1. General Introduction

2. Machine Components

• Conveyor System:
  • The conveyor belt is a key part of the machine. It is responsible for transporting the mineral water bottles into and through the packaging area. The speed of the conveyor can be adjusted to match the production rate. For example, it can be set to a slower speed for precise alignment during the packaging process or a faster speed for high - volume production runs. The conveyor is usually made of durable materials such as rubber or PVC to ensure smooth movement of the bottles and can handle a certain weight range of the products.
• Film Feeding Unit:
  • This unit is used to supply the heat shrinkable film. The film is usually in the form of a roll and is carefully unwound and guided to cover the bottles. The film feeding unit has mechanisms to control the tension of the film to prevent it from wrinkling or tearing. Different types of heat shrink films can be used, such as polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. PE films are often preferred due to their good flexibility and environmental - friendliness.
• Sealing and Cutting Mechanism:
  • The sealing component is used to seal the heat shrink film around the bottles. It typically uses heat - sealing technology, where the film edges are heated and pressed together to form a sealed enclosure around the bottles. The sealing temperature and pressure can be adjusted according to the type of film used. After sealing, the cutting mechanism cuts the film to separate the packaged bottles from the continuous film roll. This ensures that each set of bottles is individually packaged.

3. Working Process

• Bottles Placement: The mineral water bottles are first placed onto the conveyor belt, either manually or through a semi-automated loading system. They are arranged in an orderly manner, usually in a specific pattern such as a single row or multiple rows, depending on the packaging requirements.
• Film Wrapping: As the bottles move along the conveyor, the film feeding unit wraps the heat - shrinkable film around the bottles. The film is carefully draped over the bottles to ensure complete coverage. The tension of the film is maintained to avoid any loose or wrinkled areas.
• Sealing and Cutting: The bottles, now covered with the film, pass through the sealing and cutting mechanism. The sealing jaws apply heat and pressure to seal the film edges. The temperature of the sealing jaws is set to the appropriate level for the film material, usually in the range of 120-200 degrees Celsius for PE films. After sealing, the cutting mechanism precisely cuts the film to separate the packaged bottles.
• Heat - Shrinking: The packaged bottles then enter the heat - shrinking tunnel. The tunnel is equipped with heating elements that generate hot air. The temperature inside the tunnel can be adjusted, usually between 150-250 degrees Celsius. The hot air causes the heat shrink film to contract tightly around the bottles, conforming to their shape and providing a snug and professional looking package.

4. Advantages

• Cost - Efficiency: Semi - automatic machines are more cost-effective compared to their fully automatic counterparts. They require a lower initial investment, making them a suitable choice for small to medium sized bottling operations. This allows businesses to achieve a good level of packaging automation without a huge capital outlay.
• Flexibility: The machine offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of packaging. It can handle different bottle sizes and shapes with some adjustments. For example, if a bottling company wants to package both standard - sized mineral water bottles and a new line of uniquely - shaped bottles, the semi-automatic heat shrink packaging machine can be adjusted to accommodate these changes.
• Product Protection: The heat shrink film provides excellent protection to the mineral water bottles. It acts as a barrier against dust, moisture, and minor physical damage. This helps to maintain the quality and integrity of the product during storage and transportation.

5. Applications

This type of packaging machine is widely used in the mineral water and beverage industry. It is also applicable for packaging other similar products such as soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks. Additionally, it can be used for packaging non-beverage products such as small bottles of cosmetics or toiletries that require a similar level of protection and an attractive packaging appearance.