Bearing Packing Machine with VCI Film

Executive summary

This wrapper secures a large annular ring, then applies clear VCI film through the centre bore to inhibit corrosion. The film is a VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) wrapping film: it conforms to the surface of the part and forms corrosion protection. Film width, overlap and pre-stretch are configured per project to match the part and its protection needs.

Table of Contents

What the Machine Does

The machine wraps a large annular ring through the eye to seal critical bearing surfaces.

Our eye-through bearing packing machine automates protective wrapping for machined bearing rings, sealing ground surfaces against moisture and airborne contaminants. Machined bearing races, slewing bearings and forged rings have ground surfaces that are susceptible to oxidation and pitting in transit and storage, and manual wrapping cannot hold consistent film tension or uniform overlap across large circumferences.

How the Wrap Is Applied

The centre-hole layout suits large bearing races and machined rings requiring VCI corrosion barriers; tooling and wrap material selection per project determine handling for other annular products. The part is threaded over the wrap point, resting horizontally or inclined on motorized support rollers that rotate the workpiece around its vertical axis.

One full rotation then lays a band of film around the whole circumference in a single turn. A reel beside the machine feeds the film. The wrap uses VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) film, so the band laid around the ring carries corrosion protection over the part surface. The chemical inhibitors volatilize within the sealed enclosure, passivating the metal surfaces against atmospheric oxidation. The band width, overlap and layer count are set for each job.

For heavy-duty industrial bearings subjected to sea freight or multi-year storage, single-layer wrapping is often insufficient to prevent mechanical abrasion or moisture ingress. Dedicated high-capacity systems such as Model FPCA-6000 can be configured with an optional three-material dispensing carriage [manufacturer rating]. This mechanism mounts three packaging material reels simultaneously, completing a heavy-duty three-layer composite pack in a single continuous run: an internal contact layer of VCI film to inhibit oxidation, followed by two outer layers of high-tensile stretch film to provide mechanical puncture resistance and moisture barrier sealing. Additionally, customized configurations can incorporate an integrated oil reservoir, pumping circuit, and atomizing spray nozzles to apply protective oil directly to the raceways during the wrapping process [manufacturer rating].

The wrap stays even because the same band geometry repeats on every revolution. There is no fixed default. Film width, overlap and pre-stretch are configured per project to match the part and the protection it needs.

Sizing Film for a Ring

Three dimensions describe the job: outside diameter OD, inside diameter ID, and section width W of the ring. One pass of the film band travels 2 × (W + (OD − ID) / 2).

For an illustrative ring with OD 1.6 m, ID 0.9 m and W 0.3 m, each pass is 2 × (0.3 + (1.6 − 0.9) / 2) = 1.3 m.

Full cover at the outside diameter needs n = π × OD / (w × (1 − overlap / 100)) passes. Here w is the band width, and overlap is a percentage. With a 0.25 m band and 20% overlap, the result is 3.1416 × 1.6 / (0.25 × (1 − 20 / 100)) ≈ 25.13 passes.

Multiplying the per-pass length by the pass count, Q = q × n, gives about 32.67 m of laid film. At a configured 250% pre-stretch the factor is 1 + 250 / 100 = 3.5, so each metre from the reel lays 3.5 m on the part. These numbers are illustrative. For an actual order we size the film from your part drawing and the requested overlap.

Parameter Value Meaning
OD 1.6 m ring outside diameter
ID 0.9 m ring inside diameter
W 0.3 m ring section width
Film band w 0.25 m band width on the ring
Overlap 20 % coverage overlap between bands
Passes n 25.13 passes needed to cover the outside diameter
Laid film Q 32.67 m total film for the example, q × n

Note: Values in the table above are [illustrative/derived] engineering calculations based on theoretical geometric cross-sections.

Controls and Safety for a Ring Wrapper

These wrappers carry many moving parts — rollers, clamps, the film feed and the rotating ring — so the machine shows warning labels. The standards that apply depend on the destination market. For CE markets, ISO 12100 sets the risk-assessment method, and EN 415-10 covers the general safety requirements of packaging machines. These two standards form the basis of the guarding and control scheme.

Two points matter in daily use. Keep hands clear of the centre hole and the clamping zone while the unit cycles. Stop the machine and isolate power before adjusting film, clearing a misfeed or working on the load. For maintenance, follow the site lockout and tagout procedure (LOTO) in accordance with plant safety protocols.

A person should not stand beside this machine during normal cycles, and no adjustment or service is performed on a unit that has not been isolated from power. Never reach into the centre opening or past a guard while the machine is running.

Engineering FAQ

Q: What sets the number of film passes a ring needs?

A: Ring circumference, band width and overlap. A wider film band cuts the pass count, whereas a higher overlap percentage increases the passes required to ensure complete coverage; the sizing section shows the formula.

Q: Why does pre-stretch matter on a ring wrap?

A: It tensions the film before it lands, so one roll covers more ring area and the wrap grips harder. Mechanical elongation thins the film while aligning its polymer chains, which maximizes tear resistance and creates constant compressive force around the ring perimeter.

Q: Which dimensions should I send with an enquiry?

A: The outside and inside diameters, the section width, and the overlap you want, which is enough for the pass-count and film-length steps above.

Q: Can a centre-hole wrapper run in a line?

A: It depends on the surrounding handling and cycle demand. Layout, infeed height and film options are settled per project, so a line answer starts from a drawing.

Q: What should a buyer check for on safety?

A: For CE markets, check the risk assessment follows ISO 12100 and the machine meets EN 415-10; confirm guarding, interlocks and lockout points with the builder.

Q: What equipment capacity ranges exist for different bearing sizes?

A: Production equipment scales across distinct size brackets based on part envelope and weight [manufacturer rating]:

  • Small-to-Medium Rings (Model FPB-400): Suited for bearing ID 300–800 mm, OD 500–1200 mm, width 100–400 mm, and weight 100–500 kg. Features ring rotating speeds of 30–70 r/min and cycle times of 30–50 sec/pce with 20–90% adjustable overlap.
  • Large and Extra-Large Rings (Model FPCA-6000): Engineered for extreme loads from 500 kg up to 12000 kg, accommodating package OD 2900–5000 mm, ID 2500–4200 mm, cross-section width 150–600 mm, and OD−ID under 950 mm. Operates with roller speeds of 2–4 m/min, wrapping speeds of 60–110 sec/coil, and can adjust wrapping geometry for outer diameters up to 6500 mm.

Note: Precise machine sizing must always be verified against official mechanical component drawings and project production rates.

Next Step

Selection checklist

To get a clear picture of a wrapper in your line, the next step is a short sequence:

  1. Submit your layout drawing.
  2. Receive a proposal within 48 hours.
  3. Book a site survey.

For an RFQ, include:

  • The layout drawing.
  • Ring OD, ID and section width.
  • The overlap and wrap plan.

Write to info@fhopepack.com to start, or browse the FHOPE site for related machines.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

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