Shrink wrap is an adaptable, multipurpose material that has changed the way we package our goods and consumables forever. The component has revolutionised the opportunities for secure and safe containment through its air-tight barrier when subjected to heat and has benefitted a variety of industries from manufacturers to the government.
The possibilities of shrink wrap are endless, from packaging fresh foods to wrapping entire buildings, and this is – in part – due to its strength, transparency and thickness. In order to fully appreciate the benefits of shrink wrap, it is vital that you are accurately wrapping the products with the correct equipment and in the most logical way for your needs. We’ve put together a few tips for business owners with packaging equipment on how to correctly shrink wrap their products. This helps us to ensure to people get the most out of their machines and allows them to reap the benefits that shrink wrapped goods can have for companies.
Equipment
The first step is to select a type of shrink wrap that will be the best fit for whatever your product may be. Film is usually made up of the following plastics: Polyolefin, PVC and Polythylene. Each material brings something new to the table, and there are various advantages and disadvantages to them all. Low density polyethylene is the most popular shrink wrap, as it offers the best combination of protection and unit cost when compared to alternatives. This film is used on a vast range of products, from radiators and work surfaces to collation of cans and jars and the individual wrapping of products themselves including cartons and pizzas. Polyolefin is an extremely versatile option and can be irradiated for extra strength and treated for hot slip or anti-fog properties. Further enhancements to this product include printing as well as pre-perforation, which offers invaluable benefits during the production stage. PVC films have particularly easy sealing and shrinking features and continue to be used on flexible packs, heat sensitive products and older equipment. It is important to make sure you are using a film that best suits your requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us so our expert advisors can inform you on the best solution for you.
Here at Kempner, we have three main wrapping machines. The Chamber machines are particularly cost effective and constitute a great entry level solution to shrink wrapping. Fondly referred to as ‘The Bubble’, this machine combines low cost, convenience and space saving making it a great option for all your shrink wrapping needs. The Semi-Automatic Shrink Wrap Packaging machines add a degree of automation, aiding both the seal function and permitting the automatic transfer of packs to the shrink tunnel and can usually reach speeds of 10 packs per minute. Finally, Fully Automatic Shrink Wrap Packaging Machines are also available and can reach the dizzying heights of beyond 100 packs per minute, allowing you to remove direct operator involvement, without limiting your customisable capabilities. All of our machinery is consistently user friendly, and we strive to fulfil every requirement. Each machine brings a different element of shrink wrapping to light, and it is important to do lots of research on which is the most suitable fit for your business or needs.
For products where the main priority is providing strength and security during shipment, there is a range of sleeve sealers on offer as well as compatible shrink tunnels. In simple terms, the film will form a ‘sleeve’ which is then shrunk tightly around the pack, to leave two small openings on opposite faces of the pack. Our machines are available both within one chassis or separated by two machines. Again, before you make any decisions about sealing, you will need to consider the pack size, the corresponding necessary width of the machine and the footprint in relation to space. Again, talking to an expert before making any decisions about sealing is highly recommended.
Measurements
Proper measurements play an integral role in successfully shrink wrapping your products, and can determine the type of shrink film to use, the best machine for the job as well as the size of sealer needed, which is usually the measurements for the largest product that will be wrapped. Again, the way you approach the wrapping of your products is completely dependent on your unique production levels. In some cases, using a couple of different sizes of film can reduce waste and cost whereas multiple roles of centrefold film would be more beneficial if you a wrapping a large amount of differently sized products. To accurately measure your products, we suggest measuring the circumference and length of each product and choosing your equipment accordingly.
Now you have determined the most appropriate film, machine and sealer for your product and have attained a set of accurate measurements, it’s time to start wrapping! The good news is that by opting for Kempner as your packaging suppliers, you are immediately exposed to the best shrink wrapping equipment and products in the market at the lowest possible prices. The business has been under the same management control for 40 years and has built an unrivalled reputation for customer support and standing behind our equipment with loyalty and commitment. We are even able to offer unique overwrap and flow wrap shrink plastic materials as part of our options, including semi-rigid PVC and co-extruded polypropylene, which are chosen for their machineability and high quality properties. Contact us today for a competitive quote on any shrink-wrap related products or speak to an expert about the best ways to approach the ways your business can make the most of shrink wrap.
