Shrink-wrapping is a great way to protect items for storage or transport.The items can be as small as CDs to as large as boats.Small business owners who wrap their own products while readying them for distribution are some of the most common shrink-wrapping needs.You can learn how to shrink wrap an item with basic shrink-wrapping machines or even at home.
Step 1: Pick an item to shrink wrap.
Shrink-wrapping machines that allow you to modify the size and shape of an item are some of the most common.You can decide on other details if you first choose the item you need to shrink wrap.
Step 2: Pick a type of shrink-wrapping film.
Polyolefin and polyvinylchloride are the two most common shrink-wrap films.When it comes to wrapping items with sharp edges, polyolefin is more durable and less smelly, but it is also more expensive.Depending on your specific job, you can choose between flat rolls of film, pre-made bags in various sizes with three sides already sealed, or gauge size ranging from 60 to 100.
Step 3: Turn on your spray gun.
An impulse sealer is similar to a paper cutter that seals the shrink wrap as opposed to slicing it when you bring the arm down.You will have a knob for different heat settings.Depending on the film type and gauge size, you can choose a specific setting for your item.If your film comes with a recommended heat setting, you can easily practice on a small piece of film to find the ideal temperature where it seals without burning.
Step 4: The shrink-wrap film needs to be prepared.
With a flat roll of film, fold the film over your item as if you were measuring out wrapping paper to wrap a gift.You can fit the excess on the three open sides under the arm of your impulse by cutting the film with scissors.You can simply place your item in the bag if you ordered it in a suitable size.
Step 5: Your item should be sealed.
One side at a time, place the open edges of the film onto the impulse seal and close the arm, which will heat and seal the side.It is easy to tear away excess material from the sealed side of the bag in models without a cutter.If you can get close to the item, don't bring it in contact with the arm on the seal.This will lead to a clean looking finished product after applying the heat gun, and it will also help you save on wrapping film with practice.If you need a customer to be able to smell the product, then you can use a hole punch to puncture a small piece of the sealed bag.
Step 6: The sealed film can be shrunk with a heat gun.
The heat gun distributes heat more evenly than a hairdryer.Pass the sealed bag from several inches away.The heat will cause the film to shrink down to the size of the sealed item.The heat gun should be used to heat the film evenly.If you leave the gun pointed at one spot for too long or use it too close to the film, you can warp it or even burn it.
Step 7: You can choose an item to shrink wrap.
You still have to choose the shrink-wrap film that's best for the job at hand.If you use scissors and a blowdryer, the film should work.
Step 8: Wrap your item.
You can cut a piece of film from the roll if you want to gift wrap the item.The sheet you cut should be a little bigger than you need.
Step 9: Remove excess film.
Shrink wrap should be trimmed off.Air pockets and uncovered spaces should be eliminated by the film.
Step 10: To seal the seam, use the hairdryer.
If the way you wrapped the item has left a seam that needs to be sealed before you can continue, use the hairdryer to heat directly along the overlap of the seam.
Step 11: Wrap the film around the rest of the item.
Place heat from the hairdryer around the wrap.The wrap won't shrink proportionately if you apply it unevenly.It will take more time than a heat gun to shrink the film properly.It's important to heat as evenly as possible.This method requires a lot of practice to create a finished product that looks like shrink-wrapping equipment.