Running registered printed shrink film isn’t as easy as putting the roll of film on your machine and pressing a button. There are many factors to consider. Package appearance, speed, the layout of artwork and graphic design elements, the capabilities of the machines you are running, the specific colors, and air evacuation are all important aspects that demand your attention. In the article below, we will explore the dynamics of running printed shrink film and we will help you to better understand the various elements of the process.
In order to run registered printed shrink film, you will need to have a machine with a print registration unit. If you do not already have one installed, you may be able to have one added to your current equipment. Not all packaging machines can have print registration units retrofit to them. In that case, you will have to upgrade to a brand new machine. When purchasing shrink wrap equipment in general it is wise to consider adding an optional print registration unit, if there is ever a possibility that you might want to run printed shrink film in the future.
The appearance of your package is extremely important to the perception of your brand. You want to have a nice crisp package that is legible and eye-catching while also being aware of the environmental impact of the materials you are running. This is accomplished with registered printed shrink film via the combination of enticing colors and graphics that are appealing to the consumer.
Registered printed shrink film offers the ability to print bold and vibrant color/graphic combinations while also offering minimal impact on the environment. With one of the smallest carbon footprints of any packaging material, printed shrink takes up less space in our landfills and results in far less air pollution. This is due to its lightweight and the lower carbon emissions produced during shipping when compared to other materials.
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Depending on how fast you need to run in conjunction with the styles of packaging you employ (i.e.: using a multi-pack, side by side in a single file) you will need to figure out how you are going to create the package. Next, you need to consider how you will present it to the wrapper, shrink the registered printed film and get it through the rest of your packaging line as fast as possible.
Creating the best package will require a specialty in-feed unit which may utilize timing screws and gates to correctly lane the product and create the ideal package configuration. Next, you will need to present it to the wrapper in as stable a format as you possibly can. The wrapper must be equipped with a print registration option which typically uses a photo eye to detect the eye mark. The photo eye then alerts the wrapper when to make the seal.
Photo eyes must be trained to read the density of the eye mark in order to be effective with the wrapper. You will want to avoid sealing in printed areas as this will almost certainly result in a very weak seal or no seal at all. It is ill-advised to use surface printed film as this will result in a maintenance nightmare as the ink builds up on your seal bar. When this happens, your machine will require extremely frequent cleanings. Some inks will actually deteriorate the seal bar. In this respect, it is highly recommended to use a hard coating to extend the life of this particular part.
Like so many things in life, running printed shrink film is part science and part art. The science side is based on theoretical models, and the art side is based on experience. There are several factors that contribute to the success (or failure) of running printed shrink film.
While the above information shows that running registered printed shrink film is in fact a rather complicated process, it is very doable. In order to properly implement the running of registered printed shrink film on your packaging line, it is extremely important to work with a local packaging expert throughout every step of the process. This will ensure that everything is done correctly and will produce the desired results.
When choosing a type of shrink film to package your products in, it is important to do research ahead of time to find out which film is the best fit for your products. In addition to making sure that you are correctly employing all the advice above, it is also very important to make sure that you are running the correct gauge of shrink film regardless of whether you are using clear or printed versions.
Using the wrong speed, heat, gauge, and ink for your shrink films are just a few of the serious mistakes that can lead to an excess of wasted time and money. Be sure to reach out to your local packaging professionals and ask for an analysis of your materials and your machinery to see if there are any adjustments that can be made. Sometimes something as simple as reducing the gauge of your film or the heat of your shrink tunnel can result in huge cost savings.
With high quality products and considerate service, we will work together with you to enhance your business and improve the efficiency. Please don't hesitate to contact us to get more details of Custom Printed Shrink Film.
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