What You Need to Know About a Shrink Warp Machine
Shrink wrap machines use heat to shrink a film around a product, forming a tight cover that protects the item from dust and moisture. This type of packaging is called thermal shrink wrapping and can help reduce product loss and enhance customer confidence.
Generally, the process of product insertion, sealing and shrinking is automated. This is particularly true of fully automatic shrink wrap machines that work on a conveyor system.
Orientation
Orientation refers to the way that a shrink film is stretched during production. During this process, the molecules of a film are coiled and twisted in a random pattern. This process then orients these molecules, allowing them to fit the mold of its contents. The film is then cooled to set its molecular characteristics. When reheated, the molecules are drawn back into their original position and the film is stretched once again. This process is known as bi-directional orientation.
It is also important to consider the orientation of a product when determining how much shrink film is needed. To calculate the right size of film, you must know your package’s dimensions, its orientation and shrink warp machine the type of shrink wrap machine used. Without all of this information, you may choose an inappropriate size of film and risk a poor outcome.
A power film unwind feature allows you to pull more product off of a roll without stopping. This saves time and money. It is available on some machines for better productivity.
Strapping is a good alternative to using a shrink film to secure products. It is an effective solution for short term and long term applications. It can be heat fused to itself or wrapped around a product. In some situations, woven strapping is preferred due to its strength.
Temperature Control
In order for a shrink wrapping machine to work properly, it must be set up to use the correct temperature. This is because the film needs to be heated to the right temperature so that it will shrink uniformly around the product. The width of the shrink film can also have an effect on its temperature requirements, since wider films require more heat for shrinkage than narrower ones.
The heating source for a shrink tunnel can vary from recirculating air to infrared heat. In either case, the heat tunnel should be able to provide enough heat to shrink the polyolefin film that wraps the product. Cooling fans may be installed on the conveyor to help products to cool down after they run through the heat tunnel.
A heat shrink tunnel is often found in conjunction with a full sleeving system, such as a Graham & Sleevit shrink bundler. This type of heavy-duty heat tunnel is usually over sixty inches long and can be insulated to help it better retain heat.
This commercial-grade heat tunnel is designed to be easily incorporated into a packaging line. It is equipped with break caster wheels for safety and mobility, and it has adjustable heat and speed settings. Moreover, it has air-flow balancers that ensure even heat distribution around the product for consistent, professional results.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are critical for accurate temperature control in any application. They are available in a wide variety of types, sizes, and shapes to suit any application or industry. Some of the most popular include platinum resistance temperature detector (PRTD) sensors, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors, and thermocouple sensors. Other options, such as semiconductor-based integrated sensors (ICs), are also common.
A PRTD sensor uses the change in the resistance of a diode to detect temperature changes. A higher resistance value indicates a lower temperature, while a lower resistance shrink warp machine manufacturers value indicates a higher temperature. The sensor’s accuracy is lower than the other basic sensor types, but it is more responsive and operates across a wider temperature range.
The thermocouple is a long, slender rod-like sensor that emits an electrical voltage when it is exposed to temperatures. Its slender shape and long length make it easy to place in hard-to-reach locations. A thermocouple’s accuracy is less than an RTD or a thermistor, but it works over a much larger temperature range and is more durable than other sensor types.
Non-contact temperature sensors, such as infrared or pyrometers, are another option for monitoring temperatures. These sensors are useful in environments where the environment is too dangerous or corrosive to use a contact sensor. These sensors are also more cost-effective than contact temperature sensors.
Safety
Shrink wrap machines, especially auto ones, involve high temperatures and moving parts, posing potential risks to workers. It is essential to take all safety measures possible to minimise these risks and ensure that the equipment is operated correctly. These include:
Regularly inspecting the equipment for signs of deterioration. This includes checking for electrical connections, cleaning the machine, and removing any obstructions or debris. It is also important to regularly check the area surrounding the machine for any potential hazards. It is vital that the space is clear of clutter and adequate ventilation is provided to dissipate heat and fumes from the machine.
For safety reasons, it is recommended that all employees use the machine wearing gloves and a pair of protective goggles. It is also a good idea to be familiar with the emergency stop buttons and their locations. It is also important to know how to respond to any fire or explosions that may occur during the wrapping process.
In addition to physical guarding, many shrink wrap machines are now equipped with light curtains that prevent accidents by monitoring the movement of personnel in the area around the machine. They are designed to detect any deviations from established safety limits and immediately halt the machinery, even if physical barriers have been bypassed. This technology is much safer and more effective than the old fashioned physical guards, which could only warn an operator that they were approaching a dangerous zone.