How to Choose Shrink Film?

Shrink film is a popular packaging material that is used in a wide variety of industries. It is a versatile and cost-effective solution for wrapping and protecting products. However, choosing the right shrink film can be a daunting task, as there are many different types of shrink film available, each with its own unique properties and benefits. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing shrink film.

Type of Material

Shrink film is available in a range of materials, including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyolefin (PO). Each material has its own unique properties and benefits, so it is important to choose the right one for your specific application.

• Polyethylene (PE) - PE shrink film is the most commonly used type of shrink film. It is a low-cost option that is easy to use and provides good clarity. PE shrink film is available in both low-density and high-density versions. Low-density PE shrink film is softer and more flexible, making it ideal for wrapping irregularly shaped items. High-density PE shrink film is stiffer and more durable, making it ideal for heavier or more fragile items.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - PVC shrink film is a popular option for packaging food products. It has good clarity and high shrinkability, which makes it ideal for wrapping products with irregular shapes. PVC shrink film is also resistant to moisture and has good barrier properties, which helps to keep food products fresh.

• Polyolefin (PO) - PO shrink film is a newer type of shrink film that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a more environmentally friendly option than PVC shrink film, as it is recyclable and does not release harmful chemicals when heated. PO shrink film is also odorless and has good clarity, making it ideal for packaging food products.

PVC Shrink Film

Thickness

The thickness of shrink film is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) or microns (thousandths of a millimeter). Thicker shrink film is more durable and provides better protection for your products, but it also requires more heat to shrink. Thinner shrink film is easier to shrink, but it may not provide as much protection for your products.

When choosing shrink film, consider the weight and fragility of your products. Heavier or more fragile items may require thicker shrink film to provide adequate protection. However, if your products are lightweight and not very fragile, you may be able to use thinner shrink film to save on costs.

Shrink Ratio

The shrink ratio refers to the percentage of shrinkage that a shrink film can achieve. For example, if a shrink film has a shrink ratio of 50%, it will shrink to 50% of its original size when heated.

Shrink ratio is an important consideration when choosing shrink film, as it can affect the appearance and functionality of your products. If you need your shrink film to shrink tightly around your products, you may want to choose a film with a high shrink ratio. However, if you need your shrink film to be more flexible and allow for some movement, you may want to choose a film with a lower shrink ratio.

Clarity

The clarity of shrink film is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Clear shrink film allows your products to be easily visible, which can be important for marketing and branding purposes. It also allows you to easily inspect your products for damage or defects.

In addition to clarity, you may also want to consider other properties such as gloss and haze. Glossy shrink film can give your products a shiny, high-quality appearance, while haze can be used to diffuse light and reduce glare.

If you are interested in types of shrink film or want to learn more about its specifications, material, and prices, please email us directly at info@hyfpack.com. We are more than happy to answer your questions.