• Gift and Specialty Packaging: Shrink machines are used to package gift items, souvenir products, and specialty items. Shrink-wrapping provides an attractive presentation, enhances product value, and prevents unauthorized access.

How to Choose a shrink machine

Before investing in a shrink packaging machine for sale, buyers need to do their due diligence to ensure they end up with a quality machine suited to their needs. First, they need to analyze the kind of products they'll be shrink wrapping. Pay attention to the product's dimensions and packaging requirements. Will they be shrink wrapping irregularly shaped products? If so, they may need to invest in a shrink machine with a shrink film conveyor that can accommodate different shapes. If they plan to shrink wrap bulky or larger products, they'll need to get a machine with an adequate resizing capacity to handle such products with ease and efficiency.

Next, buyers need to determine the ideal shrink film they'll be using. Different types of films require specific shrink machines for optimal results. For example, PVC film wraps must be shrunk with a heat tunnel or chamber, while Polyolefin and PP film wraps can be shrunk with a heat gun.

Buyers should consider the volume of packages they must shrink wrap daily. For low-volume operations, a handheld shrink gun may be sufficient. However, high-volume operations may require faster and more automated shrink machines, such as a shrink tunnel machine.

Because shrink packaging machines come in various sizes, buyers will need to find a machine that fits their workspace. Consider the machine's dimensions and ensure it can be comfortably installed in the desired shrink packaging work area. Ensure there's enough room for the machine's loading and unloading processes, especially for machines with a heat tunnel.

Lastly, compare the prices of different shrink packaging machines and choose one that matches their budgets. While it's important to stick to a budget, remember to prioritize quality and invest in a machine that will perform the task efficiently and effectively.

Shrink machine FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between an automatic and a manual shrink machine?

A1: In a manual shrink machine, operators manually place the items in the machine before starting a shrink. On the other hand, in an automatic shrink machine, the items are fed into the machine automatically for shrinking. An automatic shrink machine is much faster than a manual shrink machine.

Q2: What items can a shrink machine pack?

A2: Shrink machines are mostly used for packaging items with irregular shapes, including tan bottles, festive tins, promotional cartons, and multiple items. They can also be used to pack many products, such as canisters, cups, boxes, bundles, glasses, detergents, jars, and more.

Q3: Is a shrink machine the same as a heat packer?

A3: Yes, shrink machines are also known as heat packers.

Q4: Is using a shrink machine the same as using a shrink tape?

A4: No, a shrink machine is different from a shrink tape. A shrink machine shrink or compresses the package by applying heat to it, while a shrink tape conforms to the shape of the item without applying heat.