Try exploring different types of automatic packaging machines

If you're in the market for automatic packaging machines, you'll find yourself with a variety of different types of machinery. Some machines use steam. Others use hot air. Each automatic packaging machine is designed for a specific application.
Using the wrong constriction channel for the wrong application can lead to a variety of undesired problems such as waste, downtime, costly repairs, and potentially injury. When buying an automatic packaging machine, you will have a lot of questions about the equipment.
Ultimately, you just need to know which automatic packaging machine is right for your product. Fortunately, it's a very easy process to determine the best machine for your needs after you do some homework!
Industrial packaging has used automatic packaging machines for generations. In that time, we've become experts at various makes and models of automatic wrappers, what makes geckos jump, how to keep them running smoothly, and how to easily fix them when they eventually break.
Using the information in this article, you will be able to select the right machine for your automatic packaging machine application and product packaging needs.
What exactly is an automatic packaging machine?
Automatic packaging machines (also commonly referred to as hot tunnels) are metal tunnels that sit over or are built around conveyors. The lanes have heating elements that heat the product as it passes through the machine. Your products are conveyed through the tunnel and covered with loose shrink film. As your product passes over the heating element, the film shrinks evenly around the item due to the heat.
Different types of automatic packaging machines
Steam automatic packaging machine
The steam shrink tunnel uses steam instead of hot air to generate the heat needed to shrink the plastic substrate on the product. Vapor channels are most commonly used in tamper-evident packaging applications, such as shrink sleeves.
Although steam automatic wrappers are not pneumatic machines and therefore do not require an industrial-grade air compressor, they do require a water supply. Therefore, when considering buying a steam automatic packaging machine, you need to understand that these machines will be more expensive as they require a utility to be used.
Self-contained steam automatic packaging machine
There is a variation of the vapor shrink tunnel called a freestanding vapor shrink tunnel. A self-contained tunnel differs from a standard steam tunnel in that it has an internal steam generator that generates steam without additional accessories. In contrast, a traditional steam tunnel needs to transport steam into the machine, which requires additional components.
You may need to have a steam engineer on the payroll to operate your steam tunnel, as some states require special training and licenses to operate these types of automatic wrappers.
Steam automatic wrappers are purpose built to run on product lines where quality and high end graphics are prized. If your product requires on-site registration, vibrant colors, flawless typography, and long-term consistency, then a steam shrink tunnel is for you.
The vapor constriction channels allow for highly uniform heat transfer, which is better than hot air systems. Steam based machinery has high precision register capability and better shape forming. This means the sleeve will fit tighter and more evenly, and the image and aesthetics will look better on the sleeve for better shelf appeal.
Steam tunnels are a good option when packaging high pressure packed containers or flammable products.
Convection automatic packaging machine
Through a convection shrink tunnel (also known as a hot air shrink tunnel), hot machine-generated air is blown onto the plastic sleeve that surrounds the item being packaged. The heat shrinks the sleeve evenly around the product.
The hot air is blown out of modules called "baffles". The modules direct the heat in any desired direction, allowing for a good distribution of heated or cooled air. Packaging of board games and frozen pizza boxes are common applications for this type of machine.
Radiation automatic packaging machine
The radiation automatic packaging machine uses radiation as the heat source of the tunnel. A sleeve in the machine absorbs this infrared light. Radiant automatic packaging machines are ideal for packaging applications that require a reduced percentage of shrinkage. Radiation tunnels are commonly used for shrink-seal tape and other types of tamper-evident packaging materials.