Sleeve vs spiral shrink wrapping machines

A shrink wrapping machine is a big investment, so doing your research between the different systems and units is wise. Choosing the right machinery depends on your application, factory layout, speed requirements, and operator capacity. But we have the expertise to deliver your precise packaging solution, with free award-winning servicing contracts alongside every machine.

Here, we outline the different features and benefits of sleeve wrapping machines and spiral wrapping machines, so you can make an informed decision about the best unit for your products and requirements.

What is a sleeve shrink wrapping machine?

Sleeve wrappers (or sleeve sealers) are automatic or manual machines that contain and protect products with shrink film, ready for direct shipments to customers or for extra end-of-line packaging. They’re primarily used for practicality, rather than aesthetics. Beginning at an entry-level model for low-volume productions, these machines are cost-effective options for transporting products in bulk, allowing products to be stacked on pallets while providing a solid protective layer.

How does a sleeve wrapper work?

Whether manual or automatic, inline or side feed, each sleeve sealer works in a similar process:

• A sleeve sealer has two single-wound shrink film reels, one sat above and one sat below the product to be wrapped.

• First, the machine seals these film layers together on each side, creating a ‘sleeve’ with two open ends.

• Then, the pack enters a shrink tunnel, where heat is applied to conform the film to the shape of the product within.

Sleeve sealers can also deliver totally enclosed packs, or packs with bullseye holes at either end, depending on the application. For particularly high-volume applications, our High-Speed Flight Bar Sleeve Sealer offers a sealing-jaw free mechanism for enhanced speeds and minimal maintenance.

What sleeve wrappers are best?

As well as transit packaging, our sleeve sealers are perfect for wrapping aerosols safely, thanks to their BAMA-compliant upgrades. From contract packaging to collations, furniture to food lines, this machinery alongside fully recyclable shrink film protects products against weathering or dirt during shipping. For shrink wrapping single, multipack, trayed or trayless items with ease, our Side Feed Automatic Sleeve Sealer is especially flexible. If packs are larger or longer, our Inline Automatic Sleeve Sealer can wrap widths up to three metres - and can do it fast.

What is a spiral wrapper?

Spiral wrappers (also known as orbital wrappers) apply stretch film to items to bundle them together. Like sleeve wrappers, this is done to secure products stacked together on a pallet, in order to transport or store. Whereas sleeve wrappers constrict shrink film to a product to form a complete seal, spiral wrappers wind stretch wrap around a product in a circular motion - the wrap clinging to its own adhesive surface.

How does a spiral wrapping machine work?

Spiral wrappers, whether manual (controlled by a foot pedal), semi-automatic, or automatic, work in similar ways:

• The unit’s arms lift up and the product is placed on the wrapping table centrally, either by a worker or the machine itself.

• The arms return to working position, then begin stretch wrapping around the outside of the product in a circular motion.

• The wrapping table has rollers to position and rotate the product for protection.

Spiral wrapping machines are far easier than wrapping by hand, plus you can wrap as little or as much of the product as you wish.

Are spiral wrappers or sleeve wrappers best?

As always, your precise requirements determine the best machine for your organisation. Sleeve wrappers are ultimately quicker at wrapping than spiral wrappers, and require less parts. This means, while you may invest more for a sleeve wrapper upfront, you will save significantly in the long run. Manual or semi-automatic spiral wrappers still require labour, and automation may be preferred over time.

With more than four decades of experience in shrink wrapping and stretch wrapping, YPS can help find the ideal packaging solution for your requirements. Get in touch for more guidance, or book a trial at our showroom to see our machinery and materials in action.