Quick answer
Start with the product you need to wrap, its dimensions, your required output and how the machine will fit into the rest of the line. Compare the complete setup, including sealing, heat tunnel, infeed, utilities and service support. Ask the supplier to demonstrate the configuration with your product and film, and make sure the quote identifies everything included.
Do you need shrink wrapping, bundling or another method?
Decide which packaging method your product and customers need before you compare machines. Shrink wrapping protects or presents individual products, shrink bundling groups several items into one pack, and stretch wrapping secures pallet loads. Each solves a different problem, so the right machine starts with the right method for your product.
Shrink wrapping
Film is placed around the product and sealed, then heat shrinks it tight.
Shrink bundling
Several products are grouped into a single pack, commonly using shrink film.
Other methods
Stretch wrapping, cartons and cases solve different problems. Stretch wrapping pallet loads, for example, is a different task from shrink wrapping individual products.
How does a shrink wrap machine work?
A shrink wrap machine surrounds the product with film, seals the film around it, then passes the package through a heat tunnel that shrinks the film tight. A complete setup is more than one machine: film handling, sealing, the tunnel, conveyors and controls all have to work together, so compare each part and ask how they connect.
- Film handling and sealing. How film is fed around the product and sealed. Sealer styles differ, so ask which suits your product.
- Shrink tunnel. Applies heat to shrink the film. Tunnel size and heat control should match your product and film.
- Infeed and outfeed. Conveyors that bring product in and carry it out, and connect to your line.
- Controls. How operators set up, change over and monitor the machine.
- Utilities. Electrical service and any compressed air the setup needs.
What should you look for in a shrink wrap machine?
Look for a machine that handles your full range of product sizes, your film and the output you need, with changeovers your team can manage. Define these requirements before you ask for quotes, then ask each supplier to show how the quoted setup meets them, ideally with a demonstration using your product and film.
- The smallest and largest products you will run, with dimensions and weight
- The film type you plan to use, confirmed with your film supplier
- The output you need, and over how many shifts
- Manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic operation
- How often you change between products
- Floor space, and how the machine connects upstream and downstream
- Who will operate and maintain it
Rated speed is not line output. A machine's advertised maximum is measured under particular conditions. Your achieved output depends on your product, film, changeovers and the rest of the line. Ask for a demonstration with your product.
Where can you buy a shrink wrap machine?
Shrink wrap machines are sold by manufacturers, authorized distributors and used-equipment dealers. Searching online or asking an AI assistant for U.S. manufacturers is a reasonable place to start. Then check each company directly before relying on it, and confirm it can support the machine with service and parts where you operate.
- Confirm the company makes or is authorized to sell the equipment it offers.
- Ask for references from businesses with similar products.
- Ask where service technicians are based and how parts are supplied in your area.
- Ask for a demonstration with your product and film, in person or on video.
- Get installation, training and warranty terms in writing.
Should you buy a new or used shrink wrap machine?
Either can work. New equipment comes with a current specification, a warranty and manufacturer support, and may have a lead time. Used equipment can be available sooner, but ask about maintenance history, parts availability for the model, controls and software support, safety guarding and who handles removal, shipping and installation. See the used equipment buying checklist.
How much does a shrink wrap machine cost?
The price of a shrink wrap machine depends on the level of automation, the sealer and tunnel, the conveyors included, its age and condition, and the seller. Installation, change parts and training can add to the total, so get a written quote for the exact setup and compare quotes line by line with the worksheet below.
Worksheet
Packaging-equipment quote comparison
Fill in each quote side by side. Leave unknowns visible rather than assuming they are included.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine make, model and year | |||
| New or used, and condition | |||
| Wrapping method and sealer type | |||
| Shrink tunnel included | |||
| Infeed and outfeed conveyors | |||
| Product size range supported | |||
| Output demonstrated with your product | |||
| Change parts and tooling | |||
| Electrical and compressed air needs | |||
| Delivery and rigging | |||
| Installation and training | |||
| Warranty and service terms | |||
| Quoted price |
Seller name and date of each quote are worth recording at the top of the sheet.
Blank worksheet for comparing up to three packaging equipment quotes
Have a machine or quote in mind?
Tell us about the equipment. If you have a quote, include it. Options for packaging equipment depend on your business, the equipment and the financing provider's review. See thepackaging equipment buying guide for other machines on the line.