Most problems with wicket bags for automatic packing are not about the film at all. They come from a lip that is too short, holes that sit a few millimetres off, or a stack that is too tight for the blower to open. The bag has to fit the machine as precisely as a part fits an assembly. This post lists the measurements and properties that matter, so your first order runs on the line instead of sitting in the warehouse.
How a wicket bagger works
A stack of bags hangs on a wire wicket through holes punched in an extended lip. A jet of air inflates the top bag, the product is pushed in by hand, scoop or pusher arm, and the filled bag is pulled off. The bag tears along a perforation or slit next to the wicket holes, leaving the lip behind on the wire. Every one of those actions depends on a dimension you can specify.
The specification checklist for wicket bags for automatic packing
| Item | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket wire | Wire diameter and shape (U or straight pins) | Holes must slide on without tearing |
| Hole spacing | Centre-to-centre distance and distance from bag edge | Off-centre holes skew the stack and jam the blower |
| Lip (flap) depth | Length of the extended back panel | Too short and the bag tears early; too long wastes film |
| Tear-off line | Perforation or slit type next to the holes | Controls how cleanly bags release |
| Stack count | Bags per wicket | Affects changeover frequency and blower opening |
| Gusset and size | Width, length, bottom gusset depth | Must match the product and the filling chute |
| Film surface | Slip level and static | Too much cling and bags open in pairs |
The safest source for these numbers is the machine itself. Ask your maintenance team for the wicket drawing, or send your supplier a few bags that already run well. A physical sample removes guesswork.
Film choices for machine running
LDPE is the usual base because it opens easily and seals well. HDPE gives a stiffer bag that some baggers prefer for speed, while LLDPE added to the blend improves toughness for heavier or colder products. The surface of the film matters as much as the polymer. If bags stick together, the blower lifts two at once; if they are too slippery, the stack can slide on the pins. A supplier can adjust slip additives and corona treatment to find the right balance.
Printed wicket bags need the print positioned clear of the lip and tear line, so ink does not interfere with the perforation. Food-contact items Hanpak supplies use resin that complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520.
Packing the stacks for transport
Wicket stacks are usually held together with a cardboard or plastic stiffener and packed flat in cartons. Crushed cartons bend the lip and the holes stop lining up. Ask for carton dimensions that fill the pallet without overhang, and for a lot number on every pack so a problem stack can be traced. Hanpak sends production photos while the order runs, so you can check hole position and stacking before goods are loaded.
Before approving a sample, run at least one full stack on your machine, not just a handful of loose bags. Problems with static and stacking only show up when the bag is at the bottom of a full wicket. If the last bags misbehave, we usually look at slip level first rather than changing the gauge.
From the Hanpak team
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one wicket bag design fit different machines?
Only if the machines share the same wicket spacing and lip requirements. Many plants standardise these across lines, which simplifies ordering. If yours differ, order separate specs and label the cartons clearly.
How long does a custom wicket bag order take?
For Hanpak bag orders, plan on 4 to 6 weeks for a first order and 3 to 4 weeks for repeats, counted from sample approval. MOQ is flexible and quoted per size and design.
Bakeries can read more in our post on wicketed bread bags for efficient bakery packaging, and the full range is on our wicket and bread bags page.
Send us your machine details
Share the wicket drawing or a sample bag that runs on your line, and we will quote within 48 hours. Request a quote or samples here, or message us on WhatsApp.