Using a generous amount of shrink-wrapping film might seem harmless or even the right thing to do. Better to overestimate, than underestimate when it comes to sizing, right? Wrong! Over time, you may experience shrinking profits as your materials costs increase. In fact, it’s better to simply get it right the first time.
Nailing down your shrink film measurements is easier than you might think. Finding the proper film width and length will depend on what type of film you are using. You will need to know a few facts and measurements before calculating your shrink film dimensions. In this article, all measurements are in inches.
- Orientation/flow through shrink tunnel (This will inform which side is your product length vs your width)
- Type of machine (this will dictate what type of film you need)
- Production/Conveyor Speed
- Product dimensions (always round up to the nearest inch)
- Width: parallel to the cut-off or cross seal
- Length: parallel to the fold of the film, in cases of centerfold film
- Height: In cases of products with uneven surfaces, the height should be considered from the bottom to the highest point of the package
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The most common forms of shrink wrap film are tubing, centerfold film, and shrink wrap bags. Conveniently, there is a formula to calculate the proper measurements for each kind.
Centerfold: Combine the height and the width of the item, then add 2-3 inches of wiggle room. (3 for larger items only). The formula for this is H+W+2.
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Tubing: Tubular shrink film is typically only used for oblong objects. To determine the width of your shrink film tube, multiply the circumference of your object by 1.15, then divide your total by 2. In other words, (CIR×1.15)÷2. As for the length of your shrink wrap tube, simply add 2-3 inches to the length of the object.
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Shrink Bag: For most applications, bags are the most beginner-friendly solution to shrink wrapping. They are already sealed on 3 of the 4 sides, which makes packaging your item simpler. To find the right width for your shrink bag, follow this formula: (CIR×1.13)÷2. As with our previous examples, the length of your shrink bag should be the length of your object, plus 2-3 inches.
Every application is different and finding the right size film can be even more difficult when your item is an irregular shape. When in doubt, ask an expert. Every service technician at Best Packaging is trained in shrink wrapping procedure. During your next visit, ask a technician to take a look at your shrink wrapping line and your product to get a shrink film recommendation.
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Best Packaging is graduating to a much larger, freestanding facility in Chicago’s West suburbs! Our new repair shop and administrative headquarters will be located at 901 W. Lake St. in Melrose Park, IL. The building features 18,000 square feet of warehouse space, in a clear span structure, uninterrupted by supporting beams. (My facilities manager tells me that’s a big deal.) Geographically, Melrose Park is centrally located amongst our most frequent customers and its access to major routes will benefit our emergency repair response time.
Best Packaging is using this opportunity to ensure all staff members have the tools they need to offer the most support. Our new packaging equipment repair shop will feature two drive-in dock doors, one overhead door, ventilated spray booth, a dedicated fabrication/welding area and an equipment demonstration/photography studio. Our administrative staff will enjoy a spacious atrium with skylight, multiple conference areas, executive office suites and a lounge for entertaining our guests. Not to mention, 6,000 square feet of office space to accommodate future growth! Our sales department may not get the virtual golf simulator they were hoping for, but we do have plans for a fitness and recreation area.
Refurbishing and updating our new property will be a gradual process, but our team sees a lot of potential in the Melrose Park location. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months as we grow into our new space!
Many Americans have similar tee-ball memories from their youth, like picking dandelions in the outfield and going out for ice cream served in little baseball hats. We think back to those days with nostalgia but, by the time many athletes reach high school, it’s not so much ‘America’s pastime’ as it is an opportunity to get noticed by recruiters. For many, if we once again had the chance to step out on the field just to have fun with our friends, we would in a heartbeat.
Incoming Collegiate Freshmen Ryan Kudia and Johny Turgeon, friends who met on the diamond 10+ years ago, realized they had just the chance. This year, they formed their own independent All-Star Team to field one final summer blowout. With support from Best Packaging, Best Packaging Baseball Club and their team, The Machines, were born.
The 18u A-team quickly demonstrated ‘Why we’re the best,’ as we say at Best Packaging, at the Dog Days of Summer Invitational hosted by the Lombard Lightning. In game one, Drew Blouin started strong on the mound and, by the time closing pitcher, Jeremy Fox, took the field, they had a healthy cushion of runs. The Machines’ bullpen was stacked, but these lifelong friends were never selfish about sharing time on the hill. “We may not have had a chance to practice together before the tournament, but we all knew each other so well that we’re already aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” says Ryan Kudia.
When their winning streak continued from the first through the third and final day of the tournament, the words “Who ARE these Best Packaging Machines!?” could be heard in exasperated tones from the opposing bench. As most of their competition represented a specific town like the Chicago Stars or the Schaumburg Flyers, The Machines were quite the unknown newcomers. Like Robinhood and the Golden Arrow, these mystery mavericks swept the competition, earning the title of first place champions. A perfect ending for these sandlot sluggers in their final act as a team.
Ryan, Johnny, and the rest of The Machines will soon be settling into their dorms and taking the first step towards promising careers, but some things are not learned in labs and lecture halls. By effectuating the Best Packaging Baseball Club in every aspect from conception to finally stepping onto the field, these young men have proven they have the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to achieve real-world success. We could not be more proud of The Machines and we are eager to see what these talented gentlemen do next! Some of these players even earned athletic scholarships, so keep an eye out for the following names in the future of college ball.
Player: Graduated From: Attending:
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Johnny Turgeon Lyons Township High School Illinois State University
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Damien Sanchez Lyons Township High School Valencia College
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Austin Castle Lyons Township High School University of Cincinnati
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Ryan Kudia Lyons Township High School University of Alabama
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Cole Gordon Lyons Township High School Southern Methodist University
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Wylder Guido Nazareth Academy University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Athletic Scholarship, Baseball, Corner Infield)
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Ethan Taylor Riverside-Brookfield High School University of Mizzou
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Jeremy Fox Riverside-Brookfield High School Maryville University (Athletic Scholarship, Baseball, Pitcher)
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Fabyan Ceballos J. Sterling Morton High School Undecided
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Drew Blouin Lyons Township High School University of Oregon
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Joe Milano Nazareth Academy Morton College
Conveyors play an important part in the packaging line. Conveyor units are very vital in a business so as to effectively increase its manufacturing in a well-organized manner, as it’s considered to even be the lifeline of the plant.
Correct maintenance is also very significant to ensure the system is always in tip-top performance. Part of its maintenance plan will incorporate frequent supervision of the device’s motors, inspection, correct training of maintenance staff and availability of major parts.
Best Packaging recently restored a 20-year old conveyor line to like-new condition by adding all new rollers, belts, pulleys, and hardware. Had this conveyor shut down, the plant would’ve bottlenecked as this is the only conveyor out of production and into the stretch wrapper. There is a tremendous loss of production and a great need for temporary workers to handle pallet movements and stretch wrapping anytime this goes down. Like packaging equipment, these items should be periodically maintained to extend the life of your conveyor before an overhaul is needed and downtime is required.
If you haven’t evaluated or maintained your conveyor line in a while, make an appointment for our trained technicians at 888-930-BEST to do a multi-point inspection and report.
What’s your take? We welcome guest bloggers! E-mail socialmedia@bestpackaging.com if you’d ever like to collaborate.