Shrink Wrap Machines – What They Are, How They Work, and Which One You Actually Need

Shrink Wrap Machines – What They Are, How They Work, and Which One You Actually Need

Shrink wrap machines aren’t the flashiest bit of kit, we know—but if you’re in manufacturing, retail, food production or even just trying to keep your products looking sharp and protected, they’re worth their weight in gold. From neat little chamber machines to high-speed automatic lines, shrink wrapping is one of those things that just works—tidy finish, keeps things clean, and saves you hassle down the line. Whether you’re wrapping one item at a time or shifting pallets by the minute, there’s a shrink wrap machine built for the job. So let’s break it down without the waffle.

At Sontex, we’ve been in the industry for over half a century, supplying shrink wrap machinery across the UK (and even further afield). So, if you’re wondering which machine does what, and what’s right for your business, let’s break it down.

Chamber Machines – Small but Mighty

Starting simple, chamber machines are perfect for small businesses or operations that don’t need lightning speed. Think gift shops, bakeries, or artisan producers. With a chamber machine, the item, film, and sealing all happen inside one enclosed unit. You pop the product in, seal it, and the film shrinks around it—all in one go.

Great for lower volumes, but what they lack in speed, they make up for in versatility. Ideal for start-up’s and anyone who wants plug-and-play packaging.

Shrink Tunnels – The Heat Behind the Wrap

Shrink tunnels are where the real magic happens—especially if you’re scaling up. These machines use hot air to shrink the film neatly and consistently around your product as it passes through on a conveyor belt. The result? A clean, professional finish that holds everything snugly in place.

Shrink tunnels are commonly paired with L-Sealers or sleeve wrappers, but more on that in a sec. You’ll find these on production lines for anything from DVDs (remember those?) to bottled water and boxes of toiletries.

Automatic L-Sealers – Speed Meets Precision

If your output is climbing and you’re tired of hand-sealing each item, an automatic L-Sealer could be your best friend. These machines cut and seal film around the product in an L-shape pattern—automatically. Pair one with a shrink tunnel and you’re off to the races.

They’re ideal for regular-shaped products: think cosmetics, books, electronics, and more. If your items are flying off the shelves, this setup keeps up without breaking a sweat.

Side Sealers – For When Size Varies or Speed Matters

Got long or awkwardly shaped products? A side sealer gives you more flexibility. These machines seal continuously along the side of the product, meaning you’re not limited by length.

Common in the printing and mailing industries, or for products like blinds, frames, or furniture components, side sealers handle those “how on earth do we wrap this?” items without batting an eyelid.

They can also operate much faster than Automatic L-Sealers on a wide range of small to medium sized products.

Sleeve Sealers – The Heavy-Duty Option

Finally, we’ve got sleeve sealers—your go-to for heavier or bulkier items. These machines apply film sleeves around grouped products (like bottles or cans) and then shrink it tight in the tunnel.

Perfect for bundling, collating, or transit packaging, they’re often used in the drinks, food, and household goods industries. Need to shrink wrap six bottles of pop? This is your machine.