Types of heat shrinking machines
Heat shrinking machines are packaging machines that use heat to shrink the film or wrap around an object, providing a secure and tamper-evident seal. It is worth noting that heat shrinking machines are not the same as heat sealers. The latter does not necessarily use heat to shrink but seal, and it may or may not use heat to seal the content.
Heat shrinking machines can be either semi-automatic or automatic, and they come in four main types.
- Heat Tunnel Shrinking Machines: These models are generally compact, and the product is manually placed inside the machine for the shrinking process to begin. The heat tunnel does all the work, ensuring that the film conforms perfectly to the product contour.
- Heat Plate Shrinking Machines: Unlike the tunnel heat shrinkers, these models have an insulated metal plate that applies direct heat to the film, ensuring that it shrinks appropriately. These machines are portable and ideal for small jobs. They can also be used with heat guns and handheld sealers.
- Heat Gun Shrinking Machine: This type of shrinking machine does not have a heat plate or tunnel. It uses heat from a heat gun to shrink the film around the content. One advantage of this type of shrinking machine is that it is effective for larger products that heat tunnels or heat plates cannot accommodate.
- Fully Automatic Heat Shrink Tunnels: As the name suggests, these machines fully automate the shrinking process from sealing to shrinking. They seal the content using a heat sealer before it is transported to the shrink tunnel using a conveyor belt. The automated process makes it ideal for large-scale operations.
Specifications and maintenance of heat shrinking machines
Specifications
- Capacity: The capacity of heat shrink machines are typically measured in terms of packages per hour. Depending on the model and type, this can range from a few hundred to over a thousand.
- Power: Heat shrinking machines need to supply enough power to the heating element to ensure that the shrink film packs are uniformly shrunk. Power ratings can vary by type, from a few hundred watts to several kilowatts.
- Temperature control: Machines often feature digital temperature control and display functions, allowing operators to set and adjust the temperature as required. The temperature control range is typically from 0 to 300 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Package sizes: Heat-shrinkable machines can accommodate pack sizes of different dimensions, typically including length, width, and height. The maximum dimensions may vary depending on the machine model and type.
- Shrink film type: Heat-shrink machines can use various types of shrink films (PVC, POF, etc.), which are compatible with different kinds of films.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the surface and components of the machine to prevent dust and debris buildup. Use vacuum cleaners or air blow guns to clean out the interior and vents to ensure that the machine is not clogged and that it can dissipate heat properly.
- Lubrication: Understand the maintenance instructions and requirements for lubrication of the heat shrink machine. Regularly apply the appropriate lubricant to moving parts, bearings, etc., to ensure smooth operation and reduce friction and wear.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the appearance and components of the heat shrink machine for signs of damage or looseness. Pay attention to the condition of the electrical wires, connections, etc., to ensure they are in good shape and secured.
- Dust removal: Pay attention to the use of heat shrink machines in dust-prone environments and promptly remove the dust from the heat shrink machine. Dust can damage the electrical parts and control systems of the machines, affecting their performance.
- Temperature control: Maintain proper machine operating temperature by regularly calibrating and adjusting the temperature controller. Ensure that the heating elements are functioning well to maintain the stability of the shrinking effect.
Usage scenarios for a heat shrinking machine
Heat shrinking machines perform various packaging applications for products across different industries. Below are some of the usage scenarios where heat shrink machines come in handy:
- Food and beverage packaging: Bottlers, canners, and other packaging companies use heat shrink machines to package food items like bottled water, beer, juices, poultry, meats, and other perishable goods. The custom shrink films used are not only tamper-proof but also extend the shelf life of products.
- Product bundling and multipacking: Retailers and manufacturers use shrink wrap machines to bundle and multipack products like cans, bottles, and toiletries together. The shrink film used makes it easy for customers to purchase packages and protects products from theft and damage.
- Labeling and branding: Heat shrink machines are often used to apply shrink sleeves and film labels to products. The machines apply the labels to the products accurately and efficiently, especially to products with irregular shapes. The heat shrink labels fit tightly onto the products, providing a neat and high-quality presentation.
- Goods and merchandise packaging: E-commerce businesses use heat shrink machines to package goods and merchandise like electronics, cosmetics, and toys for shipment. The shrink wrap offers additional protection during transit and ensures the items arrive at their destination damage-free.
- Export packaging: Manufacturing and exporting companies use heat shrink machines to secure and protect items for international shipping. The export packaging helps to safely stack boxes and cartons and keeps exported goods tamper-proof.
- Industrial packaging: factories use heat shrink machines to package tools, equipment, and parts for storage or transport. The tools and equipment are secured and protected against contamination and damage upon arrival at their destinations.
- Firearms packaging: legal firearms manufacturers use heat shrink machines to secure firearms in their original box. This practice is common in gun shops and firearms retail stores. It prevents unauthorized access to the weapon and ensures customers get their firearms in pristine condition.
How to choose Heat Shrinking Machines
When purchasing industrial shrink-wrapping machines, there are a few factors to consider to ensure one gets a machine that suits one's needs. These factors include the type of film, package size, production rate, energy source, machine dimensions, safety features, and optional features.
One should ensure that the heat shrink wrap machine fits the packages to be handled in terms of both shape and size. Consideration of one's expected production rate is also important. A more manual machine may be suitable for low production rates, but faster production rates may necessitate automatic or semi-automatic machines. Different shrink-sleeve machines use different energy sources to operate heat tunnels. While some are powered by electricity, others use far more efficient gas or propane power. The film used in shrink packaging can vary from PVC to Polyolefin to PE, and businesses should choose a machine that works with the specific film they intend to use.
The dimensions of the shrink wrap machine are also important, as buyers need to make sure the machine's dimensions are at par with available factory space. Furthermore, the machine should have features that help prevent accidents and injuries. Such features include guarding, emergency stops, and safety interlocks. Finally, heat-shrinking machines come with optional features that can enhance efficiency. These can include a film roll holder, a built-in RFID, smart touchscreens, and Campbell locks. Be sure to ask the supplier about these optional features, and choose a machine that has the ones you need.
Heat shrinking machine FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between a tunnel and an oval heat shrink packaging machine?
A1: The main difference between the two types of heat shrink packaging machines is the airflow contained within the chamber. An oval machine uses a combination of circular and oval movements to direct heated air toward the product, while tunnel machines have a straight passage where products move forward and heat is applied from the side.
Q2: Which heat shrink packaging machine is faster, the automatic or semi-automatic?
A2: Automatic machines are faster than semi-automatic because they do not require manual assistance to move the product through the machine.
Q3: Can all materials be used with a heat shrink packaging machine?
A3: No, not all materials can be used. For example, PVC, PET, and PP are acceptable materials because they shrink when heated. On the other hand, materials like HDPE and LDPE are unsuitable because they do not shrink when heated.
