Shrink-wrapping is an easy process. It only requires two things to work: the right kind of plastic wrap and heat.  You can waterproof, weatherproof and tamperproof just about anything you have with just a roll of shrink-wrap and a heating source. But even this convenient packaging solution has a couple of potential hiccups. In this post, we cover some of the common shrink-wrapping mistakes and give solutions.

1. Shrinkwrap Dog Ears

Dog Ears are triangular protrusions from the film on the corners of the package, which resembles a dog’s ear. These are usually around the corners of packages seen in supermarkets. These “ears” are caused by excess shrink-wrapping and are a sign that the film wasn’t shrunk down enough. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:

The first step is to assess the heat of your shrink gun or shrink tunnel. Make sure there is enough heat to properly wrap the package but at the same time, your shrink gun is cool enough to not cause damage to your product.

Also, check the size of your shrink film or tubing. Using a larger film width than needed can cause the dog-ears to show on the corners of your finished product. Wrap the package with less film by minimizing film width. Dog-ears may also arise when using lower-quality films. Polyolefin film is generally pricier but is higher quality.

2. Shrinkwrap Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are wrinkles spreading from the corners of your packages. Many times when resolving the issue of dog-ears, you will also resolve the issue of crow’s feet.

Crow’s feet can be due to excessive film on the corners of the product. This can be avoided by using smaller shrink-wrap or shrink tubing length/width.

Just like dog-ears, a cause can be due to not heating the package enough. Ensure that your heating element is producing enough heat to adequately shrink the film evenly across your finished goods.

3. Shrinkwrap Fish Eyes

Fish eyes are round patterns in the plastic on a package that was shrunk badly and gives an unprofessional and untidy appearance.

Lack of heat causes this issue. To resolve it, check your heating element is receiving regular maintenance to reduce the amount of damaged or improperly shrink-wrapped goods.

In addition, check if your heat source is pushing out enough air when applying heat. If not, it will cause the wrap to shrink inconsistently. Slow down your conveyor speed to minimise perforations in the wrap.

4. Shrinkwrap Angel Hair

These are thin strands of melted plastic, which stretch from the product and the sealed part of the film. If the sealing wire or seal bar is not hot enough will cause Angel hairs. This occurs because the wrap doesn’t have time to cut completely, and the wrap stretches off the wire.

To avoid this shrink wrapping mistake, make sure your sealing wire is working properly. Also check your clamp pressure is correct to avoid the film cuts being uneven.

5. Shrinkwrap Ballooning

Shrink-wrap ballooning occurs when the shrink film is exposed to hot air after being sealed. When this happens the air inside the bag expands, causing the shrink film to balloon.

Using film with vent holes can prevent this (also called pre-perforated film). Additionally, avoid having excess air in the package as it’s being wrapped.

Wrapping It Up! 

Shrink-wrap is a great packaging solution for products and problems are readily solved. The size of packages, the speed it’s being wrapped and differences in the construction of shrink films can influence the professional look of your wrapped packages. However with a few simple adjustments to your system, these 5 common shrink-wrap problems can be minimised and keep your packages looking flawless.

At Direct Mail Solutions, we offer tailored shrink wrapping services to your business, and personal use. We assure protection of your direct mails, without compromising your aesthetics.

While direct mail marketing is a fantastic option to consider, it is quite obvious that this method of marketing is exposed to a variety of elements that can compromise the quality of the product. In today’s blog, we investigate how to prevent the damage of your product from such elements using shrink wrap.

What is shrink wrap?

Shrink wrap is a plastic film that shrinks tightly around the product it is wrapping when heat is applied. It can be used to wrap a range of items – from boxes, to food and drinks, to magazines and newspapers.

The main purpose of shrink wrap is to protect the products inside from dust, water and other forms of contamination or damage.

 

Why is shrink wrapping a good choice for me?

There are a number of reasons why you might consider shrink-wrapping your products, especially if they are forms of direct mail marketing (such as for hamper mail-outs, newspaper subscriptions or prospectuses).

Protection:

• A major problem that may be faced by those using direct mail marketing is a simple one: the weather! Without any kind of protection, rain or general dirt and dust can ruin the quality of your products.
• Luckily, shrink wrapping is an easy solution. It protects your products from all kinds of weather, so you no longer have to worry about the quality being compromised by natural elements.

Smart marketing:

• Not only will shrink wrapping protect your mailed marketing, but transparent shrink wrap film will also display the contents and design of your product, unlike traditional envelopes or cardboard boxes. This captures, engages and interests your target market upon a single glance.

Sturdy:

• Due to its sturdy nature, shrink wrap plastic also protects your mailed marketing from potential transport and handling damage. Such damage may include tearing and page folding.

Space-efficient:

• Shrink wrapping is a far more space-efficient option when compared to boxes or bulky envelopes. This makes it a more convenient choice for your business (in terms of storage and transportation) and also for consumers; mailboxes aren’t big!

How do I get my products shrink wrapped?

The best way to find out about shrink wrapping costs and other logistics is to get in touch with a professional shrink wrapping service. At Direct Mail Solutions, we pride ourselves on our range of shrink wrap solutions tailored to the direct mail products you need to be wrapped.

If you’re embarking on any kind of print marketing campaign, it may be a good idea to consider the use of shrink wrap. From its protective qualities to its durability, there are many reasons why this material could aid your marketing adventures. In this week’s article, we’ll be running through three key reasons why shrink wrap may be the logistical solution of your dreams.

Reliable protection

If you want your print marketing campaign to reach your audience in pristine condition, shrink wrap is one of the best options out there for you. By limiting exposure to elements such as moisture and dirt, shrink wrap ensures that the possibility of damage to your mail is virtually nil. Even more impressively, it reflects sunlight while maintaining a consistent temperature inside to reduce moisture build up in your product. The end result? Your marketing material lands safe at its destination, just as visually stunning as it was when it first rolled off the printing press!

Durability

Made from very sturdy, durable plastic, shrink wrap offers unparalleled protection against the elements. However, due to its long-lasting quality, it won’t shrink or weaken through the journey to its destination. This also protects against tampering- because shrink wrap is so durable, you’ll for sure be able to tell if it’s been tampered with at all along the way.

Affordability

When it comes to considering packaging materials, shrink wrap is one of the most affordable options on the market. Furthermore, shrink wrapped products take up much less space, without requiring the use of bulky packaging such as boxes. Saved space is better for business- this will save you money it terms of storage and transport in the long run.

If you’re wondering where to get more information on shrink wrapping, Direct Mail Solutions offer a comprehensive range of shrink wrapping solutions, designed to suit your needs.