A shrink wrap machine RFQ should define the product range, finished package, film, sustainable output, operator boundary, site utilities, line interfaces and acceptance test. Sending only “automatic shrink wrapper” invites suppliers to quote different scopes that cannot be compared.
Use one controlled RFQ package for every bidder. Identify representative products that describe normal production and limiting products that challenge a specific machine constraint. Require each supplier to list assumptions, deviations, options and exclusions against the same requirement numbers.
1. Product and Package Data
Provide a table with every representative SKU:
- Product name and drawing or photo reference.
- Length, width, height and weight in running orientation.
- Representative products for normal run-rate and changeover evaluation.
- Limiting products for seal envelope, tunnel opening, film width, weight, stability, heat sensitivity or handling.
- Shape, stability, surface and heat sensitivity.
- Single item, set, tray or multipack.
- Required film coverage and acceptable end openings.
- Label, barcode, vent and presentation requirements.
- Approved sample or acceptance description.
Do not assume the product with the greatest overall volume or dimensions is the only limiting SKU. A different product can be widest, tallest, least stable or most heat-sensitive. Give every test sample a unique identifier and require the quote to state which samples were evaluated and which remain untested.
2. Film Specification
State current or proposed material, grade, gauge, web width, fold or sleeve format, roll diameter, core, unwind direction, print, perforation and purchasing restrictions. If the supplier may recommend film, require the proposed specification to be identified rather than described only as “compatible film.”
3. Output and Production Pattern
Request a sustainable accepted rate by SKU family. Include shifts, hours, run quantities, peak periods, changeover frequency, upstream arrival pattern and downstream capacity. Distinguish required output from a desired machine maximum.
4. Automation Boundary
Define who or what performs:
- Product loading and orientation.
- Spacing or metering.
- Film replenishment and splice handling.
- Unloading and inspection.
- Reject removal.
- Recipe selection and changeover.
- Normal alarm reset and technical service.
5. Site and Utilities
Provide available voltage, phase, frequency, compressed air, ventilation, ambient conditions, floor space, line height, access, floor loading and maintenance clearance. Include layout drawings and the route for delivery and rigging.
6. Mechanical and Control Interfaces
List upstream and downstream equipment, conveyor widths and heights, product gaps, speeds, accumulation, sensors, stop/run handshakes, emergency-stop philosophy, reject logic, network or data needs and control responsibility.
7. Safety and Documentation
Request guarding description, safety-device list, risk documentation offered, electrical and pneumatic drawings, manuals, parts lists, maintenance schedule, training scope and applicable documentation for the destination market. Do not request a certification or standard without defining which version and deliverable the project requires.
8. Testing and Acceptance
Define sample quantities, SKUs, film, test duration, accepted rate, seal criteria, package appearance, product condition, rejects, changeover and evidence format. Use the factory acceptance test checklist to turn these into pass/fail criteria.
9. Commercial Scope
Require the quote to state:
- Equipment and model configuration.
- Included conveyors, tunnel, cooling, guarding and controls.
- Options and recommended spares.
- Quote currency, validity period and applicable taxes.
- Packing, delivery basis, freight, duties and named delivery point.
- Estimated lead time, shipment assumptions and delivery schedule.
- Installation, commissioning and training.
- Warranty start point, duration, coverage and exclusions.
- Remote and on-site support hours, rates, travel basis and response assumptions.
- Payment milestones, cancellation terms and change-order process.
- Customer-supplied work, utilities, labor and materials.
The cost guide helps identify costs that sit outside the base machine price.
Bid Comparison Rule
Create a compliance matrix with one row per requirement and columns for comply, deviation, option, exclusion and evidence. Add a separate column for the representative or limiting SKU used to support each performance response. Do not score a blank response as compliance. Resolve technical and commercial scope differences before comparing total price.
Review what a shrink wrap machine is if internal stakeholders need the process boundary. Send the completed brief to the SelectPack shrink wrap machine team for a configuration-based response.
