Automatic side sealing and shrinking machine

Fhope's automatic side sealing and shrinking machine represents a significant advancement in packaging technology, widely adopted for challenging roll-shaped products such as carpets, textiles, non-woven fabric rolls, and similar items. This system is engineered for high capacity and high automation, minimizing the need for manual operation and enhancing overall packaging line efficiency.

1. Understanding the Automatic Side Sealing and Shrinking Technology

An Automatic Side Sealing and Shrinking Machine is a sophisticated packaging system designed to wrap individual or grouped products within a continuous tube of polymeric film. Unlike traditional L-bar sealers which create seals on three sides requiring the machine to cycle for each package length, the side-sealing mechanism creates a continuous seal along the side edge of the product flow. This allows for packaging items of virtually unlimited length efficiently.

The process typically involves:

• Film Feeding: A roll of center-folded film is fed into the machine.
• Product Infeed: Products are conveyed into the film tube.
• End Sealing: A cross-seal bar descends to create the front and back seals of consecutive packages.
• Side Sealing: As the product moves forward, a continuously operating side seal mechanism (often a heated wheel or belt) seals the open side edge of the film tube.
• Shrink Tunnel: The sealed package then enters an integrated heated shrink tunnel. Controlled hot air circulation causes the film to shrink tightly and uniformly around the product contours, resulting in a secure, tamper-evident, and aesthetically pleasing package.

This technology provides a superior finish, enhanced product protection, and higher throughput compared to manual or semi-automatic methods.

2. Key Design Features and Structural Components

The performance and reliability of an automatic side sealer stem from its core design and components:

• Sealing System: Features a precise cross-seal bar (often coated with PTFE for non-stick properties) and a continuous motion side seal unit. Advanced systems may utilize servo-driven sealing heads for optimal speed and precision.
• Conveyor System: Typically includes variable speed infeed and outfeed conveyors synchronized with the sealing cycle. Belt materials are chosen for durability and compatibility with heat.
• Shrink Tunnel: Engineered for optimal heat distribution with adjustable temperature controls, variable airflow, and efficient insulation to minimize energy consumption. Tunnel dimensions must accommodate the maximum product size.
• Control System: Modern machines utilize Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), often touchscreen panels. These allow for easy setup, parameter adjustment (seal time, temperature, conveyor speed), storage of multiple product recipes, and system diagnostics.
• Film Handling: Includes motorized film unwind, automatic film advance, and often a film perforation system (pinwheel or static) to allow air to escape during shrinking, preventing ballooning.
  

  

  3. Technical Specifications and Performance Data

While the parameters below offer a general overview, they may not perfectly match the specific configuration shown in the video. For exact machine specifications tailored to your application, direct consultation is recommended.

Model Example: ASSM-1000FR (Illustrative Data)

• Machine Type: Automatic Continuous Side Sealing and Shrink Wrapping Machine
• Model Reference: ASSM-1000FR
• Typical Year of Manufacture: 2023 onwards
• Cross Seal Bar Width: 450mm (Determines max package width)
• Max Package Height: Typically adjustable, e.g., up to 200-300mm
• Max Film Roll Width: 600mm
• Shrink Tunnel Opening (W x H): e.g., 450mm x 300mm (Must exceed max package dimensions)
• Conveyor Speed: Variable, Up to 30 meters per minute (Influences throughput)
• Machine Dimensions (L x W x H): Approx. 3500mm x 1500mm x 1800mm (Footprint consideration)
• Electrical Requirements: Typically 380V, 50Hz, 3-phase (Check local standards)
• Packaging Speed/Efficiency: Up to 60 packages per minute (PPM), dependent on product size and film type.
• Control System: Touchscreen PLC, programmable memory for different product settings.
• Safety Features: Emergency stop buttons, safety interlocks on access doors, heat-resistant tunnel enclosures.
• Material Compatibility: Optimized for Polyolefin (POF) shrink films; compatible with PVC and PE films.
• Manufacturing Compliance: Often meets standards like ISO 9001:2015, CE certification.
• Typical Warranty: 1-2 years standard warranty often available.
• Machine Weight: Approx. 800kg
• Seal Quality: High integrity seals with minimal film waste. Film Cut Precision: ≤1mm variation.
• Optional Features: Perforation module for breathability, stainless steel construction for food/pharma, custom infeed/outfeed options.

Note: The parameters listed above are indicative. Please contact Fhopepack for precise specifications matching the equipment shown or for a custom configuration.

4. Operational Efficiency and User Experience

From an operational standpoint, automatic side sealers offer substantial benefits:

• Reduced Labor: Fully automated operation minimizes the need for manual intervention, reducing labor costs and freeing up personnel for other tasks.
• Consistency: Automated control ensures repeatable, high-quality seals and shrink results for every package.
• High Throughput: Continuous motion sealing enables significantly higher packaging speeds compared to L-bar sealers, crucial for high-volume production lines.
• Ease of Use: Modern HMI interfaces simplify setup, product changeovers (often recipe-driven), and troubleshooting. Operators appreciate intuitive controls and clear diagnostic feedback.
• Maintenance: Designed for industrial environments, these machines often feature accessible components for routine maintenance. PLC diagnostics can assist in pinpointing issues quickly.

5. Material Compatibility and Versatility

The ability to handle various shrink films adds to the machine's versatility:

• Polyolefin (POF): The most common choice – strong, clear, FDA-approved for food contact, produces less residue on sealing wires, and offers excellent shrink properties.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Lower cost, but can release harmful fumes when heated and becomes brittle in cold temperatures. Use is declining due to environmental concerns.
• Polyethylene (PE): Stronger and thicker, often used for bundling heavier items. Requires higher shrink temperatures.

The continuous side seal design inherently accommodates products of varying lengths without machine adjustment, making it ideal for industries with diverse product lines.

6. Industry Applications: Enhanced Examples

The adaptability of the automatic side sealing and shrinking machine makes it valuable across numerous sectors:

• Printed Media Packaging: For publishers and distributors of magazines, books, catalogues, and stationery. The machine provides a tight, clear wrap that protects against handling damage, moisture, and dust during transit and on retail shelves. The clean side seal enhances product presentation and perceived value.
• Board Game and Toy Manufacturers: Ensures game boxes remain factory-sealed, protecting internal components (boards, cards, figures) and providing tamper evidence. The high clarity film allows consumers to see the box art clearly, contributing to shelf appeal.
• Textile and Fabric Industry: Ideal for wrapping rolls of fabric, stacks of garments, or home textiles. The shrink wrap protects against dirt and moisture, keeps items neatly bundled, and can provide slight compression for easier storage and shipping. Essential for maintaining product quality from factory to consumer.
• Other Applications: Include wrapping of software boxes, hardware kits, cosmetic sets, picture frames, food trays (using appropriate food-grade films), and consolidated multi-packs.

7. Comparing Side Sealers: Making the Right Choice

Compared to other shrink wrapping methods like L-Bar Sealers:

• Advantage Side Sealer: Unlimited package length capability, generally higher speeds due to continuous motion, often produces a more aesthetically pleasing package with less film waste around the seal.
• Advantage L-Bar Sealer: Typically lower initial cost, simpler mechanism, suitable for lower volume applications or where package length is consistent and limited.

Choosing the right machine depends on production volume, product dimensions (especially length variability), speed requirements, and budget.

Conclusion

The Fhope Automatic Side Sealing and Shrinking Machine is a robust, high-performance packaging solution designed for demanding industrial environments. Its ability to create continuous side seals offers flexibility for long products and enables high throughput, while the integrated shrink tunnel ensures a professional, protective finish. Incorporating advanced PLC controls and built for reliability, this system provides significant advantages in operational efficiency, package quality, and labor savings across diverse industries.

For detailed technical specifications, customization options, or a quotation based on your specific packaging needs, please contact Fhopepack directly.

For more information, feel free to contact info@fhopepack.com.