American Packaging
PRODUCTS
GET A QUOTE   ][  BROCHURES  ][  VIDEOS  ][   FAQ'S  ][  SUPPORT  ][  HOME  ]
NEWS
 

SHRINK WRAP

SHRINK WRAP EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW

BACK TO TERMINOLOGY

SHRINK FILM EQUIPMENT

An L-bar system is simply a machine that applies heat and pressure to a polyolefin shrink film in order to effect a proper seal. L-Sealers utilize centerfolded shrink film and seal open edges in the machine direction as well as the leading and trailing edges in the transverse direction.

diagram basic L sm.gif (3562 bytes)

L-Sealer Shrink packaging System

For pictures and a comparison of other shrink wrap methods click here

 

There are two types of impulse sealing systems in the marketplace today: electromechanical gap compensation (oldest type) and electronic heat control (newest type).

Electromechanical Gap Compensation: Electromechanical Gap Compensation: The seal wire is stretched between two points and spring loaded toward one side with an adjustable gap compensator switch. Opening and closing of the gap is the switching function. When the seal bar is down, voltage is provided to the seal wire which heats and expands (heating portion of the cycle only). As the wire continues to expand, the gap begins to close. When the gap is closed, voltage is turned off and the sealing head remains down, applying pressure, during dwell time (the cooling or curing portion of the cycle). The width of the gap determines how long the wire will remain hot. The advantage to this process is it is simple, effective, proven and maintainable.

Electronic Heat Control: Electronic Heat Control: A printed circuit board or microprocessor is utilized to measure and control temperature and time. The trend today is to utilize electronic controls since the specific temperature is more accurately controlled and is more resistant to benign tampering.

Pressure during cycle dwell is critical. There are three common methods for controlling seal pressure:

Manual L-Sealers with no magnetic hold down: Manual L-Sealers with no magnetic hold down: Pressure is applied by the operator who pushes down on the seal bar until the seal process is completed. Usually, a buzzer or light indicates a completed cycle.

Manual L-Sealers with magnetic hold down: Manual L-Sealers with magnetic hold down: The operator brings the seal bar down manually; magnets then engage to hold the seal bar against the sealing pad until electronically released by the machine timer (dwell time). The advantage to using magnetic clamping systems is that they accurately control dwell time and maintain uniform pressure during dwell (consistent with all operators).

Air-actuated semi-automatic and automatic machines: Air-actuated semi-automatic and automatic machines: Uses air-pressure to hold the seal bar against the pad at the proper pressure. In some cases the bar is brought to the pad mechanically with cycling arms; in other cases the sealing bar is brought into contact with electronic magnets.

Most problems with seal pressure are encountered when the seal pad is uneven as a result of excessive use, or poorly designed/low volume equipment. Proper pressure depends upon a flat seal pad of the correct height and density. Further, if the seal bars are out of alignment it is difficult to provide correct pressure.

Adjustable inverted film forming plow allows centerfolded film to be utilized in-line by accommodating film behind the machine (transverse direction) and inverting it 90 degrees so that the film web runs in the machine direction. This system is commonly utilized on semi-automatic and intermittent automatic L-sealers, and automatic side-seal equipment.

Film separating rods Film separating rods are often utilized to separate film that may have some residual static caused by winding and to improve film openability and machinability.

Seal height position adjustment Seal height position adjustment (seal tray height or take-away conveyor height adjustment) ensures that the seal is properly placed (centered) on the package - allowing for product height flexibility on the machine for a range of products.

Power take-away conveyors Power take-away conveyors automatically transfer the product into the shrink tunnel after sealing is complete.

Film clamps Film clamps are used on semi and automatic L-sealers to hold the film in position during the sealing cycle.

When shrinking film around a product, the air within the film envelope expands and causes the film to "balloon" around the product. Air venting devices are required to ensure proper shrinkage by allowing air to escape from the product. Residual air, left unreleased because air holes were insufficient, could eventually cause the seals to burst or may leave the air trapped within the package; after the air cools and/or escapes, the film will appear as though it has not been completely shrunk or has relaxed. In some extreme cases when there are too many air evacuation holes or where poor seals occur, the air escapes too rapidly and the film may have ineffective shrink (excessive wrinkles). Typical devices include thermal, electric, pneumatic and rotary mechanical perforators.

AUTOMATIC, HORIZONTAL, FORM, FILL, SEAL EQUIPMENT

Automatic form/fill/seal equipment is designed for high-speed packaging (50 to 200 packages per minute). Product is fed into a flighted or belted in-feed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by a forming shoe with singlewound film. The edges of the film are overlapped and bonded electrostatically or thermally. Both product and film are advanced by a vacuum belt into a continuous motion cross seal. The primary advantages of using this type of equipment is the lack of film scrap and the less expensive singlewound film.

formfill.gif (5062 bytes)

 

Recently, automatic side sealing equipment has become quite popular. Product is fed into a flighted or belted infeed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by an inverted film forming plow (or similar system) with centerfolded or singlewound film (coming off of a centerfolding device). A side seal system uses wires, ribbons and other thermal devices to weld the seal along the open centerfolded edge in the machine direction. Hot knives or seal wires upstream complete the package with transverse seals. The primary advantage to this type of system is its moderate range speeds (usually to 60 packages per minute) and its rapid change over which accommodates a wide range of products.

A shrink tunnel A shrink tunnel is used to shrink films that have been sealed around a particular product. Oriented film retains a thermal memory. The maximum amount of shrink which can be achieved is directly related to the degree of stretch which is induced during orientation. All oriented films shrink at temperatures near their melting points. Precise tunnel temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed control are necessary to achieve optimum package appearance without scorching.

Polyolefin films Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

Seal height position adjustment (seal tray height or take-away conveyor height adjustment) ensures that the seal is properly placed (centered) on the package - allowing for product height flexibility on the machine for a range of products.

Power take-away conveyors Power take-away conveyors automatically transfer the product into the shrink tunnel after sealing is complete.

Film clamps Film clamps are used on semi and automatic L-sealers to hold the film in position during the sealing cycle.

When shrinking film around a product, the air within the film envelope expands and causes the film to "balloon" around the product. Air venting devices are required to ensure proper shrinkage by allowing air to escape from the product. Residual air, left unreleased because air holes were insufficient, could eventually cause the seals to burst or may leave the air trapped within the package; after the air cools and/or escapes, the film will appear as though it has not been completely shrunk or has relaxed. In some extreme cases when there are too many air evacuation holes or where poor seals occur, the air escapes too rapidly and the film may have ineffective shrink (excessive wrinkles). Typical devices include thermal, electric, pneumatic and rotary mechanical perforators.

AUTOMATIC, HORIZONTAL, FORM, FILL, SEAL EQUIPMENT

Automatic form/fill/seal equipment is designed for high-speed packaging (50 to 200 packages per minute). Product is fed into a flighted or belted in-feed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by a forming shoe with singlewound film. The edges of the film are overlapped and bonded electrostatically or thermally. Both product and film are advanced by a vacuum belt into a continuous motion cross seal. The primary advantages of using this type of equipment is the lack of film scrap and the less expensive singlewound film.

formfill.gif (5062 bytes)

 

Recently, automatic side sealing equipment has become quite popular. Product is fed into a flighted or belted infeed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by an inverted film forming plow (or similar system) with centerfolded or singlewound film (coming off of a centerfolding device). A side seal system uses wires, ribbons and other thermal devices to weld the seal along the open centerfolded edge in the machine direction. Hot knives or seal wires upstream complete the package with transverse seals. The primary advantage to this type of system is its moderate range speeds (usually to 60 packages per minute) and its rapid change over which accommodates a wide range of products.

A shrink tunne A shrink tunnel is used to shrink films that have been sealed around a particular product. Oriented film retains a thermal memory. The maximum amount of shrink which can be achieved is directly related to the degree of stretch which is induced during orientation. All oriented films shrink at temperatures near their melting points. Precise tunnel temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed control are necessary to achieve optimum package appearance without scorching.

Polyolefin films Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

Power take-away conveyors automatically transfer the product into the shrink tunnel after sealing is complete.

Film clamps Film clamps are used on semi and automatic L-sealers to hold the film in position during the sealing cycle.

When shrinking film around a product, the air within the film envelope expands and causes the film to "balloon" around the product. Air venting devices are required to ensure proper shrinkage by allowing air to escape from the product. Residual air, left unreleased because air holes were insufficient, could eventually cause the seals to burst or may leave the air trapped within the package; after the air cools and/or escapes, the film will appear as though it has not been completely shrunk or has relaxed. In some extreme cases when there are too many air evacuation holes or where poor seals occur, the air escapes too rapidly and the film may have ineffective shrink (excessive wrinkles). Typical devices include thermal, electric, pneumatic and rotary mechanical perforators.

AUTOMATIC, HORIZONTAL, FORM, FILL, SEAL EQUIPMENT

Automatic form/fill/seal equipment is designed for high-speed packaging (50 to 200 packages per minute). Product is fed into a flighted or belted in-feed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by a forming shoe with singlewound film. The edges of the film are overlapped and bonded electrostatically or thermally. Both product and film are advanced by a vacuum belt into a continuous motion cross seal. The primary advantages of using this type of equipment is the lack of film scrap and the less expensive singlewound film.

formfill.gif (5062 bytes)

 

Recently, automatic side sealing equipment has become quite popular. Product is fed into a flighted or belted infeed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by an inverted film forming plow (or similar system) with centerfolded or singlewound film (coming off of a centerfolding device). A side seal system uses wires, ribbons and other thermal devices to weld the seal along the open centerfolded edge in the machine direction. Hot knives or seal wires upstream complete the package with transverse seals. The primary advantage to this type of system is its moderate range speeds (usually to 60 packages per minute) and its rapid change over which accommodates a wide range of products.

A shrink tunnel A shrink tunnel is used to shrink films that have been sealed around a particular product. Oriented film retains a thermal memory. The maximum amount of shrink which can be achieved is directly related to the degree of stretch which is induced during orientation. All oriented films shrink at temperatures near their melting points. Precise tunnel temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed control are necessary to achieve optimum package appearance without scorching.

Polyolefin films Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

Film clamps are used on semi and automatic L-sealers to hold the film in position during the sealing cycle.

When shrinking film around a product, the air within the film envelope expands and causes the film to "balloon" around the product. Air venting devices are required to ensure proper shrinkage by allowing air to escape from the product. Residual air, left unreleased because air holes were insufficient, could eventually cause the seals to burst or may leave the air trapped within the package; after the air cools and/or escapes, the film will appear as though it has not been completely shrunk or has relaxed. In some extreme cases when there are too many air evacuation holes or where poor seals occur, the air escapes too rapidly and the film may have ineffective shrink (excessive wrinkles). Typical devices include thermal, electric, pneumatic and rotary mechanical perforators.

AUTOMATIC, HORIZONTAL, FORM, FILL, SEAL EQUIPMENT

Automatic form/fill/seal equipment is designed for high-speed packaging (50 to 200 packages per minute). Product is fed into a flighted or belted in-feed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by a forming shoe with singlewound film. The edges of the film are overlapped and bonded electrostatically or thermally. Both product and film are advanced by a vacuum belt into a continuous motion cross seal. The primary advantages of using this type of equipment is the lack of film scrap and the less expensive singlewound film.

formfill.gif (5062 bytes)

 

Recently, automatic side sealing equipment has become quite popular. Product is fed into a flighted or belted infeed where it is fed into a horizontal tube of film which is formed by an inverted film forming plow (or similar system) with centerfolded or singlewound film (coming off of a centerfolding device). A side seal system uses wires, ribbons and other thermal devices to weld the seal along the open centerfolded edge in the machine direction. Hot knives or seal wires upstream complete the package with transverse seals. The primary advantage to this type of system is its moderate range speeds (usually to 60 packages per minute) and its rapid change over which accommodates a wide range of products.

A shrink tunnel A shrink tunnel is used to shrink films that have been sealed around a particular product. Oriented film retains a thermal memory. The maximum amount of shrink which can be achieved is directly related to the degree of stretch which is induced during orientation. All oriented films shrink at temperatures near their melting points. Precise tunnel temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed control are necessary to achieve optimum package appearance without scorching.

Polyolefin films Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

A shrink tunnel is used to shrink films that have been sealed around a particular product. Oriented film retains a thermal memory. The maximum amount of shrink which can be achieved is directly related to the degree of stretch which is induced during orientation. All oriented films shrink at temperatures near their melting points. Precise tunnel temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed control are necessary to achieve optimum package appearance without scorching.

Polyolefin films Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

Polyolefin films (CRYOVAC) require both heat and air velocity for shrinkage. Additionally, the direction and velocity of aim a shrink tunnel must be controlled to shrink polyolefm films effectively.

Because there are many variables related to both product shape and material, and film characteristics, it becomes important to understand the shrink tunnel controls that affect those variables:

Package Size

Type of Film

Package Color and Texture

Ambient Condition

Tunnel Efficiency

Conveyor Speed

Tunnel Temperature

Air velocity

Production Speed (packages per minute)

Adjustable air temperature controllers provide heat energy that is necessary to influence the film’s thermal memory (shrinkage). Too little heat will not induce enough shrinkage. Too much heat will cause film bum-through. Directly related to the cost of a machine (quality) are the range of thermostatic temperature controllers. More expensive tunnels have more consistent thermostats and controllers that produce consistent and predictable packaging results

Adjustable air flow vents  control the flow of the warm air both above and below a product, as well as the sides, where product temperature, materials, size, color and shape create potential shrinkage problems. Air flow patterns help to correct potential shrinkage errors.

Air velocity controls adjust the volume of warm air (energy) that makes contact with the film. Air turbulence may allow the temperature to be reduced so that bum-through can be reduced. Also, it may eliminate unsightly dog ears that may exist on larger packages. Air velocity may be controlled by adjusting the dampers for each blower or by adding more blowers to a particular tunnel. Air velocity varies from tunnel to tunnel as does price and quality.

Adjustable conveyor speeds not only control the speed at which a product completes shrinkage in a shrink tunnel, but also affects the degree of film shrinkage by controlling the length of time the film is exposed to the warm air (energy).

A variety of tunnel conveyors are available for shrink tunnels. Dead rollers are utilized for polyethylene films that rely more on heat for shrinkage than air velocity. Solid belt conveyors do not allow significant air flow beneath the product and are often used for PVC and polyethylene applications. Some manufacturers provide heated belt conveyors for polyolefm films. Live rollers are most often used for polyolefin films that require significant air turbulence. Mesh conveyors (teflon or stainless steel) are also utilized by some manufacturers and are optimal for light, unstable or thin products that may slip between rollers.

The optimal shrink tunnel for a product should consider the packaging quality required, the tunnel opening size (width and height), chamber size (internal dimensions), conveyor length, production speeds desired and the type of film to be used.

 

         current page > Home >

 

For shipping supplies and stock boxes visit our online store here>

Due to the complicated nature of custom packaging and machinary, we have found that nearly all customers need phone support to help them with their selection. With this in mind, please feel free to give us a call (510) 877-9000

request a quote

read more>

Email: contact us

Phone:  (510) 877-9000
FAX: (510) 877-9500

American Packaging
1515 Alvarado Street
San Leandro, CA 94577 USA

read more about us>

HOT NEW 2011
Ramp-less Pallet wrapper!

Pallet wrapper
The PP983HT is designed to eliminate the use of a ramp. This Ramp-less Stretch wrapper not only saves time, tons of space, and reduces the chance of losing a load; but can save costly workman's comp claims - Its' also affordable! CALL US Today to learn more (510) 877-9000

see a larger image here>

Shrink Tunnels: New sleeker design same unbeatable performance! Also new for 2011 are optional tunnel windows that allow you to fine tune your shrink rate 

read more>

 

We are committed to bring you the very best price on quality items. click here to view our current specials.

under construction

contact webmaster www.destinationproductions.com  *we do our best to ensure accurate data; however our manufactures are always striving to make packaging equipment and packaging supplies better. Please check with our packaging support staff to confirm pricing and product specifications before ordering packaging equipment. We are not responsible for misprints or outdated information on these pages.