An automatic shrink wrapping system is a packaging system that moves products through the packaging process automatically. It then wraps each item in shrink film, seals the film and sends the pack through a heat tunnel.

Inside the heat tunnel, the film contracts tightly around the product. This produces a consistent and professional-looking pack while limiting the amount of manual work required.

Where manual equipment depends heavily on an operator, automatic machinery is made for continuous output. Once the correct settings have been entered, the equipment can maintain steady packaging quality during long production runs.

How Does Automatic Shrink Wrap Machinery Work?

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

1. Product Feeding

Products are transferred into the machine using a conveyor system or connected production line.

2. Film Wrapping

The machine places shrink film around the item ready for sealing.

3. Sealing the Pack

The machine forms a precise seal around the product.

4. The Pack Enters the Heat Tunnel

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

5. Pack Exit

The finished pack leaves the machine ready for storage, transport or retail display.

What Are the Benefits of Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines?

Automatic shrink wrapping offers a number of practical benefits for production businesses.

Higher Packaging Speeds

An automatic line can wrap products at a much faster rate than a manual system. This makes them suitable for production environments that require steady or high output.

Repeatable Results

Each item passes through the same controlled wrapping process. This creates a reliable and repeatable pack appearance.

Reduced Labour Requirements

Staff are not required to carry out every stage manually. 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 handling, storage and transport.

Lower Film Waste

Automatic systems can regulate film use more closely than manual wrapping. This can keep material use controlled while maintaining pack integrity.

Where Are Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines Used?

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

Common applications include:

• Food production
• Drinks and beverages
• Household goods
• Books, magazines and other printed goods
• Pharmaceutical products
• General consumer products
• Industrial components
• Retail multipacks

Depending on the machine configuration, shrink wrapping can be used for individual products, promotional packs or larger grouped items.

Should Your Business Upgrade to an Automatic Machine?

Companies often begin with manual or semi-automatic systems before upgrading when output rises.

Signs that it may be time to upgrade include:

• Employees spend a large amount of time wrapping products manually
• Your required output is increasing
• Pack consistency varies depending on the operator
• You need greater output without adding more labour
• Products need to be wrapped continuously

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

What Features Should You Look for in an Automatic Shrink Wrap Machine?

Different businesses need different machinery, so the correct system will depend on your products and production process.

Useful machine specifications include:

• Maximum operating speed
website
• Supported product sizes
• Seal quality and reliability
• Suitable film types
• Controllable tunnel temperatures
• Compatibility with existing conveyors
• Straightforward machine controls
• Servicing and maintenance needs

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

What Is the Difference Between Automatic and Semi-Automatic Shrink Wrap Machines?

With a semi-automatic machine, an operator usually has to place the product or begin one or more stages.

Automatic systems handle almost the entire cycle with limited operator involvement. They are therefore often chosen for production lines processing large quantities of products.

Businesses gain more predictable output while relying less on hands-on packaging.

How Many Packs Per Minute Can an Automatic Machine Produce?

Operating speeds differ based on the product, machinery configuration and complexity of the packaging process.

Many automatic shrink wrapping systems can produce between 25 and 40 packs per minute. High-speed automatic side sealers may exceed 100 packs per minute in suitable applications.

Kempner Automatic Shrink Wrapping Systems

Kempner has supplied shrink wrapping equipment and packaging materials for over five decades. The company works with businesses across a broad range of sectors.

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

The company offers commissioning, equipment servicing and ongoing technical help. These services are intended to help businesses maintain dependable machine performance.

Automatic Shrink Wrapping FAQs

Can one machine wrap several product types?

In many cases, yes. Most machines can be adjusted for different product sizes and formats. However, some equipment can be changed over more quickly than others.

Is automatic shrink wrap machinery suitable for small businesses?

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 lower-impact shrink films be used?

Depending on the application, modern systems may accept recyclable film, recycled-content film or some compostable materials. Suitability depends on the application and equipment settings.