TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR SHRINK FILM EQUIPMENT

Here are some of the common problems found in using shrink wrap films and equipment. Scroll through this list to determine your problem.

Scroll further and you will see the solution associated with your shrink wrap film problem. 

Note that it is a very common mistake for people to automatically blame the film for a poor appearance.   Most problems in shrink packaging are addressed by adjusting the shrink wrap film equipment, doing routine periodic maintanence to the shrink wrap film equipment and training the operator to make the appropriate adjustments.

“Angel Hair” – “Stringy Seals”

Adjustments Do Not Work

Burn Holes - "Hot Spots"

Crows Feet

Dog Ears

Erratic Shrinking

Excessive Smoking

Film Build Up On Sealing Wire

Film Cannot Be Separated

Film Collapses The Package

Film Splitting at Centerfold During Operation

Shrink Film Splitting at Centerfold During Operation

1. Check to see if roll has been dropped
2. Check loading tray for sharp edges

Burn Holes- “Hot Spots”

1. Check for location of air evacuation hole
2. Speed up tunnel conveyor
3. Move air evacuation hole to proper position for best results when shrinking
4. Decrease tunnel temperature
5. Adjust tunnel air flow

Film Splits at Hole Punch

1. Check hole punch for striker alignment or damaged die
2. Check location of air evacuation hole
3. Move air evacuation hole to proper location for best results when shrinking

Film Splits at Top of Package

1.       Check hole punch for striker alignment or damaged die

2.       Check for location of air evacuation hole

3.       Move air evacuation hole to proper location for best results when shrinking

4.       Make sure that the tunnel is functioning properly

5.       Speed up the tunnel conveyor

6.       Use more film around the product

7.       Decrease the tunnel temperature

8.       Adjust tunnel air flow

Excessive Smoking

1. Check an clean wire and insulating material
2. Check condition of sealing pad and Teflon tape
3. Check for even clamp pressure
4. Make sure seal is made with minimum wire temperature
5. Increase wire temperature
6. Decrease dwell time

“Angel Hair” – “Stringy Seals”

1. Check and clean wire and insulating material
2. Check condition of sealing pad and Teflon tape
3. Check for even clamp pressure
4. Make sure seal is made with minimum wire temperature
5. Make Sure that sealing cycle is completed before sealing jaws are released
6. Make sure that magnetic hold-downs are released at the same time
7. Make sure that L-sealer take away conveyor does not engage before the sealing jaws are released
8. Increase wire temperature
9. Take off Teflon sleeve

Off Center Seal

1. Adjust the loading platform so that seal is in center of package

Crows Feet

1. Slow down tunnel conveyor
2. Adjust tunnel air flow
3. Move air evacuation hole to the proper position for the best results in shrinking
4. Increase tunnel temperature
5. Make sure that the tunnel is functioning properly

Fish Eyes

1. Make sure that the tunnel is functioning properly
2. Slow down the tunnel conveyor
3. Adjust tunnel air flow
4. Use less film around product
5. Increase tunnel temperature

Dog Ears

1. Use less film around the product
2. Slow down tunnel conveyor
3. Adjust tunnel air flow
4. Move air evacuation hole to the proper position for the best results in shrinking
5. Increase tunnel temperature

Erratic Shrinking

1. Make sure that the tunnel is functioning properly
2. Slow down tunnel conveyor
3. Adjust tunnel air flow
4. Move air evacuation hole to the proper position for the best results in shrinking
5. Increase tunnel temperature

Severe Ballooning

1. Check for location of air evacuation hole
2. Move air evacuation hole to the proper position for the best results in shrinking

Weak or Split Seals

1. Check and clean wire and insulating material
2. Check condition of sealing pad and Teflon tape
3. Check for even clamp pressure
4. Check to make sure there is no tension on the film during sealing
5. Make sure seal is made with minimum wire temperature
6. Make sure that sealing cycle is completed before sealing jaws are released
7. Make sure that magnetic hold downs are released at the same time
8. Make sure that L-sealer take away conveyor does not engage before the sealing jaws are released
9. Increase wire temperature
10. Decrease wire temperature
11. Decrease of increase dwell time
12. Take off Teflon sleeve

Seal Failure in Tunnel

1. Check and clean wire and insulating material
2. Check condition of sealing pad and Teflon tape
3. Check for even clamp pressure
4. Check to make sure that there is no tension on the film during sealing
5. Make sure that the sealing cycle is completed before sealing jaws are released
6. Check for location of air evacuation hole
7. Make sure that magnetic hold downs are released at the same time
8. Make sure that L sealer take away conveyor does not engage before the sealing jaws are released
9. Make sure that the tunnel is functioning properly
10. Use more film around the product
11. Decrease tunnel temperature
12. Adjust tunnel air flow
13. Take off Teflon sleeve

Film Build Up On Sealing Wire

1. Check and clean wire and insulating material
2. Check condition of sealing pad and Teflon tape
3. Check for even clamp pressure
4. Make sure seal is made with minimum wire temperature
5. Increase wire temperature
6. Take off Teflon sleeve
7. Check for poly switch – turn off

Film Cannot Be Separated

1. Call for advice

Static In Film

1. Call for advice

Film Collapses The Package

1. Call for advice
2. Try Syfan LSF (Low Shrink Force Film) or G22 PVC

Adjustments Do Not Work

1. Call for advice