Shrink films utilize the polymer tendency to recover its original shape once it has been deformed and then exposed again to heat.

A very popular application these days for shrink films is the one using films dedicated to bundling. Other type of films are known as shrink pallet or shrink hoods and are used to unitize loads as well but the mechanism to achieve that is slightly different.

These films can be classified as:

1. Industrial: used to protect and transport units to the distribution centers or supermarkets
2. Retail: The consumers bring the complete package at home.

In general the films used for these application require fairly demanding properties but the most important could be:

• Shrinking Rate
  • Different % in each direction
  • Higher orientation and shrinkage rate in MD.
  • Proper and constant retraction force.
  • Offers a tamper proof package.
  • Broad range of shrinkage temperatures.
  • Most common used resins: LDPE, LLDPE
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Puncture Resistance
  • Tear Resistance
  • Stiffness and longevity
  • Eventual cardboard tray elimination
• Sealing Properties
  • Resist shrinkage force
  • Maintain integrity
  • Broad sealing range
• Optical Properties:
  • Product Identification
  • Detection of bar codes
  • Protection against UV radiation

Blown film is the most appropriate equipment used to produce these films. It has to provide good thickness uniformity, excellent cooling control, excellent blow-up ratio control, guarantee good optical properties and excellent roll quality and uniformity

If you need more information about the hardware necessary to produce these films contact us or click on Solutions.