Guides
Practical buying guides for packaging equipment: how the machine types differ, what to check before you order, and which models fit which job. Written from the manufacturers’ own data.
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Cup Sealing Machines: Manual, Semi-Automatic and Automatic
A cup sealing machine closes drink and food cups with a heat-sealed film lid, so they can be shaken, carried and delivered without spills. Manual sealers suit low volumes, semi-automatic machines speed up the seal and cut, and automatic machines...
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Vacuum Packaging for Restaurants, Butchers and Food Processors
For restaurants, butchers and food processors, a chamber vacuum sealer is the standard machine: it packs moist products and liquids, works with smooth pouches and scales from a countertop unit to double chamber production. Size it by your largest bag...
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Propane Heat Shrink Guns: A Buyer's Guide for Pallet Shrink Wrapping
For most warehouses, a propane heat shrink gun with adjustable output, automatic gas cut-off and a complete kit is the right tool for pallet shrink wrapping. Choose a high-output gun for daily use and thick film, a lighter gun for...
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Shrink Film Types: PVC vs. Polyolefin vs. PE
Which shrink film runs on which machine? This guide compares polyolefin (POF), PVC and polyethylene (PE) using the film types and thickness ranges that Maripak, AIE and Ripack list, with a quick guide to gauge, micron and mil.
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Chamber vs. Nozzle (External) Vacuum Sealers: Which Do You Need?
Choose a chamber vacuum sealer if you pack food, liquids or moist products in bags that fit inside a chamber. Choose a nozzle (external) vacuum sealer if your bags are long, bulky or made of foil, mil-spec or ESD film,...
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How to Shrink Wrap a Pallet
Step by step: raise the pallet, size the cover, shrink the sides and top, and check the result. Based on Ripack's user manuals for its propane heat guns and the Turbopack shrink column, with safety rules and fixes for common...
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Impulse vs. Constant Heat vs. Band Sealers Explained
Use an impulse sealer for polyethylene and polypropylene bags, a constant heat sealer for foil, coated and gusseted bags, and a band sealer when bags must be sealed continuously at higher volumes. The bag material decides the sealing method; your...
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How to Choose an L-Bar Sealer and Shrink Tunnel
An L-bar sealer and a shrink tunnel work as a pair: the sealer closes the film around the product, and the tunnel shrinks it tight. Size the sealer from your largest pack and your packs per minute, then choose a...
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L-Bar Sealer vs. I-Bar Sealer: Which Do You Need?
I-bar and L-bar sealers both close centerfold shrink film around a product, but they suit very different volumes. This guide compares how they work, what they cost and when each one is the right choice, using the manufacturers' data for...
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FREE SIZING TOOLS
Not Sure What Size Equipment You Need?
Quick calculators that run in your browser – no email required. Use the result to request a quote with your numbers.
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Shrink Film Calculator
Centerfold film width, cut length per package and packages per roll.
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L-Bar Sealer & Tunnel Selector
Seal area and tunnel opening for your package, with matching Maripak machines.
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Vacuum Sealer Selector
Seal length and sealer type for your bag width, gas flush and clean room needs.
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Pallet Shrink Calculator
Shrink cover size, film per day and whether a heat gun, Multicover or Turbopack fits.
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