an automatic or semiautomatic machine used in piece-by-piece wrapping of mass-produced articles (such as candy, soap, and razor blades) or in wrapping of predetermined quantities of merchandise (such as pastry, sugar, and cigarettes).
A wrapping machine usually consists of a wrapping mechanism; a transporting device that receives, moves, and unloads the articles; rolls of wrapping material or a magazine with previously prepared labels (frequently both rolls and a magazine are used); and a gluing device and sometimes a counting mechanism. Depending on the construction of the wrapping machine, the articles are wrapped either on a line or on a turntable, with a periodic displacement from one operating member of the wrapping mechanism to another such member. One-, two-, or three-layer packaging can be done. Wrapping materials used include paper, cellophane, and foil. A wrapping machine can be used as an independent unit or as a part of an automatic prepacking and packaging machine. Capacity of an automatic wrapping machine for confectionary products (for instance, candy) can be as high as 600 pieces per minute; for semiautomatic machines it is from 120 to 130 pieces per minute.