The Critical Role of Film Feed and Forming: Choosing Between Standard and Inverted Flow Wrap Machines

When designing a production line, one of the most fundamental decisions occurs long before the product reaches the sealing jaws. It happens at the “forming” stage. While all flow wrap machines transform a flat roll of film into a sealed tube, the direction from which that film arrives—and how the product enters it—dictates the success of your packaging operation.

At Record Packaging, we guide our clients through the two primary configurations of film feed. Understanding the difference is the key to reducing waste, maintaining hygiene, and preventing costly machine downtime on your flow wrap line.

Standard Top-Film-Feed: The Gravity-Assisted Classic

How it works: In a standard flow wrap configuration, the film roll is mounted above the conveyor. The film is drawn down into an adjustable forming box, creating a tube that the product is pushed into by a lug-chain or belt.

• Best for: Uniform, solid, and non-sticky items that slide easily across stainless steel.
• Common Machines: Record Scorpion E, Record Sparrow, Panda 1000.
• The User: Manufacturers of biscuits, chocolate bars, multipacks of sponges, and boxed hardware. If your product is robust enough to be “pushed” from behind without buckling or sticking to the machine bed, the standard top-feed flow wrap system is the fastest and most efficient way to package.

Inverted Bottom-Film-Feed: The “Cradle” Approach

How it works: In an inverted flow wrap system, the film is mounted below the product. The film is fed upwards, and the product is placed directly onto the moving film itself. The film essentially “cradles” the product as it travels towards the sealing head.

• Best for: Items that are sticky, soft, heavy, or composed of multiple loose parts.
• Common Machines: Record Superb 550, Inverted Scorpion models.
• The User: Producers of soft cheeses, sticky cinnamon buns, fresh poultry, and loose vegetables. Because the product is carried by the film rather than pushed through it, there is no friction against the machine’s surface. This prevents delicate products from deforming and sticky products from jamming the flow wrap process.

“Production efficiency is often won or lost at the infeed. A standard flow wrap machine is a speed demon for robust goods, but trying to push a sticky or delicate product through one is a recipe for disaster. The Inverted feed was engineered specifically to solve those ‘un-wrappable’ challenges, ensuring that even the most difficult products reach the consumer in perfect condition.”

Robert Murphy, Sales Director at Record Packaging Systems.

Call +44 (0)161 864 3971, email sales@recordpackaging.com or discover our complete range of Industrial Flow Wrap Machines here.