Welcome to FilmSource's comprehensive guide to shrink film! If you're looking for information about shrink film, you've come to the right place. 

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Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is a commonly used material in shrink film production. It comes in different forms such as low density (LDPE), medium density (MDPE), or high density (HDPE). Shrink wrap typically uses low density (LDPE) or low linear density (LLDPE), which provides excellent heat seal strength. Polyethylene shrink film is cost-effective and offers shrinkage of 50% - 65% in the machine direction and 0% - 25% in the transverse direction.

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PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is another material used in shrink film manufacturing, although it is more expensive compared to polyethylene. PVC shrink film is rigid, stiff, and has a clean appearance. The oriented version of PVC is primarily used for shrink film applications. PVC offers a shrinkage of 65% - 75% in the machine direction and 10% - 30% in the transverse direction. It shrinks at a lower temperature compared to polyethylene.

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Polyolefin: Polyolefin shrink film is known for its strength, clarity, and high gloss finish, making it an excellent choice for retail packaging. It offers high shrinkage in both the transverse (50%) and machine direction (80%). Polyolefin is considered the most expensive option among shrink film solutions.

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Density: Density refers to the weight per unit volume of the film. Films with low density provide more coverage per weight, making them a cost-effective option.

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Center Folded Film: Center folded film refers to film that is folded in half in the machine direction and then wound into roll form. This type of film is commonly used in shrink film applications.

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Forming Head (Plow): A forming head, also known as a plow, is a mechanical device used to shape flat or centerfold film into the desired bag shape needed for a particular package. It plays a crucial role in creating custom shrink film packaging.

Heat Sealing: Heat sealing is the process of joining plastic films by applying controlled heat and pressure to the area being sealed. This technique ensures a secure and reliable seal.

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Lap Seal: Lap seal is a sealing method used for plastic films where the two pieces to be sealed are overlapped and then heated to form a seal. It is a common sealing method in shrink film applications.

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Machine Direction (MD): Machine direction refers to the direction parallel to the majority of molecules in a plastic film or the direction in which the film moves through the film-making machine. It is also known as the longitudinal direction.

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Shrinkage / Percent Shrink: Shrinkage or percent shrink refers to the decrease in dimensions of a film when subjected to heat. Shrink film shrinks tightly around the product it is covering, providing a secure and protective seal.

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Transverse Direction (TD): Transverse direction is the direction at right angles to the majority of molecules in a plastic film or the direction in which the film web moves through the film-making machine. It is perpendicular to the machine direction.

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We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of shrink film. FilmSource is your go-to destination for high-quality shrink film solutions that cater to your specific needs.