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Shrink Film is a widely used
method of packaging and/or unitizing products. It has a
great appeal in the retail market because of its relative
strength, clarity, ease of use and it is tamper evident.
Individual applications require specific film characteristics.
Shrink applications vary depending on your product, equipment,
and speed requirements. It is important to know and trust
your source to match your needs with the proper shrink film.
To satisfy your needs through the whole cycle, we also sell
and service shrink wrapping equipment. Feel free to contact
us today to speak with an experienced representative.
It is very important to understand how the various types
of film differ. Shrink Film is available in four types: |
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| Polyethylene |
| Polyethylene has the least
clarity. This film is generally associated with
high speed applications where you are not concerned with
"eye-appeal". It tends to be hazy or cloudy. It
frequently comes in heavier gauge associated with heavier
packages. It has very high tensile strength and high
tear resistance. It is much less expensive per
pound than the other three films. |
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Examples: cases of soup or
soda, bundles of magazines |
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| Polypropylene |
| This film has the highest
clarity. It is generally associated with
super high speed applications of light weight packages
or individually wrapped products. Typically, it is low gauged
with very little tear resistance. Typical
applications are for "form, fill, and seal" equipment. |
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Examples: audiocassettes or cigarettes |
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| Polyolefin |
| This film is the most versatile
film available and has good clarity. It is generally associated
with medium or higher speed applications where "eye-appeal"
and form are important. It has good tear resistance and
is considered very "forgiving" to error. |
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Examples: varies from print and paper
trade to retail single and multi-packs, toys, and food |
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| PVC (Poly
Vinyl Chloride) |
| This product has extremely
high clarity and is considered a versatile film. It is generally
associated with medium to very low speed
applications where "eye-appeal" is important and
low end equipment is being used. It has very good tear resistance
but can be brittle (especially in cold environments). |
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Examples: the print trade or video cassette
market where volume is small |
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| Shrink
Comparison Table |
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Polyethylene |
Polypropylene |
Polyolefin |
PVC |
| Clarity |
least |
best |
very good |
excellent |
| Avail Ga |
custom |
various (low) |
40.50.60.70.100.125 |
60.75.100.150 |
| C/F vs
SWS |
both |
both |
both |
both |
Tear Resistance |
highest |
least |
very good |
excellent |
| Shrink
Temps |
highest |
high |
high |
lowest |
| Seal Timing |
low |
low |
low |
high |
| Running
Speed |
fast |
fastest |
fast |
slowest |
| Shrinkage |
soft and balanced |
soft, fast, balanced |
generally balanced |
can be uneven and rigid |
| Seal Strength |
excellent |
weak |
excellent |
can be brittle |
| Stock Products |
usually not |
usually not |
yes (most sizes) |
yes (most sizes) |
| Order Minimums |
1000 lbs. |
varies |
1 roll |
1 roll |
| Food Approved |
usually |
usually |
yes |
not typically |
Available Shrink Force |
various |
various |
few |
few |
Concepts Most Associated
with This Film |
low clarity for heavier packages,
fast high shrink temps |
super high clarity, super high
speed, easy to tear, expensive equipement |
excellent clarity, medium to
high speed, fast strong seals, very versatile |
shrinks at low temperatures,
must be stored under 70 to 80, highly corrosive,
smokey/odorous |
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