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In the
kitchen we use shrink wrap to keep leftovers fresh and prevent splatters
in the microwave, but shrink wrap is used by many industries for various
applications, such as the protection of fragile items. Shrink wrap is
used to group and protect pallets of items like glassware and DVDs
during shipping.
Packaging shrink wrap is a plastic
film similar to the wrap used in kitchens, but it is thicker and more
durable and it shrinks when heated. Heated shrink wrap makes a
protective seal around the item. Shrink-wrap systems vary in size,
production rate, and level of automation. The films come in different
degrees of thickness, stiffness, clarity, and sizes.
Industrial businesses use shrink wrap to protect goods during shipment.
Several types of shrink-wrap equipment are on the market. Small portable
systems start around $200. Large complex systems cost anywhere from
$2,000 to $35,000. The larger shrink-wrap systems are electronic and can
package letters, books, boxes, industrial equipment, and even traffic
signals. Smaller equipment is frequently used by artists to protect
their artwork. The shrink-wrapped packaging protects it from moisture,
dirt, and dust and makes it look professional. More expensive, acid-free
archival-quality shrink wrap should be used for artwork. Smaller
shrink-wrap systems are used by businesses to package CDs, DVDs, and
software for shipment or display.
There are different kinds of shrink-wrap film. They range in thickness
from three-fourths of an inch to one inch. Prices depend on the length,
width, and qualities like shininess, clarity, flexibility, and melt
temperature, and start at around $50 but can reach several hundred
dollars. Typical films are made of polyolefin or PVC. Polyolefin film
has high clarity and is suitable for automatic machines with a high
throughput rate. PVC films are more resistant than polyolefin to tears
and punctures.
A handheld heat gun is used to shrink wrap small items in small
quantities. Heat tunnels with conveyor belts are used in automatic
systems and can process large items quickly.
Shrink-wrap equipment and films are available online in bulk from many
different retailers and wholesalers.
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