The Many Uses of Shrink Wrap
by Steve Valentino

In the kitchen, shrink wrap keeps leftovers fresh and prevents spills in the microwave, but shrink wrap is also used in various industries to protect fragile items. Shrink wrap protects and groups pallets of items like glass and DVDs during shipment. Packaging shrink wrap is made from a plastic similar to the wrap used in kitchens, and it shrinks when it is heated. The heated shrink wrap makes a protected seal around the item. Shrink wrap systems vary in size, throughput rate, and level of automation, and films come in different thicknesses, stiffness, clarities and sizes.

Industrial businesses use shrink wrap to protect ship goods while they are being shipped. Several varieties of shrink wrap packaging equipment are for sale. Smaller, often portable, systems start around $200, but larger, more elaborate systems can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $35,000. Smaller equipment is often used by artists or art dealers to protect their works. The shrink-wrapped package makes the art look professional while protecting it from dust, dirt, and moisture. Acid-free or archival-quality shrink wraps are available, though these are more expensive. Other smaller shrink-wrap systems package CDs, DVDs, and software for shipment. The larger shrink wrap systems are electronic and can package letters, boxes, books, industrial equipment and even traffic signals.

There are many different kinds of shrink wrap film, ranging in thickness from three-fourths of an inch to one inch. Prices typically depend on the length, width, and qualities like shininess, clarity, flexibility, and the melt temperature of the film. Prices start at around $50 but can reach several hundred dollars. Films are often made of Polyolefin or PVC. Polyolefin films have high clarity and are suited for automatic machines with a high throughput rate. PVC films are more resistant to tears and punctures.

To shrink the shrink wrap, a hand-held heat gun is used to shrink wrap smaller items in small quantities. Heat tunnels with conveyor belts automate the process and can process large items quickly.

Shrink-wrap equipment and films are available online from a variety of retailers and wholesalers.

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