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FREQUENTLY ASKED SHRINK WRAP QUESTIONS
Q. What is shrink wrap?
A. shrink wrap is film that is used to completely cover a package in tight film. For more information Click Here
Q. Are Shrink wrap Vacuum packaging the same thing??
A. No. To see what Vacuum packaging is click here: Video Animation on how Vacuum Chambers and Tray Sealers work or here to see Video of shrink bags, Video of entry level Shrink wrap bar sealers or here for Video of Automatic Shrink wrap systems. A complete list of our online video clips are available here: Video Clips.
Q. What are the basic different ways to shrink wrap?
A. shrink wrap can be applied in many ways:
- The most basic is to use Shrink bags (speed approximately 1 item per minute), Least expensive, best for CD's, Videos and some gift baskets. For a more professional look, add a sealer instead of using tape.
- Next would be the use of a Bar sealer (speeds to approximately 2 items per minute), Great for low production, and products that vary in size. Prices range from $229.00 and up.
- Then one would progress to an L-sealer (speeds to approximately 15 items per minute) Perfect for medium to high volume. These are true labor savers.
- Finally for the biggest of production needs purchase Fully automatic sealers (speeds ranging from approximately 25 to 300 items per minute),
Size, shape and product type will effect the speed and MACHINABILITY of the products being wrapped.
Q. What do the different wrapping processes look like?
A. We have a very basic set of wrapping photographs to illustrate a few basic wrapping processes. These photographs are examples only and do not represent all the systems available.
Q. What do I need to get started for a very proffesional look?
A. You need a heat gun, bar sealer, and film. Click here
Q. I only have a budget for an entry level bar sealer, How fast can I go?
A. A single operator can expect to wrap approximately 2 packages per minute, or slower, for harder to handle items such as bundles of products or gift baskets.
Q. Using a bar sealer, can I speed things up by using one person to wrap while the other applies the heat to shrink the product?
A. No - Bar sealers are designed for a single operator. They are designed to cut and seal one package at a time. While the operator uses the heat gun to shrink the packages, the wires and transformers cool and recycle. To see Shrink Wrap Bar Sealer Kits in this category Click here
B. Well maybe - Our more expensive line of bar sealers are over built and carry a three year warrantee....These are capable of very fast recycle times but they are still designed for a single operator. So the answer: It will work but it voids the warrantee. To see Shrink Wrap Bar Sealer Kits in this category Click here
Q. I heard that you don't need a sealer for gift baskets and some other items like CD's and Video tapes.
A. You can use shrink bags. These are special bags generally made with pvc and only require a proper sized bag for each product and a heat gun. Click here. You can tape over the excess material to the back or bottom of the package using regular clear tape or our shrink-tape. Taping the product does not require the use of a sealer and is easy; but does not look as professional as a fully sealed package. You will see the tape and the folded material where you applied the tape.
Q. If I have a hair drier will that work?
A. No you need approximately 300 degrees F to shrink the film. An industrial paint stripper can work however, these guns can be a bit dangerous and most have poor airflow.
Q. How much are the paint stripper heat guns?
A. They can be found from about $49.00 to over a hundred depending on the quality.
Q. Where can I find them?
A. You can find them at your local hardware store, or better yet, purchase one from us.
Q. Why do I need to use a sealer for shrink wrap? Can't I wrap my products in film and then just shrink it with a heat gun?
A. Shrink film shrinks in all directions equally. If the film is not completely sealed, it will continue to shrink in the unrestrained area and will not shrink in any areas that have tension. This will result in a mess of cloudy, bumpy, thick shrink film that does not or only partially covers your product.
Q. Can I just tape the seams?
A. Not generally, the tension the film generates will pull the tape and the seam apart. You can use tape on PVC bags, but the appearance is not as professional. For PVC bags Click here.
Q. Can I leave the top open, like the shrink film on bottle tops?
A. No, not with normal shrink film, we must use PVC with directional shrink properties and produce special shrink bands. Click here
Q. What is the cheapest starter system?
A. About $ 229.00 including shrink film, heat gun, and a bar sealer. Click here
Q. How big of a starter system should I purchase?
A. Click here to down load an Excel film sizing sheet. If asked for password click CANCEL.
Q. What is the best film?
A. We believe that film should be application specific. In general we recommend Cryovac D940 for most printing applications, Cryovac D955 for applications that require high strength and puncture resistance and Cortuff for super hard to shrink needs. Call us we can save you money by placing you in the correct film type and gauge.
Q. Are shrink bands in stock?
A. No - we produce shrink bands precisely for each application. Each product has its unique requirement. More information on shrink bands
Q. Can you send me a sample of your shrink bands?
A. We ask that you send us your product. We will produce a shrink band, wrap your sample and return it to you. Click here for the address.
Q. What's the difference between shrink wrap and other types of packaging?
SHRINK WRAP Products in the shrink wrap group are generally used to apply a thin plastic film (clear or printed) over retail type products. This process completely encloses the item packaged in plastic film. Printers and bindery generally use this process, as do most retail applications. This is often confused with pallet wrap. BUNDLING The equipment and materials in the bundling category generally hold large items together such as fire logs. This process partially encloses the item packaged in plastic film but leaves two ends open. BLISTER packaging Blister packaging uses a rigid PVC shell that encloses a product and is attached to a piece of foil or chip board (thin card board). SKIN packaging Skin packaging forms a very tight sheet of plastic film that has been vacuumed down over the product. The end result is generally backed in card board on one side and film on the other. VACUUM FORMING Vacuum forming is the process used to make the blister used in blister packaging or in making clam shells. VACUUM SEALING These sealers are generally bag sealers that modify the atmosphere inside the bag. Food and electronics industries use this process heavily. SCALES AND FILLING Scales and filling devices are the true labor savers in portioning products. STRAPPING Strapping tools are used in shipping of a product. Strapping is one of the economical methods for holding items together. It generally uses 1/2" metal, nylon or poly material to circle a group of items and is held together with "clips" that crimp the straps together. PALLET WRAP Pallet wrap is the stretchy cling type wrap that is used to wrap items on a pallet for shipping. This is often mistakenly called shrink wrap. BAG SEALERS Bag sealers are used in nearly every application in packaging. Foot operated, manual type sealers generally are the least expensive; yet still prove labor savings.
More questions and answers will be added as you ask them!
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call us toll free at:
877-314-FILM (3456)
Due to the complicated nature of packaging, we have found that nearly all customers need phone support to help them with their selection. With this in mind, we have discontinued online order processing or (shopping carts).
Email:
sales@shrinkwrap.net
| Toll free: | (877) 314-3456 |
| Phone: | (650) 692-6969 |
| FAX: | (650) 692-6999 |
LiL's Packaging Equipment
1745 Adrian Rd. Suite 19
Burlingame, CA 94010
We are committed to bring you the very best price on quality items. click here to view our current specials.
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