a heat sealing wheel assembly of a shrink wrap machine reduces thermoplastic film waste during the side cutting and sealing process . the relative diameters of the heat wheel and heating hub of the heat sealing wheel assembly are configured to create an annular region towards the outer circumference of the heat wheel . this creates a space to permit closer engagement of the gripping mechanism for grasping and guiding the edge of thermoplastic film next to the point of contact of the opposing heat wheel edges , and avoids the obstruction normally caused by the heating hub . the closer gripping engagement reduces the amount of film that must extend out from the point of sealing contact of the heat wheels , resulting in less waste during the side sealing process .