5 Must-Have Features in a polyolefin shrink film temperature

The process of shrink wrapping is essential for many businesses, but the optimal temperature requirements for shrink film are often misunderstood. This article will help you understand the ideal conditions for successful shrink wrapping.

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Shrink film can be used for many applications, but ideal temperature requirements for optimal shrinkage vary. Generally, the film should be heated at a temperature between 275-325°F for 2-5 seconds. This ensures the film shrinks evenly and quickly, providing a strong, secure seal.

Shrink film is an essential part of the packaging and must be heated to specific temperatures for an optimal result. Understanding the optimal temperature requirements for shrink wrap is key to producing a quality package.

Overview of temperature requirements for stretch film

Stretch film is a highly versatile material used to secure and protect items during shipping and winter storage. A key factor in the successful use of stretch film is temperature control. To ensure the film performs optimally, temperature requirements must be taken into consideration when choosing, storing, and applying the material. 

Generally speaking, the ideal temperature range for storing and applying the stretch film is between 65°F and 95°F. If the temperature falls below 65°F, the film may become too brittle and break during application. If the temperature exceeds 95°F, the film may become too soft and may not adhere properly. 

In addition, sudden temperature changes can cause the film to become brittle or sticky, resulting in poor performance especially in a direct sunlight. For this reason, it is important to store stretch film in a cool, dry environment and to make sure that any equipment used for application is at the appropriate temperature. 

Finally, the ambient temperature of the area where the film is being applied should also be considered. If the temperature is too warm, the film may become too soft and not adhere to the item properly. Conversely, if the temperature is too cold, the film may become too brittle and may not stretch properly.

Types of Shrink Film

A. PVC

PVC shrink wrap is a type of plastic film used for packaging products such as in direct food contact, beverages, pharmaceuticals, toys, and hardware. It is made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) resin and is available in a variety of thicknesses, colors, and sizes. PVC shrink wrap is an economical and durable choice for product packaging and creates a secure, tamper-resistant seal. 

It is also resistant to moisture, grease, and abrasion and can be printed with product information, logos, and colors. PVC shrink film is easy to use and can be applied to products with a heat gun or a shrink tunnel. With its many benefits, PVC shrink film is a popular choice for packaging applications.

B. Polyolefin

Polyolefin shrink film is a type of plastic packaging material that shrinks when exposed to heat gun or heat tunnels. It is a versatile, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative to other shrink-wrap materials such as PVC and polyethylene. Polyolefin shrink film is used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, medical, retail, and agriculture. 

It is highly resistant to moisture, punctures, and tears, making it ideal for protecting products from the elements. Additionally, its low melting temperature allows for a fast and efficient packaging process using a heat gun or a shrink tunnel especially for frozen foods. Polyolefin shrink film is an excellent choice for businesses looking for an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable packaging solution.

C. Polyethylene

Polyethylene shrink film is a type of plastic film used for various packaging applications. It is a thin, flexible film made from polyethylene that shrinks tightly around the product when there is is too much heat using a heat tunnel. It is often used to package items such as in direct food contact, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer goods. 

It is also used to bundle and protect products for shipping. Polyethylene shrink film is a cost-effective packaging option that offers superior protection and product visibility. It is also highly resistant to moisture, chemicals, and tearing, making it an ideal choice for a variety of packaging needs.

Temperature Requirements for Shrink Film

A. PVC

1.Shrink Temperature

It is usually between 75-85 degrees Celsius and is used to shrink the film around a product or package using a heat tunnel. The temperature is important to ensure the film shrinks properly and securely especially in a hot weather or in a hot trailer.

2.Seal Temperature

PVC shrink film seal temperatures vary depending on the type of film being used. Generally, a minimum of 80°C is required for PVC film to achieve a strong seal. Lower temperatures can be used for lighter films and higher temperatures for thicker films. The temperature of the sealer should be adjusted according to the thickness of the film to ensure the best seal.

 

B. Polyolefin

1.Shrink Temperature

Polyolefin shrink temperature requirements vary depending on the particular product. Generally, temperatures range from 250°F (121°C) to 375°F (190°C). The temperature required for optimum shrinkage will also depend on the size of the product and the thickness of the film using a heat tunnel. The thicker the film, the higher the temperature required to achieve the desired degree of shrinkage.

2.Seal Temperature

Polyolefin shrink film seal temperature requirements vary depending on the thickness of the film, the length of the seal, and the type of sealer used. Generally, the seal temperature should be set between 200°F and 250°F. 

It is important to note that the temperature should not exceed 250°F and that the sealer must be monitored to ensure that the film does not burn. Additionally, it is recommended that the sealer be tested on a sample of the film before use.

C. Polyethylene

1.Shrink Temperature

Most polyethylene shrink wraps require temperatures between 250 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit to shrink properly. Some can even be used with lower temperatures, but this will usually result in a less effective finish.

2.Seal Temperature

The temperature requirements for polyethylene sealing depend on the type of polyethylene used, but generally range from -60&#; to +90&#;. The seals should be kept within temperature ranges that are suitable for the polyethylene used to ensure proper performance and durability.

Factors that Affect Temperature Requirements

A. Thickness

The thickness of a shrink film can have a great effect on the temperature requirements needed to properly shrink the film onto a product. Thinner films typically require lower temperatures, while thicker films require higher temperatures to properly shrink the film around the product.

This is because thicker films require more heat to shrink. When the temperature is too low, the film may not shrink evenly or may not shrink at all. Additionally, the temperature should not be set too high as this can cause the film to be over-shrunk, resulting in a product with an unattractive appearance.

It is important to use the correct thickness of the film and the appropriate temperature to ensure an attractive and effective shrink-wrapping process.

B. Width

The width of a shrink film can have a major impact on the temperature requirement for a shrink-wrapping process. A shrink film with a wider film width requires a higher temperature for shrinkage than a film of a narrower width.

This is because a wider film has more surface area and therefore requires more energy to shrink. By adjusting the width and thickness of the shrink films, the temperature requirement can be optimized to produce the best results.

C. Length

The length of a shrink film can affect temperature requirements because the longer the film, the more heat it requires to shrink. The film needs to be heated to the point that it shrinks uniformly and securely around the product. 

Longer films require more heat than shorter films. Additionally, longer films require more time to reach the desired shrink temperature, which can be a limiting factor for certain applications. If the temperature is too low, the film will not shrink properly, leading to a poor finish and increased waste.

Temperature control for stretch film

Methods

There are several methods for controlling the temperature of stretch film, such as using insulated blankets, heated rollers, or adding cooling fans. A cool roll can help to keep the film at a consistent temperature, while insulated blankets can provide a layer of insulation to prevent the film from cooling down too quickly. 

For more information, please visit polyolefin shrink film temperature.

Cooling fans can help to maintain the temperature of the film while it is being stored while helping to reduce the risk of overheating. By using these methods, the stretch film can be kept at the optimal temperature and can produce a high-quality product.

Importance

Temperature control helps to maintain the integrity of the plastic film as well as the quality of the product being wrapped. It also helps to reduce waste by ensuring that the plastic film does not become brittle or tear during application. Proper temperature control also helps to optimize the amount of stretch and cling properties of the film, resulting in better wrapping and protection of the product.

Conclusion

Understanding the optimal temperature requirements for shrink wrap is crucial for successful packaging, as the temperature is a determining factor in shrinking the film and achieving the desired appearance and properties. It is important to understand the various temperature requirements of different shrink films.

 

Shrink film is a type of polymer plastic film used in packaging. It shrinks tightly over whatever it's covering when heated. Shrink wrap and shrink film are extremely adaptable packaging materials that may be utilized in a wide range of applications. Shrink wrap is commonly used to wrap food, gift baskets, cartons, toys, books, soaps, and other items. 

You may wish to use shrink film for your product packaging for a variety of reasons. It is lightweight and robust, and it protects your items from the weather, extends shelf life and tamper-proofing, and makes them sparkle!

Believe it or not, there's a lot more to shrink film than you may think. Shrink films offer a variety of operational qualities in addition to clarity, which we all know is significant.

When choosing shrink film for your packaging, keep these eight factors in mind.

Related: 8 Packaging Options For Your Products

1. Shrink Force

This is usually expressed in PSI and indicates how much force the shrink film will exert on your goods. Understanding your shrink force is important when packing a multi-pack that has to be firmly confined without being damaged, especially when modifying your shrink gear.

This won't matter if the shrink force is high and you are packaging something sturdy like wood or metal. 

This may be important if you're packing a tiny stack of paper or light chipboard boxes. Polyolefin films had a high shrink force in the past. Films made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have a low shrinkage force. Shrink force is minimized using new polyolefin compositions.

2. Shrink Orientation 

Bi-axially or preferentially oriented shrink films are available. Films that are bi-axially orientated shrink equally in both machine and cross directions. 

Film that is preferentially orientated shrinks differently in both directions. A preferentially orientated film has the advantage of utilizing less film and reducing product deformation.

The jury is out about which film provides the best optical properties. But bi-axially oriented shrink films are providing better performance than preferentially orientated shrink films.

3. Shrink Percentage

You may change your shrink percentages by using preferentially oriented film, or you can keep it the same by using bi-axially orientated film, such as 40/40, 30/30, or 20/20.

The shrink percentage of your film is especially important when you package products with different ends, corners, and angles.

The amount of shrink-ability in a film before it comes into contact with your product is known as Free Shrink. Free shrink allows you to achieve a better-looking package on tough shapes and sizes with high degrees of free shrink.

4. Puncture Resistance

This determines how difficult it is to break the film and how difficult it is to shred it once it has been pierced. 

Films with strong puncture resistance often have lesser tear resistance, and vice versa. If you must make this trade-off, choose the more significant trait. 

Choose a shrink film that strikes a balance between product protection and ease of access to the real goods.

Puncture resistance is critical, for example, if you have a window box. 

5. Storage Conditions

Next, keep your shrink wrap in a cool place until you're ready to use it to avoid the film becoming brittle.  If the film is kept in extremely hot conditions, it may shrink inside the packaging.

Some films are cold-shrinkable, meaning that they have good recoverability at low temperatures after being stressed for a period of time.

If you're shipping to an area with cooler climates, this could be useful.

6. Antifog

Antifog films are used on both fresh and frozen food to prevent moisture from forming on the surface of the film. 

Moisture can generate a fog, which makes it difficult to see the product through the coating. Many shoppers will walk past fogged-up items in favor of those that are plainly visible on the inside.

An antifog film is a good choice for easy-to-view packaging styles.

7. Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR)

This property determines how much moisture will or will not pass through the film.

If minimal moisture transfer into or out of your packaging is vital for shelf life, you should pay attention to this feature.

This can also be impacted depending on the region you are shipping products to and from. More humid states like Florida might have different recommendations than Arizona.

8. Odor Barrier 

Odor barrier films are used to prevent unwelcome scents from entering or exiting your product. Don't let your consumers down after they've purchased your stuff by giving it a bad odor.

An aroma blocking film can be thicker and thereby a more durable shrink film style.

Order Shrink Film From Bennett Today!

There you have it, seven important characteristics of shrink film. When you are selecting packaging for your products, keep these in mind.

Good films provide many performance benefits when wrapped around your products. Shrink films offer clarity, puncture resistance, and moisture protection to name just a few. These factors apply in various degrees depending on the quality of the shrink film you choose.

Contact Bennett Packaging today for a custom quote on shrink film.

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