Wrapping Equipment

One of the most critical points in the packaging process is wrapping. It protects the product from the environment, damage, and deterioration during shipment and storage. Companies today have access to a wide range of wrapping equipment that make this task easier, faster, and more efficient.

While there are many types of wrappers covering a broad range of applications, they all have one thing in common: they take a flexible packaging material — such as film, foil, or paper — and envelop it around a product. These machines run the gamut from flow wrappers to shrink wrappers and overwrappers.

One of the most widely used types of wrapping equipment is flow wrappers. They wrap individual packages or products by forming a continuous stream of material into a tube shape around the item that is later sealed and cut.

Shrink wrappers are another type of wrapper that uses heat-shrinkable film. These machines run all sizes of products, including items with irregular shapes or sharp edges. Shrink wrapping machines come in a wide range of formats from manual to automatic models.

Overwrappers are machines that are typically designed to package flat, straight-edged products such as cartons or flat boxes. Overwrapping equipment is often used to provide an additional layer of protection to a primary package, such as wrapping clear plastic film over a small carton containing a perfume bottle or personal care item. The overwrapping process starts by pushing the product through heat-sealable film that is cut from a larger roll. The film is then tucked and folded around the product before heated plates seal the film with a tight crease, giving the package an appearance that is reminiscent of gift wrapping.

Included in the wrapping family is a specialty type of wrapping machine: twist wrappers. Also known as bunch wrappers, these machines are widely used in the confectionery industry to package small, individual units such as hard candies, bonbons or caramel rolls. In a typical twist wrapping application, the product is fed and staged in line for wrapping. At the same time, the machine unwinds the film rollstock to get the precise amount of film needed to wrap the product, cuts the film to size, and pushes the piece to be wrapped into place around the film. Then the rotary grippers grab the two ends to quickly fold and twist film around the product, forming the double twist wrap.

Another type of wrapping commonly used for candy and confectionery items is cellophane. This popular option for packaging small products, such as candy, snack bars, and cookies, is transparent, making it easier for consumers to see the product inside. Cellophane wrappers are also commonly used for gift baskets or other decorative packages.

Wrapping isn’t limited to just plastics – foil is the material of choice in many wrapping applications. Typically used for food products, foil wrapping machines apply a layer of foil around the product, such as chocolate or candy, which helps protect it from light, heat, and moisture, which keeps the product fresh, locking in its flavor and aroma.

There are also other wrapping machines, such as pleat wrapping machines, which apply a layer of pleated material around the product for health and beauty products like soap, and roll wrapping machines, which apply a layer of wrapping material around a roll of paper, fabric or other materials.

Companies in numerous industries rely on wrapping machines and systems to save time, money, and resources, while ensuring customer satisfaction. As the technology advances, so does the efficiency and versatility of wrapping equipment, enabling manufacturers to take on new challenges and deliver high-quality products to the market.

PPMI’s ProSource directory provides you with access to our vetted OEMS and suppliers of wrapping equipment. Browse through our directory today right here to find the machine that keeps your production line competitive.