The air inside of the bag expands and causes the shrink film to blow up. ○ The balloon effect occurs when the shrink film is exposed to hot air after sealing. Look for parallel white lines about 1/16” from the seal. When that’s the case, film will typically crystallize near the seal area. ○ Small brittle seals (frequently with pinholes and open areas) suggest that the seal temperature is too hot. Lastly, make sure the film doesn’t touch the walls or ceiling of the tunnel. Also check for too much air velocity, improperly directed air flow or clogged screens in the tunnel, all of which can lead to package rejects. In this case, you should increase conveyor speeds and reduce tunnel temps. Whitened Film Or Burn Holes On Packaging.It’s best to reduce excessive sealing head pressure and align them. Worn pads can also create polymer buildup and smoking. ○ Smoking and polymer build-up on a pad demonstrate excessive heat. These are caused by the sealing wire or seal bar not being hot enough. ○ Strands that look like hair can appear between the sealed shrink film and the sealing mechanism. Strands Known As “Angel Hair” Start Showing Up Near The Seal.If dwell times are rising, it suggests that the temperature is too low, and vice versa. ○ Dwell time (how long it takes for film to seal when the seal jaws are closed) varies. Try turning the heat up in 25☏ increments until the film has a clean seal and sharp cut-off. ○ Seals that look torn, incomplete, or jagged suggest that seal temperatures are too low. ○ When layers of flat film stick together, it’s called “blocking.” Usually, the film has been in excessive storage temperatures, which causes it to fuse together. To do this, run the sealer at its lowest possible temperature until the film won’t cut, Then, raise the temperature from 5☏-20☏ until consistent seals are reached at the chosen line speed.Ĭommon shrink wrap problems related to temperature include: If temperature is the issue, it will likely show itself in a number of ways.Īs a first step, it’s best to identify your sealer’s perfect temperature. Sometimes, problems are caused by a combination of temperature, pressure, and time, so read on to see how you can fix what’s gone awry. Temperature issues (either too hot or too cold) cause the most common shrink wrap problems. If they’re bad, it’s a mechanical issue, and you can move on to figuring out what component needs to be fixed or adjusted. If they’re good, the shrink film may just be sized incorrectly for the product. But certain problems can pop up, negatively affecting your bottom line.Īre you having shrink wrap problems? Download our free Shrink Wrap Cheat Sheet!īefore you start delving into the troubleshooting process, however, it’s best to do a quick test to see if the issue lies with the machinery or the shrink film itself.įirst, make an empty shrink bag using your existing settings. Shrink wrap has an array of uses, from protecting products from moisture and dust, to reducing environmental impact and adding retail appeal. Read on to assess your shrink wrap status and troubleshoot any common shrink wrap problems you may have with your equipment or line. Issues with shrink wrap could even damage your reputation with customers.Ĭommon shrink wrap issues tend to fall back on three issues: temperature, time, and pressure. It’s been an incredibly useful development in the manufacturing space.īut if your shrink wrap system isn’t working to its full potential, you could be wasting money, time, and manpower. It’s customizable, efficient, and protects your products as they travel. Whether you’re in food service or consumer packaged goods, shrink wrap is an amazing tool.
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