Shrink wrap machines used to be traditionally used for packaging CDs and DVDs. It was also used to package software boxes, tapes and other items. While shrink wrap can still be used to package CDs and DVDs, shrink wrap can also be used to package old documents, invoices, gift baskets, soap and much more.
There are now two main types of shrink wrap machines available. These are known as I-bar and L-bar shrink wrap machines. Both machines are relatively easy to set up. I-bar machines are typically designed for low to mid-volume shrink wrapping and L-bar sealers are designed for mid to high-level shrink wrapping.
I-bar sealers utilize a single sealing bar. This single bar is brought down in order to cut the film. It usually takes about three passes to fully seal a product with film. Once the film is cut around the product, a heat gun is used to shrink the film.
L-bar sealers use an L shaped sealer bar that cuts the film around a package in one single pass. This makes packaging extremely fast. Once the package is sealed with film, it can be shrunk using a heat gun or can be shrunk even faster with a heat tunnel. Many L-bar sealers now come with a built-in heat tunnel.
There are two types of shrink film that can be used with shrink wrap machines. These are PVC and Polyolefin film. PVC film has been around a while and is traditionally used to package CDs and DVDs. PVC film is more brittle and emits more odor when shrunk. PVC cannot be used with food.
The newer, and now more popular, Polyolefin film is more stretchy than PVC film. It is safe to use with food and costs about the same as Polyolefin film. Polyolefin film emits little odor and is safe to shrink indoors. PVC film and Polyolefin can both be used with most shrink wrap machines.
If you previously thought shrink wrap machines were not a viable option for you, you should reconsider and look at the wide variety of shrink wrap available today!