Continuous Motion Overlap (CMOS) & Print Film
- Faster Cycle Time
- Overlap Seal
- Multi lane
- Multi Track Configurations
Shrink Wrapping, Shrink Packaging, or Bundle Wrapping is a packaging process in where a group of products are wrapped in shrinkable plastic film which, after exposing them to hot air, holds the products firmly together for transport as either a sales unit or for ease of inventory management.
Cost-effective, water-resistant, and causes less scuffing of labels.
Easier and much cheaper to automate in comparison to tray or case packing.
The product can be seen through the film (unlike cardboard)
Leaking is mostly contained to single packs, which prevents damage to full pallets.
Like any packaging process, shrink packaging involves preparation of wrapping material (film), preparation of products, enclosing (wrapping) in a sleeve of LDPE film, then shrinking / cooling and discharge.
The shrink wrapping process consists of 3 main steps:
A sheet of shrink film is wrapped around the products, forming a bundle. There are currently two main ways of wrapping the product:
Using two rolls with hot knife cutting and sealing
Using single roll with cold knife cutting and overlap sealing in the tunnel
The bundle passes through a heated zone of the shrink tunnel, where re-circulated hot air causes the film to shrink and conform to the shape of the enclosed products. Once outside, the pack is cooled by forced air to tighten the film; this creates a semi-rigid pack that's ready for stacking on pallets or to be moved further down the packaging line.
Weld Bar Sealing vs Overlap Sealing
There are two ways of wrapping the shrink film around the products.
Weld Bar Sealing
Overlap Seal
Most bottles, cans, cartons, and boxes are ideal for shrink wrapping. It is also possible to shrink wrap many other sorts of products. If you're not sure if your product would lend itself well to shrink wrapping, then give us a call--we'll have the answer.
Due to the short exposure time and protection offered by the shrink film itself, very few products are affected by the process. Even foil-wrapped chocolate can be shrink-wrapped. However thin PVC trays, thin PET containers, or not fully filled CSD bottles can distort during the shrinking process.
It depends on the size and weight of the products. 12 drink cans (4×3) can be securely wrapped. With smaller products, more can be included. Note that we have vertical stacking options to allow multiple layers of cans and boxes
No. Although the film shrinks around the products, there will be a round opening in the film on either side of the pack, called "bulls eyes".
Certainly!. Most Autopack machines are designed to be rapidly adjustable to a wide range of products. Contact us if you would like to find the best machine to suit your needs.
For additional pack strength or ease of handling, a cardboard pad or tray can be introduced under the product before being shrink-wrapped.
All these forms of packaging can have custom designs printed on the packaging.
One or more products are fully enclosed. The box can be sealed with glue/tape, or with interlocking flaps (like toothpaste cartons).
The products are placed in a cardboard tray for easier handling.
Similar to trays; however, crates are more durable and reusable.
Have a question about our shrink wrappers? Want to request a quick quotation? Send us a message now!