Shrink Wrapping 101

Shrink Wrapping 101

Why Use Shrink Wrap?
Shrink wrapping is an effective and straightforward way to package a product without requiring costly equipment. Shrink wrapping provides:

Are you interested in learning more about Heat Shrinkable Films? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

• Crystal clear sealed packaging
• Protection from dust and moisture
• Tamper-proof packages

Essential Equipment for Shrink Wrapping

• Shrink material available as rolls of film or shrink bags
• Hand impulse sealer (with round wire)
• Heat gun

Process of Shrink Wrapping

• Place your product between the fold of the film or inside a shrink bag
• Use the sealer to cut off excess film and seal the ends closed
• Shrink the film on all sides using a heat gun

Selecting the Right Film

• Measure the width and height of your product, adding 5-10% to determine the minimal shrink bag width
• Measure the length and height of your product, adding 5-10% to find the minimal shrink bag length
• For shrink film (sold typically as centerfold film), use the smaller figure of the two measurements to determine the necessary film size
• If the precise size you need isn't available, a larger size can be used since shrink films shrink up to 40% in all directions

Faster Shrink Wrapping Needs?

If you need to shrink wrap your products faster, we offer L-bar sealers that cut and seal two sides of the film in one motion.

Models available:

• YC-300HL – 12" x 18"
• YC-450HL – 18" x 18"
• YC-600HL – 24" x 32"

We also provide self-contained L-Bar Sealers:

• W-350L – 14" x 20"
• W-500L – 20" x 26"

For even faster shrink wrapping, we carry a shrink tunnel, CN-4520.

If you're uncertain which equipment you need, please contact one of our distributors for assistance.

Pallet shrink wrap can be confusing, often mistaken for various materials. Many people look for rolls of a material that tightly stretches around pallet loads of goods. To avoid common misconceptions before purchasing pallet shrink wrap, read the following points.

Below are twelve misconceptions about pallet shrink wrap, aimed at helping bulk buyers make informed decisions.

First, genuine pallet shrink wrap includes thicker heat shrink materials that conform to pallet loads of products. The most common are pallet shrink bags, made of thick polyethylene material, fitting various pallet sizes to shrink and secure the load. Industrial or marine shrink wrap is less common. Though it is often used to wrap new machinery or equipment, it is not typically for pallet loads of goods.

• The material shrinks down – Despite the phrase, pallet shrink wrap often refers to stretch film wrapped around a pallet, giving the appearance of being shrink-wrapped through tension.

Most people searching for pallet shrink wrap want material that tightly holds products during shipment. This material is actually stretch film, which appears to shrink and conform tightly due to how it is applied.

• You must apply heat – Heat shrink materials need heat, but stretch film for pallet wrapping does not.

• Pallet shrink wrap is food grade – It is unsuitable for direct food contact unless specially made for this purpose.

• Pallet shrink wrap can be stored in the sun – Without UV inhibitors, exposure to sunlight will degrade the wrap within 30 days.

• 80 Gauge is the right thickness – While popular, it's not always the best choice due to variations in equivalent materials.

Many now use an equivalent 80-gauge wrap, providing comparable tension but with different thicknesses for specific needs. Various thicknesses are available to suit different scenarios, aiming to reduce waste and product damage.

• Pallet shrink wrap is available locally at Home Depot or Lowes – While available, bulk buying offers more options, better quality, and lower prices.

Hand-sized rolls available at these stores are good for household items, but purchasing in bulk is recommended for better values and quality.

• Hand and machine pallet shrink wrap rolls are identical – They differ significantly; machine rolls have better stretching capabilities.

Consistent tension from a wrapping machine allows machine rolls to reach higher stretch levels than hand rolls, minimizing waste and enhancing efficiency.

• Pallet shrink wrap can be applied without pulling the material – Pulling and wrapping products tightly is essential for stability during shipping.

• Pallet shrink wrap is waterproof – While typically not waterproof, heat-shrinkable pallet bags are. Adding pallet covers and sheeting can provide extra moisture protection.

• Cheaper is better – While cost-saving wraps exist, testing samples to ensure efficacy is crucial, especially with loads having sharp edges.

• Pallet shrink wrap cannot be recycled – It can be, but often isn't part of local recycling programs. Call local centers for more information.

• Food cling wrap is the same as pallet shrink wrap – Food cling wrap is not the same and is unsuitable for pallet wrapping due to different material properties and stretch capabilities.

Conclusion

Understanding these misconceptions ensures informed purchases of pallet shrink wrap, reducing product loss and improving shipping stability. For more details, visit 50mic PETG Shrink Film.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit shrink labels pet recycling.