1. Preparation of Bath Bombs
Before packaging, the bath bombs should be inspected to ensure they are in perfect condition. They are usually made in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Make sure there are no cracks or deformities as these could affect the packaging process. The bath bombs are then placed on a conveyor belt or a suitable feeding mechanism that leads them to the shrink wrap machine.
2. Loading the Shrink Wrap Machine
The shrink wrap machine needs to be set up properly. First, the roll of shrink wrap film is loaded onto the machine. The film should be of high - quality, usually made of materials like PVC or polyethylene, which are suitable for heat - shrinking and provide good protection. The machine has rollers and guides that help the film unwind smoothly. Adjust the tension of the film according to the requirements of the packaging process to ensure it doesn't get wrinkled or torn during operation.
3. Positioning the Bath Bombs
As the bath bombs move along the conveyor belt towards the wrapping area of the machine, they are positioned carefully. The machine may have sensors or mechanical guides to ensure that each bath bomb is centered and in the correct position within the film. This step is crucial to get an even and proper wrap around the bath bomb.
4. Wrapping the Bath Bombs
The shrink wrap film is then drawn over the bath bomb. The machine may use a combination of rollers and folding mechanisms to wrap the film around the bath bomb completely. The ends of the film are usually sealed either by heat sealing or using adhesive strips in some cases. The heat sealing process involves heating the edges of the film to melt them together, creating a tight seal. The temperature and pressure for heat sealing are adjusted based on the type of film used to ensure a strong and durable seal.
5. Shrinking the Film
After the bath bomb is wrapped, it enters the shrinking tunnel of the machine. The shrinking tunnel is equipped with heating elements that heat the film evenly. As the film heats up, it shrinks tightly around the bath bomb, conforming to its shape. The temperature in the shrinking tunnel is carefully controlled. It usually ranges from 120 - 200 degrees Celsius depending on the type of shrink wrap film. The speed of the conveyor belt through the shrinking tunnel is also adjusted to ensure that the film shrinks properly without overheating or under-shrinking.