A automatic flow wrapping system is an automated packaging system that encloses products in flexible film. The machine forms a seal along the length of the pack and seals at both ends to create a closed package.
Because of its shape, the finished package is commonly known 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 Do Flow Wrapping Machines Work?
Flow wrapping machinery uses a continuous roll of flexible film to produce repeatable sealed packs.
1. Products Enter the Machine
Products are carried into the machine by a conveyor or integrated feeding system.
2. Packaging Film Positioning
As the item travels forward, the machine forms the flexible film around it.
3. Sealing Along the Pack
A longitudinal seal joins the film beneath or above the product, forming a continuous tube.
4. End Sealing and Cutting
End-sealing jaws close the package before cutting it into an individual pack.
5. Finished Product
The completed pillow pack leaves the machine ready for storage, transport or retail display.
Why Use a Flow Wrapping Machine?
Many manufacturers invest in flow wrapping machinery to increase production efficiency while maintaining packaging quality.
Fast Packaging Output
Depending on the machine model and product dimensions, a flow wrapper may package several thousand items each hour.
Uniform Seals and Appearance
Products pass through the same controlled sealing process. This can help keep retail packs neat and recognisable.
Lower Operator Requirements
Flow wrapping machinery limits the need for employees to wrap every product by hand. Staff can therefore be assigned to other duties.
Protection During Storage and Transport
A closed flow-wrapped pack provides protection from dust, damp conditions, contamination and physical contact during storage and transport.
Adaptable Product Handling
Current flow wrapping systems can handle a broad selection of product dimensions, shapes and film types.
Which Products Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Package?
Flow wrapping machinery can be used for many food and non-food products.
Products frequently packaged in this way include:
- Biscuits
- Cakes, bread products and other bakery goods
- Sweets, chocolate bars and confectionery
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Medical products and devices
- Pharmaceutical products
- Personal care products
- Household goods
- Small industrial and hardware parts
Its suitability for food and non-food applications makes flow wrapping a common packaging method in manufacturing.
What Films Can a Flow Wrapping Machine Use?
A flow wrapping machine can use several flexible packaging films depending on the product and application.
Available film options include:
- Biaxially oriented polypropylene film
- Polyolefin film
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyethylene terephthalate film
The most suitable film depends on the product, required shelf life, desired presentation and production environment.
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
- Hand wrapping creates a production bottleneck
- Packaging quality varies between operators
- You need more repeatable packaging results
- Labour costs are increasing
Automation may provide steadier production without reducing packaging consistency.
How Do You Choose a Flow Wrapping Machine?
The correct machine should be chosen according to the product and production requirements.
Important features include:
- Maximum production speed
- Supported product dimensions click here
- Fast and straightforward changeovers
- Printed-film registration using photocells
- Date and batch-code printing
- Compatibility with automatic feeding systems
- Clear operator controls
- Reliable sealing performance
Machine suitability will be determined by the items being packed, required output and expected business growth.
Flow Wrapping Versus Shrink Wrapping
Although both methods use flexible film, the packaging processes are different.
A flow wrapper creates a closed pillow-shaped pack using continuous film.
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.
Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Be Added to an Existing Production Line?
In many cases, yes. Many flow wrapping machines are designed to connect with existing production equipment.
The machine can work alongside feeding units, conveyor systems and labelling equipment. This allows manufacturers to raise production capacity without replacing every existing system.
Flow Wrapping Machinery from Kempner
Kempner UK 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.
Support services include machine installation, commissioning, maintenance and technical assistance. These services can help businesses keep equipment operating consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of Flow Wrapping Machinery?
A flow wrapping machine wraps separate products in flexible packaging film and produces closed pillow-shaped packs. These packs can protect products during storage, transport and retail display.
Can Food Be Packaged with a Flow Wrapper?
Yes, they are. Flow wrapping is widely used for biscuits, cakes, sweets, snack products and produce. It provides closed packaging that supports hygienic handling.
Can Flow Wrapping Machinery Package Non-Food Products?
Yes. Manufacturers use flow wrapping machinery for a range of healthcare, industrial and consumer products.
What Is the Speed of a Flow Wrapping Machine?
Operating speed depends on the machine and the product being packaged. Many high-performance machines can wrap several thousand products per hour.