Low-energy shrink-wrapping tunnel

Ocme has released a low-energy, shrink-wrapping tunnel, designed to reduce the overall carbon footprint of its high-speed shrink-wrap equipment range of packaging machines.

The development team at Ocme researched ways to reduce the energy levels for the shrink-wrapping tunnel and then implemented the following improvements: the resistance groups have been placed closer to the recirculating fans for improved thermal efficiency and improved maintenance access; remodelled airflow channelling for lower temperature of mesh conveyor, faster format change and improved pack quality; when a product is detected as missing, the tunnel automatically goes into a standby mode; and heat loss is minimised via temperature detectors on the mesh conveyor.

The speed of the servo controlled cooling fans is adjusted to reduce the heat loss of the conveyor without impacting on the melt temperature of the film. Auto closing/opening doors are installed at the infeed/outfeed of the tunnel, improving energy retention, and users now have auto speed adjustment of the conveyor.

The tunnel is claimed to save 20% energy for regular production outputs and for a cold start, and 30% reduction in start-up time when compared to its predecessor.

The features may be retrofitted to existing ovens depending on age and model.