Troubleshooting Suggestions For Shrink Tunnel Machine

Date: 07-10-2022

Shrink wrapping is an effective solution that benefits businesses in a variety of ways. It increases the overall efficiency, reduces the amount of secondary packaging required, and offers protection to products during shipping processes. Shrink wrap saves businesses time and money by reducing product damage and labor costs.

 

SHRINKWRAPPING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

 

When shrink-wrapping products with shrink film, a wide range of problems can emerge. We will assist you in understanding common problems and solutions as well as the terminology used to describe shrink wrapping issues. Most of these issues are relatively common and can be quickly fixed by tweaking machine settings. Adjusting the shrink tunnel's temperature, air velocity, and conveyor speed are common solutions for shrink wrapping problems.

 

DOG EAR

 

A dog ear has become the most common complaint in the shrink-wrapping industry, and it can be found on many shrink-wrapped products in retail stores. Dog ears are triangular swellings of shrink film at the product's edges that signify an absence of shrinkage. They frequently occur on corners or in areas where there is a large amount of excess film BEFORE shrinking is completed.

 

Causes:

 

• Incorrect amount of heat.
• The shrink film bag is far too big.
• Too many perforations in the wrong place on a high or round product.
• Too many perforations or weak seals permit too much air to escape.

 

Solutions:

 

• Increase or reduce the tunnel temperature in 10-degree increments while surveilling package shrink.
• Before shrinking, reduce the bag size of the package. (To make the bag tighter)
• Reduce the tunnel conveyor's speed.
• Increase the air velocity in the tunnel.
• The appropriate amount of perforation.

 

FISH EYES

 

Fish eyes are either circular in shape, or oval patterns caused by poor shrinking on a package. Fish eyes make your package appear amateurish.

 

Causes:

 

• Inadequate heat.
• Inadequate air velocity.
• Too many perforations or inadequate seals.

 

 

Solutions:

 

• Heat up the tunnel to the appropriate temperature.
• Allow for sufficient tunnel air velocity from your heat source.
• Reduce the tunnel conveyor speed.
• Reduce the size of the bag.
•  

CROW’S FEET

 

Crow's feet are wrinkles that appear from the corners of the shrink wrap package. They are frequently accompanied by dogs' ears.

 

Causes:

 

• Excessive film on the product's edges.
• Inadequate heat.

 

Solutions:

 

• Consider using a thinner centerfold shrink film.
• Reduce air evacuation caused by shrink film containment.
• Reduce the number or size of air holes.
• Reduce the size of the bag.

 

ANGEL HAIR

 

Angel hairs are thin strands of shrink wrap film that are sandwiched between the product being sealed and the sealed end of the shrink wrap film. A large angel hair on the package is unappealing.

 

Causes:

• Low temperature for sealing.
• Uneven clamping force.
• Inadequate sealing.
• Shrink film type
• The kind of seal blade, wire, or knife used

 

Solutions:

 

• Increase the sealing temperature to the appropriate level.
• Apply consistent clamp pressure.
• Use shrink film that is compatible.

 

BALLOONING

When the shrink film is exposed to hot air, it becomes like a balloon. The air inside the sealed film expands, causing it to gust out and resemble a balloon.

 

Causes:

 

• There is no perforation in the film for air evacuation.
• Incorrect placement of perforated holes.

 

Solutions:

 

• Perforate the film as needed.
• Before shrinking, do not allow too much air into the film.
• Position the holes properly for air evacuation.
• Increase the number of air holes.

 

BURN OUT

 

Burnouts are typically caused by overheating the shrink film, resulting in burning or tearing while shrinking. It creates ugly holes in the shrink film. Burnout represents insufficient heat on the package's bubble. It is observable during trials and can be rectified prior to the final shrinking of the package. Look inside the tunnel as the product shrinks to see what's going on.

 

Causes:

 

• Inadequate perforation
• Temperatures are extremely high.
• The tunnel conveyor is too slow.
• Package voids.

 

Solutions:

 

• Make enough holes to let air evacuate.
• Tunnel temperature should be reduced
• Tunnel conveyor speed should be increased.
• Use a heavier gauge shrink film.

 

HAZING

 

Hazing occurs when the shrink film becomes "cloudy" after shrinking. It usually occurs near voids, especially when wrapping rounded bottles.

 

Causes:

 

• The film burns due to excessive heat.

 

Solutions:

• Reduce the tunnel temperature in 10-degree increments while keeping an eye on package shrinkage.
• Increase the conveyor's speed.

 

 

These are the main difficulties commonly faced by businesses when they use shrink wrap to prepare packages for shipping. A suitable solution can be found in investing in a quality machine. If you want an excellent chance of success, contact us at Smart Packaging Systems - we offer premium products that will suit every need and budget.