A flow wrapping machine is an automated packaging system that wraps individual products in flexible packaging film. The machine forms long seals and cross seals to create a closed package.
The finished format is usually described as a pillow pack.
Rather than relying on repeated manual wrapping, flow wrapping machinery supports a continuous packaging process. This makes the equipment suitable for production lines that require fast and consistent packaging.
How Does Flow Wrapping Machinery Work?
Automatic flow wrapping equipment uses a continuous roll of flexible film to package products quickly and consistently.
1. Products Enter the Machine
A conveyor or connected feeding system automatically moves products into the machine.
2. Packaging Film Positioning
As the item travels forward, the machine forms the flexible film around it.
3. Sealing Along the Pack
The film is sealed along its length to create a continuous tube around the product.
4. Cross Sealing and Cutting
Cross seals are formed at each end before the package is cut from the continuous film.
5. The Completed Pillow Pack
The sealed package exits the machine and can then be stored, distributed or displayed.
Advantages of Flow Wrapping Machinery
Many manufacturers invest in flow wrapping machinery to increase production efficiency while maintaining packaging quality.
Fast Packaging Output
Flow wrapping machinery can process thousands of products every hour when the equipment and application allow.
Uniform Seals and Appearance
Each product receives the same seal quality and presentation. This can help maintain a uniform brand appearance.
Reduced Labour Costs
Automation reduces the amount of manual handling needed during packaging. Staff can therefore focus on other production tasks.
A Protective Film Barrier
Flow wrapping helps protect products from dust, moisture, contamination and physical damage during distribution and storage.
Packaging for Different Products
Current flow wrapping systems can handle a broad selection of product dimensions, shapes and film types.
What Can Be Packaged Using a Flow Wrapper?
Flow wrapping machinery can be used for many food and non-food products.
Common examples include:
- Individual or grouped biscuits
- Bakery products
- Sweets, chocolate bars and confectionery
- Fresh produce
- Selected frozen products
- Medical devices
- Pharmaceutical goods
- Personal care products
- Domestic and consumer products
- Hardware components
Because it can package both food and non-food goods, flow wrapping is widely used across manufacturing industries.
Flow Wrapping Film Options
Different film materials can be used according to the packaging requirements.
Available film options include:
- BOPP film
- Polyolefin packaging film
- Polyethylene (PE)
- PET film
The correct material will be determined by the product type, storage period, presentation requirements and production setting.
When Is It Time to Use Flow Wrapping Machinery?
Many businesses move to automatic flow wrapping when manual packaging begins to restrict production.
Signs that an upgrade may be needed include:
- click here
- Your required packaging output is rising
- Hand wrapping creates a production bottleneck
- Packaging quality varies between operators
- Greater consistency is required
- Labour costs are increasing
A suitable flow wrapper can raise output and produce more uniform packaging.
Key Flow Wrapper Features
Several factors should be considered when selecting flow wrapping machinery.
Important features include:
- Packaging speed
- Product size capacity
- Easy product changeovers
- Printed-film registration using photocells
- Date and batch-code printing
- Automatic feeding integration
- Clear operator controls
- Consistent and dependable seals
The correct choice depends on your products, current production volume and future growth plans.
What Is the Difference Between Flow Wrapping and Shrink Wrapping?
Although both methods use flexible film, the packaging processes are different.
A flow wrapping machine forms a sealed pillow pack from a continuous roll of film.
Shrink wrapping places film around the item and then uses heat to contract it closely around the outside.
The choice will depend on the desired pack format, the product and how it will be stored or transported.
Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Be Added to an Existing Production Line?
In many cases, yes. Current flow wrappers may be installed as part of an established production system.
The machine can work alongside feeding units, conveyor systems and labelling equipment. This allows manufacturers to raise production capacity without replacing every existing system.
Why Choose Kempner for Flow Wrapping Machines?
Kempner has more than 50 years of experience supplying packaging machinery and materials throughout the UK.
Kempner supplies both horizontal and vertical machines that can be configured for different product types.
Available options include photocell registration, date or batch coding and machine configurations for specific production needs.
Support services include machine installation, commissioning, maintenance and technical assistance. These services can help businesses support dependable long-term production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Flow Wrapper Package?
A flow wrapping machine packages individual products in flexible film to form sealed pillow packs. These packs can help shield items while they are stored, delivered or presented for sale.
Are Flow Wrappers Used for Food Packaging?
Yes, they are. Flow wrapping is widely used for bakery goods, confectionery, snacks and fresh produce. It provides a hygienic sealed pack.
Are Flow Wrappers Suitable for Non-Food Items?
Yes, they can. Manufacturers use flow wrapping machinery for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, hardware, cosmetics and consumer goods.
What Is the Speed of a Flow Wrapping Machine?
Packaging speed is affected by the equipment model, pack format and item being handled. Many high-performance machines can wrap several thousand products per hour.