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10/16/2024How Does A Heat Shrink Wrap Machine Work?
The process of a heat shrink wrapping machine involves several key steps.
- Film Loading: The shrink film, typically in roll form, is placed on the machine’s film holder. The machine’s film feeding system pulls the film into the working area, where it will be wrapped around the product.
- Product Positioning: The product is placed on a conveyor belt, and then it will be moved into the machine’s working area by the conveyor. The automatic machines employ sensors to detect the position. Then the shrink film is cut to an appropriate size based on the product’s dimensions, ensuring full coverage.
- Sealing: Once the film is applied, the machine cuts and seals it around the product, fully enclosing it in shrink wrap.
- Heat Shrinking: The product then enters a heat shrink tunnel, typically between 160°C and 220°C. The heat causes the film to soften and conform closely to the product, creating a snug wrap.
- Cooling: After the film is heated, cool air is blown onto the product to contract the film tightly around it. This helps the film contract quickly, tightly wrapping the product.
How to Use A Shrink Wrap Machine?
Below are the essential steps to effectively use a shrink wrap machine:
1. Adjust Machine Parameters
- Adjust the machine’s settings to match the size and shape of the products you want to package. This involves positioning the sealer to accommodate the dimensions of the product.
- Set the temperature and speed based on the thickness and type of the shrink film being used. Typically, a temperature between 160°C to 220°C is optimal.
Note: The shrinking temperature of PVC, POF, and PE is about 130-160°C, 140-150°C, and 140-170°C.
The thicker the film, the higher the shrinking temperature is required, and the faster the speed, the higher the temperature.
2. Load the Shrink Wrap Film
- Place the shrink film roll into the designated holder, ensuring it’s free from wrinkles or damage. Feed the film through the machine's conveyor system with the guide rails for smooth movement.
- Ensure the film tension is correct—not too tight or loose—to prevent issues during wrapping.
3. Sealing and Shrinking
- Place the product on the conveyor belt, ensuring proper alignment with the film.
- Press the start switch and then the shrink wrapping system will automatically wrap and seal the product. After sealing, the product will then be automatically sent to the heat tunnel for shrinking.
Note: Furui Machinery offers both semi-automatic and fully automatic shrink wrapping systems.
- Semi-automatic systems require an operator to position the product and start the wrapping process manually.
- Fully automatic systems perform the entire process automatically from product feeding and film wrapping to sealing and shrinking.
4. Inspect the Finished Product
- After shrinking, the product will be transferred out of the oven by the conveyor.
- Once the process is complete, inspect the packaged product. Check that the seals are intact, the film has shrunk evenly, and the product is securely wrapped.
- If issues arise, such as incomplete sealing or uneven shrinkage, adjust the machine's settings and re-run the process.
Tips for Operating a Shrink Wrap Machine
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the machine clean to ensure smooth operation. Dirt or debris on the sealing or conveyor components can affect the sealing and shrinking process.
- Safety Precautions: Follow safety guidelines when operating the machine. Avoid direct contact with heated parts or cutting mechanisms to prevent injuries.
- Routine Maintenance: Regularly check the machine’s components, lubricate moving parts, and replace worn-out parts as necessary. This will prolong the machine’s service life and ensure it operates efficiently.
Conclusion
Shrink wrapping provides a professional and visually appealing look. It also protects products from contamination, moisture, and external damage during shipping, handling, and storage. Moreover, this machine is used across a wide variety of industries to handle products of different sizes and shapes. Its versatility and effectiveness make it an indispensable tool in packaging solutions. Furui Machinery offers a wide range of shrink wrapping machines to choose from. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.