This document is courtesy of Unisource Worldwide, Inc.

http://www.unisourcelink.com

SHRINK FILM BASICS

FILM CATEGORIES

The shrink film market is comprised of two basic categories; the polyvinyl
chlorides (PVC) and the polyolefins. Shrink polyethylene is not typically
included in the competitive polyolefin category; “poly” lacks the clarity, gloss and
the tight second skin polyolefins provide. These attributes are critical for retail
appeal.

The polyolefin “family” consists of films made from polyethylene or polyethylene

and polypropylene copolymer resins. All Cryovac shrink films are polyolefins.

PVC shrink films derive their properties from additives, which are primarily
plasticizers. AS these films age, the plasticizers migrate and the film reverts to its
brittle state, turning to a yellowish color. Also, PVC films tend to be temperature-
sensitive, developing a tendency to shatter and split at cold temperatures (below
freezing), and “shrink-back” and/or block when exposed to high temperatures
over a period of time. The color may also change to yellow when exposed to heat
(such as being stored in a non-air-conditioned warehouse over the summer).

FILM SEALING SYSTEMS

Until recently, most sealing systems used a hot wire in order to seal and cut-off
the film at the same time; now, a knife system has gained in popularity on many
models, due to its durability. The wire or knife seals the film against a pad,
covered with Teflon tape to protect the pad. Time, temperature and pressure are
the three most critical elements affecting the seal quality. If the sealing head is
not held on the film long enough, the temperature is too low, or the pressure is
insufficient or uneven, the seal quality will be poor, and/or won’t cut. However,
if the sealing temperature is too low, or the pressure is insufficient or uneven, the
seal quality will be poor, and/or won’t cut. However, if the sealing temperature is
too high, the film may break just behind the seal. Following the impulse sealing
cycle, a cooling cycle allows the film to “solidify” into a solid seal. This dwell-
time is critical in order for a seal to hold.

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 This document is courtesy of Unisource Worldwide, Inc.
http://www.unisourcelink.com

SHRINK FILM BASICS

PVC films require only heat in order to cut seal and cut. When run on a sealing
system as previously described, build-up of carbon char (black specs and flakes)
will occur, and will need to be cleaned from the sealing head on a regular basis;
otherwise, the carbon will interfere with the sealing process, and will look
unsightly on the sealed ends of the package.

Since only heat is needed to form a PVC seal, some machines use a hollowed out
bottom platen instead of the foam pad; direct contact with the seal wire is
eliminated. Other systems employ a much thinner nichrome wire (.020” diameter
vs. a standard .036” to .040” for polyolefins) against a hard bottom sealing pad.
This system is insufficient to create strong polyolefin seals.

One other sealing system designed for PVCs is called a Universal Sealing System.
Despite the name, the hot knife is typically too sharp to form a quality polyolefin
seal. A rounded knife is better suited.

FILM SHRINKING SYSTEMS

In order for proper shrinking to take place, polyolefin films need an air evacuation
hole or multiple perforations. A bag formed with PVC film does not need
“artificially created” air escape holes. Because of the make-up of PVC, the seal
typically is full of small pinholes; this is where the air escapes during the
shrinking process. While this may seem advantageous (a step can be eliminated),
the small holes actually weaken the seal area. These holes are often located near
or in the package corners.

In order for proper shrinkage to occur, polyolefin film must be exposed to the
correct temperature for the correct amount of time (which is controlled by
conveyor speed), and also be surrounded by the correct air velocity, or wind
turbulence. The air allows the film to stand away from the product, and a
“bubble” is formed around it. A good, even shrink should result when this occurs.

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 This document is courtesy of Unisource Worldwide, Inc.
http://www.unisourcelink.com

SHRINK FILM BASICS

PVC films shrink readily when exposed to heat, and therefore air velocity is not
critical. In the marketplace there are low-end tunnels which have no settings to
control air velocity (similar to an oven) and you may find it difficult to achieve a
good shrink.