Your Position: Home - Machinery - ShrinkWrappers

ShrinkWrappers

Dec. 23, 2024

Machinery

ShrinkWrappers

Back To Buyer's Guide

What is ShrinkWrapping?
Shrinkwrapping is a process in which film is used to completely cover a package in tight film. It is generally used to apply a thin plastic film (clear or printed) over retail type products. This process completely encloses the item in a nice presentable package.

What are the Different Types of Shrinkwrappers?

Automatic
Fully automatic sealers are the best for larger production needs. They wrap at speeds ranging from approximately 25 to 300 items per minute. They vary in price from about $19,000 to about $25,000.

Semi-Automatic (also known as "L" sealers)
L-sealers seal about 15 items per minute. They are perfect for medium to high volume. Semi-automatic machines are further broken down to "One-Step" and "Two-Step" Systems. One-Steps are self-contained machines. The "Two-Step" machines are comprised of a separate wrapper and shrink tunnel that combine to create a shrink-wrapping assembly line. Prices for semi-automatic sealers vary greatly from $1,500 all the way up to $10,000.

Advantages of "One-Step" System vs. "Two-Step" Systems

Lower costs when compared to "L" sealer and tunnel systems
Easy operation, one operator can complete sealing and shrinking in a continuous operation
Space saver, does not require separate tunnel
Easily transportable, machine stand has wheels
Visually observable shrinking, to insure optimal results
Effective batch control, product does not disappear in tunnel
Less adjustment time required between different package sizes and types
Economical operation, less energy requirements, reduced energy consumption

Manual (also known as bar sealers)
Bar sealers work as fast as the operator can use the machine. You can wrap approximately 2-3 items per minute. These machines are great for low production, and products that vary in size. They are also very reasonably priced and still offer stunning results. Prices range from $229.00 and up.

How to Choose the Right Shrinkwrapper

What is your budget?
Shrinkwrappers vary greatly in price so you have to know both your production needs and your budget. Manual shrinkwrap systems start at around 250 dollars but can only do 2-3 products a minute. Fully automatic sealers are on the opposite end of the spectrum (wrapping 300 products per minute) but can cost you over $20,000. If you plan on wrapping more than 2-3 products per a minute, you should only be considering fully automatic and semi-automatic shrinkwrappers. If you need to seal 15-20 products a minute then a semi-automatic machine will suffice. If you need to be wrapping more products, then you should purchase a fully automatic system.
How big are the items you will be wrapping?
You want to make sure that if you are buying a fully automatic system, that your products will be able to fit in the shrink tunnel you purchase. If you are purchasing a semi-automatic machine, make sure that your final product can fit in the wrapping/shrinking bin.
Do you plan on transporting your shrinkwrapper or keep it stationary?
If you plan on moving your shrink wrapper, you are better off getting a one-step sealer vs. a fully automatic system with a separate wrapper and shrink tunnel. They still have the ability to do about 15-20 products a minute and all models have wheels and are setup similarly to a BBQ grill.

Glossary

L-Sealer: This is simply another name for semi-automatic machines
Magnetic Hood Hold Down: A popular feature on many one step sealers that magnetically holds the hood of the machine closed until the shrinkwrapping process has been completed
Shrink Tunnel: After a product is covered with shrinkwrapping film, it is put through a tunnel to heat the film so it shrinks tightly around the product; Shrink tunnels only exist on fully automatic machines

Read more

Shrinkwrapping is a process in which film is used to completely cover a package in tight film. It is generally used to apply a thin plastic film (clear or printed) over retail type products. This process completely encloses the item in a nice presentable package.Fully automatic sealers are the best for larger production needs. They wrap at speeds ranging from approximately 25 to 300 items per minute. They vary in price from about $19,000 to about $25,000.L-sealers seal about 15 items per minute. They are perfect for medium to high volume. Semi-automatic machines are further broken down to "One-Step" and "Two-Step" Systems. One-Steps are self-contained machines. The "Two-Step" machines are comprised of a separate wrapper and shrink tunnel that combine to create a shrink-wrapping assembly line. Prices for semi-automatic sealers vary greatly from $1,500 all the way up to $10,000.Bar sealers work as fast as the operator can use the machine. You can wrap approximately 2-3 items per minute. These machines are great for low production, and products that vary in size. They are also very reasonably priced and still offer stunning results. Prices range from $229.00 and up.

How Much Does An L Bar Sealer Cost? Understanding Price

If you are thinking about adding an L bar sealer to your packaging line, one of the big considerations is price. How much of your budget should you set aside for this machine?

The large variations in price will bring up other questions as well. Should you get a manual or automatic sealer? Should you get an entry-level device or a state-of-the-art professional-grade machine?

As a machinery vendor who has been selling L sealers for many years, we understand the various questions that arise during the buyer's journey for L bar sealers.

In this article, we will take a look at the price differences regarding L sealers. From entry-level machines to fully automatic workhorses. We will thoroughly dissect the most important factors when preparing to buy an L sealer. It should be noted that pricing varies based on the manufacturer.

Manual L Bar Sealers

First, we will take a look at entry, mid and high-level manual L bar sealers. Manual L bar sealers require human labor to operate the machines and are designed for sealing 4-8 packages per minute.

L-bar sealers are used in shrink wrap packaging. With a single action, the operator can cut and seal shrink film by grabbing the handle and pushing it down to be level with the package. The operator will gently pull the package away from the machine. The heating wire will seal and cut off the film. Next, hot air is applied to the sealed product with a heat tunnel or, in smaller operations, a heat gun.

Entry Level Manual L Bar Sealers

Small tabletop manual L bar sealers start around $800 and up depending on size and options. As the low end of the spectrum, when it comes to functionality, they are straightforward machines designed to seal shrink film around a product before going into a heat tunnel or being shrunk with a heat gun.

Their low cost is due to their simple, manual operation and small tabletop friendly size. With a max product sealing capacity of around 18 x 18 inches, they are not suited for larger products or high volume runs of product sealing. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.

Mid Range Manual L Bar Sealers

Mid-range manual L bar sealers range in cost from $4,500 and up depending on size and options. These can be larger tabletop machines or stand-up versions with a metal stand or legs. Mid-range L bar sealers are priced competitively. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.

While they still have basic functionality, the quality of mid-range manual L bar sealers construction is usually better than the entry-level models. Furthermore, they often allow you to package more substantial items that most entry-level units cannot. For this type of sealer, you can expect to package products up to 39 x 39 inches.

Top Of The Line Manual L Bar Sealers

Top of the line manual L bar sealers generally cost $10,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines offer larger packaging dimensions than the mid-range machines. These machines are good for mid-sized packaging lines with moderate levels of product production. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.

Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers

Next, we will take a look at semi-automatic L bar sealers. Semi-automatic L bar sealers are more straightforward to run than manual machines and require an operator to work with an electrical control panel to operate the machinery.

Generally speaking, with a semi-automatic unit, the L bar will automatically seal the product after a human operator has placed the product in shrink film and then placed it in the sealer. The L bar is controlled with a simple control panel that allows you to change settings such as heat. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.

Need Help Buying Packaging Machinery?

Entry Level Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers

Entry level semi-automatic L bar sealers start at $5,000 and up depending on size and options.

They are usually equipped with a magnetic hold down mechanism that ensures your product stays in place. These machines boast a semi-automatic functionality. You will still need a human operator via a control panel.

On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute. These machines offer a simple operating procedure for the operator running the machine.

Zhongfu Packaging contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Related links:
Spiral Chute

Mid Range Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers

Mid-level semi-automatic L bar sealers range in price from $8,000 and up depending on size and options. Semi-auto L bar sealers in this range offer some unique optional features that are specific to each brand, make and model. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.

Top Of The Line Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers

Top of the line semi-automatic L bar sealers cost around $10,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines have similar features to mid-range semi-automatic L bar sealers but with higher end construction and components. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.

Automatic L Bar Sealers

Finally, we will discuss entry, mid and high-level automatic L bar sealers. Automatic L bar sealers are fully automated and do not require a human operator other than to turn on and start the machine's pre-programmed packaging process via the control panel. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.

Entry Level Automatic L Bar Sealers

Entry-level automatic L bar sealers cost around $25,000 and up depending on size and options.
They typically have a fixed lower jaw and limited height capabilities (limitations are case sensitive and based on the make and model you choose).

These machines feature fully automatic functionality that is pre-programmed. They do not require an operator to function other than programing and starting the machine. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.

Entry-level automatic L bar sealers have some of the same features as high-end semi-automatic L bar sealers with the addition of more complicated motor systems, electronics, and control panels.

Mid Range Automatic L Bar Sealers

Mid-range automatic L bar sealers cost around $30,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines are very similar to entry-level automatic L bar sealers but often feature better construction and parts. They feature more robust components, motors, and electrical elements. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.

Top Of The Line Automatic L Bar Sealers

Top of the line automatic L bar sealers cost around $35,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines are precision made with only the highest quality parts and components. They also have the capability to integrate upstream and downstream equipment into the PLC. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.

They have many of the same features as the mid-priced automatic L bar sealers but also offer a host of additional options for superior packaging capabilities that may include but are not limited to:

Vertical Seal Bar
Vertical as well as Horizontal Photo-Eye
Easy Perforating
Hot Knife Sealing
Advanced Touchscreen Control Panel
Various Sizing Capability
Scrap Unwind
Locking Casters
Closing Conveyor

How To Buy An L Bar Sealer

If you are serious about purchasing an L bar sealer, you should compare models from at least 3-4 vendors and request in-depth information about each model from each vendor. If possible, it may be a good idea to have a rep visit your packaging line in person.

This will allow for your rep to quote the appropriate machinery for your specific needs in regards to your products, packaging line, current packaging capabilities, and the required elements to run your chosen make and model of machinery.

If possible, reach out to a local packaging machinery expert and collect information from your chosen vendor about the packaging machinery you are considering. Ask them about which type of film you should be using to package your products and be sure to ask about preventative maintenance options. We here at Industrial Packaging may be a good fit for your needs if you are looking to purchase your machinery and materials from the same vendor.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Automatic l-Bar Sealer Shrink Wrapper.