Protect Large Machinery
With This Common Material

Shrinkwrap

Shrinkwrap is also known as shrinkwrap or shrink film. Shrinkwrap is a material made with a versatile polymer and is used as packaging for finished goods. Shrinkwrap works by applying heat to the film using a heat tunnel or heat shrink gun. This allows the film to shrink around an object tightly. Heat shrink guns usually come with propane tanks. When the film is heated, the molecules of a shrink film sheet change from their initial pattern to fit the mold of its contents. The end product is a strong plastic barrier that protects the product.

When choosing shrinkwrap, it’s important to pay attention to mil thickness. Mil thickness is used to determine the thickness of a piece of material. One additional property to consider is VCI. VCI shrinkwrap contains additives that help to prevent corrosion.

Types of Shrinkwrap Materials

Shrinkwrap is made of a few different types of materials. The three main types of polyethylene (PE) include High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is a versatile material. The name polyethylene comes from the process of polymerizing the olefin ethylene. Polyethylene is used in several forms of flexible packaging, including shrink film and stretch film, and performs very differently for each type of packaging.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has less mass when compared to its volume and is highly resistant to moisture and chemicals. A few LDPE products include bottles, containers, lids, wire and cable applications, and caps; this type of polyethylene is easy to recycle.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is also known as polyethylene high-density (PEHD). It is a type of polyethylene plastic that is made from petroleum. HDPE is used for various applications, including:

• corrosion-resistant piping

• Geomembranes

• Plastic bottles

• Plastic lumber

• Containers

• Bags

• Hard hats

• Milk jugs

• Shampoo

• Bread bags

• Produce bags

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LLDPE is the most flexible and the most commonly used film in the packaging industry. A few advantages of LLDPE include its strength and conformability. Additional benefits include durability and printability.

LLDPE and LDPE films are commonly used for:

• Pallet-wrapping

• Snacks

• Frozen foods

• Carrier bags

• Marine industrial applications

The disadvantages of PE for shrink are that it has lower clarity and a lower shrink rate. It also doesn't shrink and other films, but it is great for stretch-wrapping pallets and protecting heavy loads in transit.

Conclusion

Shrinkwrap is an extremely useful material when transporting large machinery. There are many different types of shrink wrap that are available in a variety of weights and colors. Polyethylene can be used for various applications, including large machinery and plastic bottles. Depending on your preferred thickness, you can find the right shrinkwrap to meet your needs.

Heat Shrink Gun How-To Guide

Shrinkwrap is a plastic film that is designed to contract when heated. The most common method for shrinking this type of film is the heat gun. Below, you will find the items needed to assemble a heat shrink one and operate a shrink gun properly.

Items required to utilize the heat shrink gun:

Not provided with a shrink gun

• propane tank
• fire rate gloves

Provided with a shrink gun

• regulator gauge
• inlet line/ hose
• shrink gun
• shrink gun safety cage assembly

Instructions:

1. Attach metal shields to the nozzle at the end of the shrink gun using 4 screws.

2. Attach the inlet line to the regulator gauge.

3. Attach the inlet line to the bottom of the shrink gun.

4. Attach regulator gauge to the propane tank.

5. Opening the propane valve once all attachments are firmly tightened until the regulator gauge shows ~20 psi.

6. Shrink gun has a safety trigger (prevents accidental gas release) and gas handle trigger (igniter/ lighter)

7. Release safety trigger to release gas and press on gas handle trigger to light the gun.

8. Move the heat shrink gun around the entire object until shrink wrap completely shrinks around the object.

9. Once shrink wrap fits snuggly around the object, turn off the gun.

Griff-Shrink® is a patented multi-ply heat-shrinkable laminate that is heat shrinkable and combines the performance of polyethylene and specialty heat-shrinkable films supported with a reinforcement grid to create a highly tear-resistant and durable product. The reinforcement grid provides a uniform tear resistance in all directions. Griff-Shrink® is ideal for transporting large over-the-road flatbed shipments while protecting machinery and equipment from damage and corrosion.