How To Make Sure That You Are Choosing The Right Shrink Film

Shrinkwrap is one of the significant investments that you make for your packaging applications, and it can offer a promising return on that investment. However, you will need to make sure that you are going for the right shrink wrap film.

A shrink wrap film may be composed of many materials, and it may come in different sizes and styles. A shrink film refers to any plastic wrapping material that shrinks to mold into the shape of the product after the introduction of heat through a heat gun.

In this article, we will discuss ways to find the best shrink wrap film. A lot in this regard depends on the type of material used in the making of shrink film. These materials include polyolefin, PVC, Polypropylene, and Polyethylene. Understanding the functions of each of these materials in a shrink film can help you pick the right shrink wrapping material for your packaging applications.

Know the size of your product

To pick the right shrink wrap film, you are going to need to know the dimensions of your product. Dimensions refer to the height, width, and length.

Here is what you may want to know.

• If you are packaging heavier products with sharp edges, you are going to need to use polyethylene shrink wrap film, which is available in 200-gauge. These films come in varying thicknesses, from 2 Mil to 12 Mil.
• Polyolefin shrink wrap is a very popular shrink wrapping option due to being a food-grade material. The FDA approves it for direct food contact. This film is available in different thicknesses.
• PVC Shrinkwrap is another option that you can use for the packaging of your products. It requires low heat to shrink, and the shrink rate of this material is 40%.

Estimating production levels

Another factor that you will need to consider while selecting a type of shrink wrap film is your production level. This way, you will also be able to determine the type of machinery you need.

If you are working with smaller production levels, you will need to use shrink bags and tubing with a heat sealer. This system will help you prepare 200 or fewer packages a day. To meet the requirements of higher production levels, you are going to need to use a single wound and counter folded film.

Machines also vary, depending on the production levels. Production times may range from one product to several products per minute. These machines can be semi-automatic and fully automatic.

Transportation stress

You can shrink wrap anything from small products to larger boats. The type of film you use will depend on the size and weight of the product and the distance this product has to cover to reach its destination. If the product has to remain in the open storage, you are going to need to use UVI inhibitors to prevent the ultraviolet breakdown of the outer packaging. If the product has to go through harsher shipping environments, you will need to use polyethylene shrink wrap.

You can speak with your packaging supplier to know the best option.