Shrink Bundlers

How to Choose a PE Shrink Bundler

A PE shrink bundler groups products and wraps them in polyethylene film, which is thicker and stronger than the polyolefin film used for retail packs. The result is a bundle that holds its shape on a pallet and can replace a corrugated case for many products.

What a bundler does

Products arrive on the motorized infeed conveyor. The machine wraps them in PE film, seals the film with a blade guided on linear bearings and carries the bundle through the built-in shrink tunnel. The tunnel shrinks the film tight, leaving open "bull's eyes" at the ends, a typical look for bottle and can multipacks.

Choosing the size

Size the bundler by the largest bundle you will wrap. The Multimac D 60 has a 27″ cross seal and a 24″ belt; the Multimac D 80 a 33″ cross seal and a 31″ belt; the Multimac D 100 a 41″ cross seal and a 39″ belt. All three have a 16″ seal bar opening.

Speed

Per Maripak, the Multimac runs at about 20 cycles per minute, or up to 35 in the servo version, depending on bundle size and film. Plan the infeed so products arrive grouped and spaced correctly, because uneven spacing slows the machine down.

Film

The Multimac uses PE film of 1–3 mil (30–80 micron). Options include printed film with registration mark detection, film roll holders for top and bottom film at waist height, and a spare roll holder with manual splicing.

Power and compressed air

The machines run on 220 V 3-phase power (64 A, 80 A or 96 A depending on size), with 480 V 3-phase available made to order. They require compressed air at 6 bar. Plan both before ordering.

Controls

Encoder-controlled speed, automatic length detection and sensor/PLC-controlled feeding keep the bundles uniform. Format changes for different bundle sizes are programmed on the color touchscreen, and a production counter shows current and total output.

Grouping and infeed

A bundler wraps what arrives on its infeed, so the products must be grouped before they reach it, for example 2 × 3 bottles or 4 × 6 cans. Many lines use a grouping or collating conveyor in front of the bundler. Plan the grouping together with the bundler, because it determines the bundle size and the speed you can reach. Bottles and cans that tip easily need a stable, evenly spaced infeed.

Typical products

Water and soft drink bottles, canned food and beverages, jars, household and cleaning products, and cartons that ship together. Bundlers are often placed at the end of a filling line.

Running costs

PE film is the main running cost. A bundle wrapped in film uses less material than a corrugated case and often needs no tray, depending on the product and the shipping requirements. Wear parts such as the sealing blade and conveyor belts are replaced as needed; keep a list of spare parts for your model.

Flow direction

The standard product flow is right-to-left; left-to-right is available as an option, so the bundler fits into your existing line layout.

Delivery and installation

Maripak machines ship by freight from Maripak USA in Allentown, Pennsylvania, usually crated on a pallet. Plan a delivery with a loading dock or forklift, or ask for a liftgate delivery, and check door widths on the way to the installation spot. Installation, start-up and operator training by Maripak technicians can be quoted with the machine.

Compare the models

For retail shrink packs with polyolefin film, see L-Bar Sealers and Side Sealers. Read Shrink Film Types: PVC vs. Polyolefin vs. PE and visit the Maripak brand page.