Shrink sleeve: types, characteristics, purpose. Thermoresistant paper

Polyethylene is one of the most popular materials that are used as packaging. It is used in industry, in manufacturing, in the trade sector and, of course, ordinary housewives do not do without it. In each case, a suitable form of this material is used. This can be a package, and a film cloth, and a primary sleeve. For example, from the point of view of operational value, the thermo-shrinkable polyethylene sleeve is particularly prominent, which can be used both as a basis for storage of products and as a protective agent.

Purpose and scope of the shrink film

The main function of this material is to ensure the tightness of a product. The material prevents negative environmental factors, allowing the original product to retain its original properties. It can be said that a huge range of packaging materials solves such problems, among which there is an extensive range of conventional polyethylene. However, the shrink sleeve is distinguished by the ability to fit tightly to the storage object, which allows to maximize the storage space during transport. Where is this solution more often used? First of all, these are enterprises engaged in the manufacture and sale of food products. Also hermetic and dense packaging is required for goods from the segment of household chemicals, printing products, stationery and some types of building materials.

Varieties

All film shrink materials can be divided into three classes according to the kind of raw materials used. So, these are products from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PVD) and polyolefin (POF) canvases. Immediately I must say that shrink sleeve PVC is the most common because it maintains a sufficient level of tightness to store most food products, but at the same time does not interfere with gas exchange processes. Actually, in this ability lies the main difference between polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin. Materials from the PF also meet the needs of manufacturers of products that are sensitive to air, but do not allow the penetration of any gases.

Significantly different already in other qualities and classic polyethylene material. It is often used to store groups of goods - for example, packages with several bottles or a bundle of paper sheets. This shrink film is characterized by mechanical resistance, tensile strength and durability.

Characteristics

Dimension parameters are one of the main criteria for choosing this product, if they are suitable for other qualities. Thus, a film of polyolefin is produced by rolls with a width of 25 to 90 cm, with the pitch, as a rule, 5 cm. As for the thickness, in this case it varies in the range 12-25 μm. The length of the rolls can reach 1250 m. But the usual household winding is not less than 650 m. The polyvinyl chloride shrink sleeve for packaging has a less wide range of sizes. For example, in the width of such a canvas rarely exceeds 60 cm, and length - 750 m. But the PVC film differs in thickness, reaching already 30 microns. Polyethylene materials are approximately in the same dimensional range. By weight, usually the average value is in the range of 5-10 kg, when it comes to industrial rolls.

Operational properties

Although there are certain differences in the properties of different shrink materials, the basic qualities they have the same. These include optimal indicators of mechanical resistance, sanitary and hygienic safety, lack of stretching, as well as inertness to chemicals. It is worth noting and light transmission capacity, which has a sleeve shrink transparent, designed for food packaging. But the main quality that separates shrink materials from the general segment is the ability to take the form of the product to be optimally. Shrinkage on the average is 40-50%, provided correctly selected heat treatment parameters.

Shrinkage technique

To carry out the mentioned heat treatment function, under which the web reduces, special apparatuses are used. It can be automatic or semi-automatic equipment designed to work with products of a certain size. Also, the aggregates are divided into tunnel and chamber type models. This separation determines the ability of the technology to operate in different modes in terms of on-line service - piece or serial. In the process of performing this function, hot air streams are applied to the shrink sleeve. As a result, the working cloth shrinks, and it completely takes the shape of the object for packing. Moreover, each machine also has additional options that relieve operators of routine work. For example, this includes the function of cutting a roll.

How much does the sleeve shrink?

The specific prices for shrink material are determined by the size, technical parameters and the presence of special properties of the film. In this case, not always manufacturers produce products in batches of a certain format. For example, the practice of painting on the weight required by the customer is practiced. Standard shrink film is available on the market for an average of 150-200 rubles per kilogram. Thick large-format rolls cost on average 3-4 thousand for 25-30 kg. But such volumes belong to parties designed for industrial needs.

Conclusion

The technology of heat shrinkage has significantly increased the efficiency of the use of packaging materials. It allows to minimize the space occupied by large commodity lots, and at the same time to maintain the necessary level of protective qualities. At the same time, flexibility is provided in terms of providing a variety of formats. Modern shrink sleeve is available with different parameters in width, length and thickness. If we take into account the possibilities of endowing film tapes with a wide range of performance properties, then we can speak about the universality of this material. However, there are some limitations in the use of shrink film. For example, such a material can not be used in the maintenance of sharp and piercing products that do not have a protective shell. There are also certain limits in terms of the possibilities of using the same polyvinyl chloride at different temperatures. But these limitations manufacturers are trying to eliminate, giving the film additional functions.