How tray shrink wrapping works
Tray shrink wrapping normally uses a sleeve sealer and heat tunnel to wrap film around products that are already held in a tray, pad or stable group. The tray gives support while the shrink film provides containment and handling security.
Machine selection depends on tray length, tray width, product height, film overlap and the desired finish after the heat tunnel. The line must also allow for stable transfer into and out of the shrink tunnel.
Tray details that affect the machine
- Open tray, cardboard tray, pad or unsupported group.
- Tray footprint and product overhang.
- Pack weight and how operators handle finished packs.
- Film thickness and required shrink tightness.
- Tunnel width, height clearance and belt speed.
| Tray support | Confirms whether the pack is stable enough for transfer and shrinking. |
|---|---|
| Film overlap | Affects seal quality and finished appearance. |
| Tunnel setup | Airflow and temperature should match the film and pack size. |