Plastic Shrink Film: A Comprehensive Guide

Plastic shrink film is a versatile packaging material that can be used for a wide range of applications, from protecting delicate items during shipping to creating eye-catching displays in retail stores.

It's a type of plastic film that shrinks when heat is applied, allowing it to conform tightly to the shape of the item it's wrapping. This makes it perfect for packaging irregularly shaped items.

Plastic shrink film is made from a type of plastic called polyethylene, which is a thermoplastic that can be melted and reformed multiple times without breaking down. This makes it a great choice for packaging applications where the film will be exposed to heat.

Plastic shrink film is available in a range of thicknesses, from 1.5 mil to 6 mil, with the thicker films offering more protection for delicate items.

POF is short for polyolefin, a type of plastic used to make POF shrink film.

Polyolefin is a versatile material that's become the preferred choice for packaging goods in the manufacturing sector.

POF shrink film is made from this type of plastic, which is being increasingly used to replace PVC film.

There are four types of POF shrink films available in the market. One of the most common types is the POF normal heat shrink film, which is a regular model with no special features.

POF normal heat shrink film is very thin and high transmittance, making it suitable for packaging food, snacks, beverages, cosmetic boxes, and other items. It's also recyclable with a high shrinkage rate.

Another type is the POF Low-Temperature Shrink Film, which can be contracted at a much lower temperature. This makes it ideal for packaging sensitive products like chocolate and ice cream.

POF cross-linked shrink film is a special type that's not easy to tear, while still maintaining its shrinkage characteristics. It's great for packaging products with a rounded appearance, such as balls.

POF high-performance shrink film can be used in high-speed shrink packaging machines and is perfect for packaging semi-finished noodles and other products.

Here's a brief overview of the different types of POF shrink films:

Lastly, there's the POF anti-fog shrink film, which can effectively prevent fog and condensation from forming on the packaging surface. This makes it perfect for direct packaging of fruits, vegetables, meat, and frozen ready-to-eat food.

At the Sigma Plastics Group of Companies, they've been manufacturing Shrink Films for years, offering expertise in determining the right product, gauge, and quantity for your needs.

Shrink Films are made of polymer plastic film that shrinks tightly over whatever it's covering when heat is applied, and can be used with handheld heat guns or heat tunnels on a conveyor.

The Sigma Plastics Group's Shrink Films come in various thicknesses (gauge) and widths to meet demanding shrink wrap needs, including blown film and cast film, as well as shrink films and printed shrink films.

Some characteristics of their Shrink Films include high tensile strength and puncture resistance, superior wrapping strength, excellent sealability, tailored MD shrink or preferred balanced shrink, and excellent performance in commercial heat tunnels and with handheld guns.

Here are some of the standard shrink films they offer:

Films are a crucial part of the packaging process, and understanding their properties and capabilities can help you choose the right one for your needs.

The gauge of shrink wrap needed depends on the weight of the product, with heavier products requiring thicker gauges.

You can customize the width and length of shrink films to meet your specific requirements.

Shrink films are made from polymer plastic film that shrinks tightly over the product when heat is applied.

The Sigma Plastics Group of Companies offers a range of shrink films with different thicknesses and widths to meet demanding needs.

Their shrink films have high tensile strength and puncture resistance, allowing for gauge reduction and cost savings.

Here are some common characteristics of Sigma Plastics Group of Companies Shrink Films:

Sigma Plastics Group of Companies offers a complete range of shrink films, including poly to poly shrink applications and manufactured from LDPE, LLDPE, monolayer, and co-extruded materials.

Their films also come in various forms, such as bundling, beverage case packs, and perforated vegetable shrink.

Their lead times are among the best in the industry, thanks to their hands-on manufacturing philosophy and approach.

All of their films have exceptional film clarity, allowing you to see what's being wrapped and transported at all times.

You can find the right shrink film location for you by clicking on the link provided by Sigma Plastics Group of Companies.

There are four types of POF shrink films available in the market. But did you know that within these four types, there are actually several sub-types that cater to specific needs?

POF normal heat shrink film is a regular model that can be used for general packaging, such as food, snacks, beverages, and cosmetic boxes. It's very thin and has high transmittance, making it ideal for applications where visibility is important.

POF Low-Temperature Shrink Film can be contracted at a much lower temperature, making it perfect for packaging sensitive products like chocolate and ice cream.

POF cross-linked shrink film is made through a special process that gives it added durability and resistance to tearing. This makes it great for packaging products with unique shapes, like balls.

POF high-performance shrink film is designed for high-speed packaging machines and can handle semi-finished products like noodles.

POF anti-fog shrink film is a game-changer for packaging products that are prone to fog and condensation. It's perfect for direct packaging of fruits, vegetables, meat, and frozen ready-to-eat foods.

Here are the types of POF shrink films summarized:

Production formats for shrink film come in a variety of options to suit different needs. Single sheet rolls are a popular choice for many manufacturers.

Double folded side rolls are another common format, offering a convenient way to store and transport the film. They're often used in high-volume production environments.

Tubular rolls are a great option for applications where space is limited, as they take up less room than other formats. Bags, including open-ended and single open-ended types, are also available.

The film can be printed with up to 8 colors, making it easy to add custom designs and branding. It's produced in thicknesses ranging from 10 – 50 microns, which is suitable for a wide range of applications.

The widths of the film can vary, ranging from 100 – 1500 millimeters. This flexibility makes it easy to find a format that fits your specific needs.

Here are some common production formats for shrink film:

The composition of shrink wrap is a crucial aspect to consider, especially when it comes to food packaging. Polyolefin is the most commonly used shrink wrap.

PVC is often used due to its light weight and inexpensive capabilities. However, it's essential to use it in a well-ventilated area, as it can give off a strong, harmful odor. PVC has been banned in many countries due to the harmful products created by its decomposition.

PVC has some negative qualities, including being not good for bundling, leaving carbon deposits, and having a low shrink force. Polyolefin, on the other hand, is a premium shrink wrap that's extremely durable and versatile.

POF shrink wrap is made from 100% recyclable materials and is FDA approved. It's available in various gauges, including 35, 45, 60, 75, and 100 mils. POF has great clarity and a glossy self-appearance, making it ideal for bundling multiple items together.

PE, a polyolefin, is used in several forms of flexible protective packaging. LDPE is the best choice for shrink wrapping, as it has a higher strength and more durability for heavier items.

Plastic shrink film is a versatile packaging material that can be used for a wide range of products, including food, drinks, cosmetics, and electronics. It's a great way to protect products during transport and storage, and can even be used to wrap buildings after disasters.

One of the benefits of plastic shrink film is its durability and resistance to tears and punctures. It's also highly transparent, allowing consumers to easily view the product inside, which can be a significant selling point for businesses. Shrink film can be customized to fit specific products, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses.

Shrink wrap is applied over or around the intended item, often by automated equipment, and can be supplied in several forms, including flat rollstock, centerfolded film, and pre-formed plastic shrink bags. This versatility makes it a great option for businesses that need to package a variety of products.

Some common uses of plastic shrink film include wrapping vegetables like cucumbers to extend their shelf life, packaging software on CDs or DVDs, and even wrapping buildings after disasters. It can also be used to add tamper resistance or labels to packages.

Here are some of the key benefits of plastic shrink film:

Plastic shrink film is often described by its gauge, which is the thickness of the film, typically measured in mils.

A mil is a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch.

For example, a 1.5 mil film is 1.5 thousandths of an inch thick.

When working with shrink wrapping, it's essential to understand the common terms used in the industry. Gauge, for instance, is a measurement that describes film thickness.

Shrink force, or shrink energy, is the amount of force that the shrink film will exert on your product. This is crucial to consider when choosing the right film for your needs.

Tear resistance is another important term, referring to the ability of a film to resist tear with forced exertion on the film. This can be a significant factor in determining the durability of your packaged product.

A shrink tunnel is equipment that uses a chamber to produce heat with a continuous conveyor running through the chamber. This is a common piece of equipment used in many shrink wrapping operations.

Centerfold shrink film is a type of film that has been folded in half lengthways to make wrapping easier and quicker. This can be a convenient option for many applications.

Crow's feet and dog ears are common issues that can occur when using PVC shrink wrap. Crow's feet refer to wrinkles diverging out from a finished package's corners, while dog ears are triangular projections of unshrunk film at the corners of complete packages.

There are several types of sealers used in shrink wrapping, including impulse sealers and L-Bar sealers. Impulse sealers use a heating element that is pulsed with voltage during the sealing process to mend polymer materials together, while L-Bar sealers have a sealing surface in the shape of a backward "L".

The direction the film is manufactured and moves through the sealing equipment is known as the machine direction. This can be an important consideration when choosing the right film for your needs.

A film's ability to maintain characteristics after sealing is known as its memory. This can be a significant factor in determining the overall quality of your packaged product.

Here's a list of common terms related to shrink wrapping:

To calculate the centerfold film width needed, you can use the formula: Width + Depth x 2 x 1.1÷2. This can be a useful tool in determining the right amount of film for your needs.

ASTM standards play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of plastic sheeting and film.

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) has developed a range of standards for testing the properties of thin plastic sheeting, including tensile strength, dimensional changes, and friction coefficients.

Here are some specific ASTM standards that are relevant to plastic sheeting and film:

These standards provide a framework for manufacturers to ensure their products meet specific performance criteria, which can be particularly important in industries where safety and reliability are paramount.

When sealing PVC shrink wrap, it's essential to know that it releases small quantities of hydrogen chloride into the air.

Proper ventilation is required when sealing PVC shrink wrap to prevent the buildup of these fumes.

Polyolefin shrink film, on the other hand, produces fewer odors because its material doesn't contain chlorine.

This means it doesn't produce HydroChloric gas as a by-product, making it a safer option for certain applications.

The plasticizer in PVC Shrink can become brittle in cold conditions, compromising the strength of the seal.

This can lead to a weak seal, which may not provide the protection you need.

PVC Shrink also wrinkles under hot conditions, which can further compromise the seal.

PVC shrink film was most commonly used until several years ago when it got replaced by polyolefin (POF) shrink wrap.

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride.

There are vast differences between PVC and POF that have made POF the favored material over PVC.

The main reason for this switch is that POF is more durable and long-lasting than PVC.

PVC shrink film has some drawbacks, including its tendency to become brittle with age, which can cause it to crack or break easily.

POF, on the other hand, remains flexible even in cold temperatures.

This flexibility is due to the unique properties of POF, which makes it more resistant to cracking and breaking.

PVC, being less durable, requires more frequent replacement, which can be costly and wasteful.

In contrast, POF can be reused multiple times, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

The change from PVC to POF has been significant, with many industries adopting POF as their preferred shrink wrap material.

The advantages of POF over PVC are numerous, and it's no wonder that it has become the favored material in many applications.

PVC Shrink Wrap has some significant drawbacks. The plasticizer in PVC Shrink becomes brittle in cold conditions.

This can compromise the strength of the seal. PVC Shrink is also prone to wrinkling under hot conditions.

As a result, storage issues can arise. PVC Shrink can't be stored in a wide range of temperatures.

It's not suitable for use in extreme environments. Polyolefin, on the other hand, doesn't have this problem.

To get the most out of plastic shrink film, it's essential to use the right temperature. A temperature range of 200-250°F (93-121°C) is ideal for most applications.

When wrapping fragile items, it's crucial to apply the film slowly and smoothly to avoid creases or air pockets. This will help prevent damage during the shrinking process.

A good rule of thumb is to use a 4-6 mil film for general packaging, as it provides a good balance between strength and flexibility.

To ensure a tight seal, make sure the film is wrapped snugly around the item, leaving no excess material. This will prevent the film from shrinking unevenly.

For items with intricate designs or shapes, consider using a 6-8 mil film for added durability and protection.

Plastic shrink film is used in a variety of industries, including food, printing, and electronics. It's also used in the marine industry to winterize boats and protect them from environmental elements.

In the food industry, shrink wrap is used to remove oxygen contact from food and reduce waste. This is especially important for perishable items like cheese and meats.

Food manufacturers use shrink wrap to bundle products together and prevent tampering. This is also done in the hardware and housewares industry, where shrink wrap is used to deter and detect tampering.

The electronics industry commonly uses shrink tubing and wrap to seal electric wiring and prevent tampering. This is done to ensure the quality and integrity of the products.

Here are some examples of industries and applications that use plastic shrink film:

Bundling is a crucial step in packaging and shipping products, and there are several types of bundling films to choose from.

Single Layer Film is a lightweight option that's often used for small or irregularly shaped items.

Heavy Duty Shrink Bundling Film, on the other hand, is a more robust option that's designed to handle larger or heavier items.

Centerfold Film is another option that's often used for items that need to be bundled in a specific way.

Here are some common types of bundling films:

Food industries use shrink wrap to remove oxygen contact from food and reduce waste. This helps to extend the shelf life of perishable items.

The printing and paper products industry also relies heavily on shrink wrap to protect their products and detect tampering.

Hardware and housewares companies use shrink wrap to bundle multiple products together and deter tampering.

Electronics manufacturers use shrink tubing and wrap to seal and protect their products.

Here are some of the industries that use shrink wrap:

Shrink wrap is also used in various other applications, including wrapping buildings after natural disasters and containing hazardous materials like asbestos and lead.