When buyers search for a shrink wrapping machine, two common choices are the L bar sealer and the side sealing machine. Both can work with shrink film and a heat shrink tunnel, but they fit different product sizes, speeds and packaging layouts. Choosing the wrong sealing method can limit production speed or make the package less stable.
What is an L bar sealer?
An L bar sealer uses an L-shaped sealing frame to seal and cut shrink film around the product. It is widely used for boxes, bottles, cups, books, toys, cosmetics and retail packages. The machine is simple to operate and can be semi-automatic or automatic. For many medium-speed shrink packaging projects, an L bar sealer is the most practical starting point.
For standard retail shrink packs, see the FQL450 L bar sealer shrink wrapping machine. For taller or larger products, Longteng also offers vertical L type sealing machines such as the CZL550 vertical L type sealing machine.
What is a side sealing machine?
A side sealing machine is better for continuous shrink packaging. It seals along the side of the package and is suitable for longer products, higher output and automatic production lines. It is commonly used for cartons, bottles, trays, beverage packs, daily chemical products and bundled products.
For larger cartons and bottles, Longteng recommends the BF950 side sealer shrink packaging machine. It can connect with a shrink tunnel and conveyors to build a full automatic heat shrink packaging line.
How to choose between them
If the product size is not too long and the required speed is moderate, an L bar sealer is usually cost-effective and flexible. If the product is long, the line needs continuous running, or the output is high, a side sealing machine is often the better choice. Film type is also important: POF is common for retail packs, while PE film is often used for beverage and carton bundles.
Information Longteng needs for machine selection
- Product size and weight
- Single product or bundle packaging format
- Film type: POF, PE or other shrink film
- Expected packs per minute
- Factory layout and conveyor direction
Send your product details to Longteng Machinery. We will recommend a suitable shrink packaging machine, L bar sealer, side sealing machine or complete shrink tunnel line.
