Common Shrink Wrap Terms

Shrink wrapping is a widely used packaging technique that involves enclosing products in a plastic film, which is then shrunk to conform tightly to the shape of the product using heat. To understand and navigate the world of shrink wrapping, it's essential to be familiar with common terms and phrases associated with the process. Here are some common shrink wrap terms:

• Shrink Film: Shrink film is the primary material used for shrink wrapping. It is typically made of various plastics, such as polyethylene or polyolefin. The film is available in rolls and comes in various thicknesses and sizes to accommodate different products.

• Shrink Wrap Machine: A shrink wrap machine, also known as a shrink tunnel or heat shrink machine, is the equipment used to apply heat to the shrink film, causing it to shrink and conform to the product's shape. There are various types of shrink wrap machines, including L-bar sealers, chamber machines, and conveyorized tunnels.

PVC Shrink Film

• L-Bar Sealer: An L-bar sealer is a type of shrink wrap machine used to create a sealed bag around a product. It consists of a sealing bar in the shape of an "L" that seals two sides of the shrink film simultaneously.

• Shrink Tunnel: A shrink tunnel is a part of the shrink wrap machine where the heat is applied to the wrapped product to shrink the film. It uses hot air or infrared radiation to achieve uniform and controlled shrinkage.

• Polyolefin Shrink Film: Polyolefin shrink film is a type of shrink film known for its clarity and versatility. It is commonly used for packaging various products, including food items, DVDs, and electronics.

 PVC Shrink Film

• Polyethylene Shrink Film: Polyethylene shrink film is another common type of shrink film. It is available in different grades, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polyethylene shrink film is often used for larger and heavier products.

• Shrink Ratio: The shrink ratio refers to the percentage by which the shrink film contracts or shrinks when heated. It is typically expressed as a percentage, such as 50%, indicating that the film will shrink to half its original size.

• Shrink Bag: A shrink bag is a pre-formed, open-ended bag made of shrink film. Products are placed inside the bag, and then heat is applied to shrink the film around the product, creating a tight seal.

• Perforation: Perforations are small holes or slits intentionally made in shrink film to allow excess air to escape during the shrinking process. This helps prevent air bubbles and wrinkles in the finished packaging.

• Bundling: Bundling is a shrink wrapping technique where multiple products are grouped together and wrapped as a single unit. It is commonly used for items like beverage cans or bottles.

• Shrink Wrap Label: A shrink wrap label is a label made of shrink film that is applied to a product's container. When heated, the label conforms tightly to the container, providing a tamper-evident seal and a visually appealing label.

• Neck Band: A neck band is a strip of shrink film applied around the neck or cap of a bottle or container. It is often used for sealing and tamper-evident purposes.

These are some of the key terms associated with shrink wrapping. Understanding these terms can help you effectively communicate and make informed decisions when using shrink wrap packaging for your products.