What Is a Flow Wrapping Machine?

A flow wrapper is an automated packaging system that surrounds products with a continuous flexible film. The machine forms long seals and cross seals to create a closed package.

The completed package is often called a pillow pack because of its shape.

Unlike manual packaging methods, flow wrapping machines are built for continuous production. This makes the equipment suitable for businesses that need to package large quantities efficiently.

What Is the Flow Wrapping Process?

Flow wrapping machinery uses a continuous roll of flexible film to produce repeatable sealed packs.

1. Product Feeding

Products enter the wrapping section through an automatic conveyor or feeding arrangement.

2. Film Forming

The machine guides the film around each product during the packaging process.

3. Longitudinal Sealing

A longitudinal seal joins the film beneath or above the product, forming a continuous tube.

4. The Pack Is Sealed and Separated

The machine creates end seals and then separates each pack from the film web.

5. The Completed Pillow Pack

Once sealed and cut, the finished pack moves out of the machine ready for handling, delivery or sale.

What Are the Benefits of Flow Wrapping Machines?

Flow wrapping equipment can help manufacturers improve output and produce consistent packs.

Increased Production Rates

Automatic systems can package thousands of products per hour, depending on the product and machine specification.

Consistent Packaging Quality

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.

Product Protection

Flow wrapping helps protect products from dust, moisture, contamination and physical damage during distribution and storage.

Adaptable Product Handling

The equipment can be configured for varied product formats and packaging materials.

What Can Be Packaged Using a Flow Wrapper?

A flow wrapper is suitable for a wide selection of food and manufactured goods.

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

Flow wrapping is used throughout many industries because it can handle both edible products and manufactured items.

Which Packaging Films Work with Flow Wrappers?

A flow wrapping machine can use several flexible packaging films depending on the product and application.

Frequently used films include:

Biaxially oriented polypropylene film
Polyolefin film
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene terephthalate film

Film selection should take account of the item, shelf-life needs, pack appearance and operating conditions.

Should Your Business Move to Automatic Flow Wrapping?

An automatic flow wrapper may become suitable when manual processes start slowing the production line.

A flow wrapping machine may be suitable if:

Production volumes continue to increase
Manual packaging slows the production line
Packaging quality varies between operators
You need more repeatable packaging results
Manual packaging is becoming more expensive

Automatic packaging can improve productivity while maintaining consistent pack quality.

What Features Should You Look for in Flow Wrapping Machinery?

The correct machine should be chosen according to the product and production requirements.

Useful machine features include:

Maximum production speed
Supported product dimensions
Fast and straightforward changeovers

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Photocell registration for printed films
Date and batch-code printing
Automatic feeding integration
User-friendly controls
Reliable sealing performance

Machine suitability will be determined by the items being packed, required output and expected business growth.

How Do Flow Wrappers Differ from Shrink Wrap Machines?

Both systems package products in flexible material, although their operating methods differ.

Flow wrapping machinery forms film around the product before applying length and end seals.

With shrink wrapping, the product is enclosed in film that shrinks when it passes through a heat tunnel.

The right method depends on the required appearance, product type and handling conditions after packaging.

Flow Wrapping Machine Integration

In many cases, yes. Flow wrapping machinery can often be integrated with equipment already in use.

The machine can work alongside feeding units, conveyor systems and labelling equipment. This allows manufacturers to increase packaging output without rebuilding the entire production process.

Kempner Flow Wrapping Systems

Kempner has supplied packaging machines and materials across the UK for over five decades.

The available machinery includes horizontal and vertical flow wrappers for food and non-food applications.

Available options include photocell registration, date or batch coding and machine configurations for specific production needs.

Kempner also provides installation, commissioning, servicing and ongoing technical support. These services can help businesses keep equipment operating consistently.

Questions About Flow Wrapping Machinery