Inpac Automation Ltd
Shrink Wrapping Machine
Product Description
The two most common applications normally referred to as “Shrink Wrapping” are Sleeve Wrapping and L-Sealing. Sleeve wrapping is most commonly used as product transit packaging and protection and in most cases would leave open areas at the sides of the pack.
Inpac machines use two rolls of film, joining and cutting them in the appropriate places by the use of a long-life heated blade.
L-Sealing is used where a total, neater wrap is required; typically for individual product wrapping. Centre-folded film is typically used for L-Sealing applications.
In both of these applications the wrapped package or item would then pass into a heat tunnel or chamber for film covering to be shrunk.
Sleeve Wrapping:
Manual sleeve wrappers are the ideal solution for the user with low throughput. The product is manually pushed through the sheet formed by the joined upper and lower film rolls and the film from the top roll is then pulled down to cover the fourth side of the package. The heated blade is then pulled down manually to seal the film around the package and cut it away, at the same time joining the two rolls of film ready for the next item to be wrapped. The next item being wrapped pushes the first into the heat tunnel where the loose film sleeve is shrunk around the product.
Semi-automatic sleeve wrappers allow the process to be carried out with less user involvement and at a faster rate. Once the product has been manually placed on the machine’s infeed table, the user presses a button to start the wrapping cycle. The subsequent processes of pushing the product through the film, sealing film loosely around the product, cutting it away and transporting it into heat tunnel to shrink the film are all carried out without further user intervention.
Automatic sleeve wrappers give the fastest throughput with little user involvement other than monitoring and film roll changing. The product is accepted into the machine either in-line (180º) or at 90º. All processes are carried out automatically without user intervention.
L-Sealing:
Chamber L-sealers represent the entry level machine and do not require a separate heat tunnel. The product is manually placed into the centre-folded film and moved to the heat chamber area. The chamber hood is lowered onto the film which it then seals and cuts. The hood is electrically locked in position while hot air is blown around the wrapped product, shrinking the film to a presentation quality. After a pre-set time the hood is released, allowing it to be manually lifted and the product to be removed.
Semi-automatic L-sealers allow the process to be carried out with less user involvement and at a faster rate. The product is manually placed into the centre-folded film and moved to the sealing/cutting area. The sealing/cutting head is manually lowered onto the film which it then seals and cuts. After a pre-set time the sealing/cutting head is released and the wrapped product is moved into the heat tunnel to shrink the film, these processes being carried out without further user intervention.
Automatic L-sealers give the fastest throughput with little user involvement other than monitoring and film roll changing. The product is accepted into the machine where it is automatically placed into the centre-folded film. All other processes, including placing the product in the correct position under the sealing/cutting head, are carried out automatically without user intervention. The film cut off during the sealing/cutting process is automatically wound on to a waste film take-up reel.
Heat Tunnels:
While some wrapping machines are available with integral heat chambers and tunnels, it is common for the heat tunnels to be separate units. Single or dual chamber heat tunnels can be supplied, with different chamber apertures, to suit the customer’s speed and pack size requirements. Various tunnel conveyor types are available to suit the application, as are after-pack cooling fans and discharge conveyors.
Inpac Automation was originally founded in 1967 and became one of the first designers and manufacturers of pallet wrappers, shrink wrappers and a variety of packaging machines using stretch wrapping technology.
From the earliest days Inpac have had a policy of producing the highest quality stretch wrap solutions since these result in the longest life expectancy of the machines. The highest quality can still, however, be achieved whilst being very cost competitive.
Commitment to Customers:
Our commitment to customer support and long service reliability of our pallet wrappers and shrink wrappers has been proven by so many loyal customers sticking with us over many years. And word of mouth has been so effective in attracting new customers. We support every stretch wrapping machine that has been delivered since Inpac first started - over 40 years ago.
We pride ourselves on:
- Our reputation for quality and reliability of all our packaging machines.
- Employing highly trained, experienced staff, with excellent knowledge of shrink wrap technology.
- 40 years experience in the end-of-line packaging industry.
- Technical expertise and ability to offer stretch wrap packaging solutions to meet individual requirements.
- Very price competitive.
- Providing high quality, robust and reliable packaging machines, supported by a comprehensive stock of spare parts.
- Long term commitment to customer support.
We are based in a high tech facility in Uxbridge, West of London. Our mobile technicians provide support for all our stretch wrapping machines and systems throughout the UK and Ireland.
