Dec. 02, 2024
Here are some best practices you can follow in buying heat-shrinking labeling machinery:
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A properly functioning heat tunnel is the key to successful long-term operation. Heat tunnels are more than simple caverns with a conveyor where heat is applied; they are highly engineered machines, and each is specifically designed to meet unique packaging line conditions. It is virtually impossible to create an apples-to-apples comparison of heat tunnels from different manufacturers based solely on specifications, because the heat-shrink process is too complex. Look instead at throughput. In specifying machinery, require a written commitment of throughput efficiency while evaluating machines. You&#;ll likely choose a vendor that commits to a 99.5% throughput efficiency vs. another that claims 85%. However, it&#;s just as important to specify that the throughput rate must be confirmed prior to placement of the order.
Package size and shape are two critical production variables for specifying heat-shrink label equipment. For example, the shrink characteristics of a film label for a straight side-walled container will be different from an hourglass-shaped package. The equipment supplier must take shape and size into consideration when designing the system. To achieve lowest total cost of ownership, the brand owner should determine whether the size and shape of the package might change in the next three to five years. If change is likely, provide the equipment supplier with enough information to design a system today that incorporates the flexibility to accommodate changes tomorrow.
The material composition of the package also affects the design considerations of the shrink-label solution. For example, a glass jar can absorb more heat than a PET container, and various compositions of PET handle heat differently. With all the effort to make packaging more sustainable, brand owners are lightweighting and using materials with greater recycled content. These changes may affect the shrink-label process. Look three to five years ahead and envision potential changes to the composition of the package. Work with the equipment manufacturer to include the flexibility needed to accommodate a range of materials.
The speed of the line impacts the configuration of the applicator and heat tunnel. You should identify the machine with the greatest throughput upstream of the sleeve applicator and heat tunnel, and then determine tunnel throughput based on that speed. Engineer the shrink-label process to have 20% higher throughput, so that it can serve as a buffer. You should also plan for scenarios that call for higher speeds over a reasonable time period, even three to five years, to reduce total cost of ownership.
Every type and formulation of shrink film, whether PET-G, polylactic acid (PLA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has its own shrink characteristics. A film&#;s specifications and cost are only starting points in the selection process. How that film will conform to the size and shape of the package at the line speeds required is a function of actual conditions in the heat tunnel. For example, simply assuming that the label will shrink uniformly may not be correct; dark colors on a label absorb heat more quickly than light colors. Certainly, you may wish to start out with a first choice for a film, but work with the equipment manufacturer and film supplier for package lab testing prior to making a final decision on film choice.
Shrink labeling is a process that needs to be maintained within precise parameters. Having a service technician visit the plant on a regular basis to adjust the process, replace worn components, and provide ongoing training for operators pays dividends in terms of less downtime and waste as well as high throughput.
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Before you purchase a shrink wrap to use for packaging products at your business, you must consider a few factors when choosing the correct material. Polyethylene could provide better strength and stability than polyolefin in certain scenarios and vice versa. Read on to learn five things to consider when choosing your shrink wrap.
Shrink wrap can be used to cover a multitude of products and components&#;anywhere from pallets to packaging to aircraft or water vessels. First, determine what you need the material for. Any food items might require a film with antifog properties to minimize the amount of moisture that accumulates inside, while a pallet may need more durable material to limit damage during transport.
Are you wrapping a product that needs protection from solar radiation? If you produce items that need these special requirements, keep this in mind when selecting a film. For example, white or blue polyethylene is excellent for outdoor protection because it contains UV inhibitors. Due to the special grade of the material, it&#;s also perfect for protecting marine vessels from sun and heat damage.
Another major component to consider when choosing your shrink wrap is the size and shape of your product. When your product is more cumbersome with sharp edges, you&#;ll likely need an industrial shrink wrap with a higher thickness gauge for better protection. However, if your items are light and smaller, you can use a thinner gauge to wrap more products per shrink roll. Remember, one size does not fit all!
What you use to wrap your product can also be a determining factor in the material you choose. When you use a machine to wrap your pallets for you, you will need a more durable film with the strength to provide the best stretch over the products without wasting excess material. However, if you&#;re wrapping manually, a lighter and smaller roll of shrink wrap works best.
The summer and winter months can make it difficult to store your shrink wrap because the climate could potentially damage the material. Also, if your products are temperature controlled&#;for example, frozen food items&#;they could also harm the integrity of the wrap. Consider temperature requirements when choosing a shrink wrap, and know that you may need to avoid film such as PVC because it can crack in cold conditions.
For all your shrink wrap needs, Buffalo Shrink Wrap has you covered. We offer many films to choose from that will accommodate all your stretch wrap packaging needs.
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