Working With Shrink Films
General information:
1. The PVC shrink films are the most difficult of the media’s to achieve a consistent release from the liners. Refer to the “shrink sleeve tips” tech bulletin for getting the film started to release from the liner.
2. All of the shrink films shrink the highest on the width of the rolls, art orientation is very important.
3. The 8507 PVC film is a 60% (approx.) shrink ratio. It is well suited for most applications except high contour shapes and trigger spray bottles.
4. The 8527 PVC film is the same film as 8507 but with a different coating on it and a slightly higher shrink ratio (66%). The 6% extra shrink typically handles higher contour shapes except trigger spray bottles.
5. For very high contour shapes we have a PETG shrink film with 74%(approx.) shrink ratio. It is a little more difficult to work with when shrinking but a hot water bath works much better than a heat gun.
6. Any of the PVC shrink films require at least 4-6 hours of curing time for the print to “degas” and properly dry. Ideally overnight.
7. The PETG film can be worked with when the print is dry to the touch.
8. Recommended heater settings: pre: 36c, print: 36c, post 46c.
Seaming:
1. When seaming, never overlap a seam onto printed ink. The printed ink keeps the solvent from bonding the films. It is a good idea to have at least 3-4mm of clear unprinted film on one end of the sleeve to tuck under the other end.
2. The seaming pen tip needs to be very wet before using. On a pc of thick paper push the pen down to depress the plunger tip and allow the solvent to flow into the tip. You can seam when the tip makes a small puddle on the paper.
3. When applying the seaming solution to the film, press the pen down to open the plunger while drawing the seam to allow continuous flow. Otherwise you will start out wet but dry out or not deposit enough by the time you get to the other end.
4. You want to depress the seaming pen plunger tip (#2 above) each time before seaming to flush out dissolved plastic from the pen tip. If the tip becomes clogged with dissolved plastic it will not seam properly and you should replace it.
5, Your other option is to use some sort of “super glue” or cyanoacrylate instant adhesive. One that dispenses drops works best. You place small drops approx. 3-4 mm apart across the seam. When you place the sleeve ends together the drops will flow out and be continuous. Anything that seeps out can be wiped away. It is important to place a scrap of paper under the seam, so the glue does not stick the seam to the inside of the sleeve.
Shrinking:
1. For most application, you can use a heat gun to shrink onto the bottle. The films start to shrink around 170f. 200f is a good heat setting.
2. The PVC films are the most forgiving when shrinking and allow you to touch up irregularities such as “smiles” better than the PETG.
3. Using a hot water bath will give you the fastest and most consistent shrink at 200f.
4. If you make the shrink sleeve as close to the bottle shape as possible and still be able to slide it over the bottle you will maximize the shrink capability. A loose sleeve will waste 3-5% of the sleeves maximum shrink capability taking up airspace.
5. For trigger spray bottles, leaving an extra 1-2” over the top will aid on getting the art to final shape. Trim the excess and touch up if needed.
It can be tricky the first few times but once you have done a few the technique becomes more natural.
For More Information Please Download These Tech Bulletins.
For More Information Call 847-222-7100
Inkjet Package Prototyping Solution.
Prototyping & Proofing Films,
Inkjet Media Guide.
Eco-Solvent Package Prototyping Solution.
Prototyping & Proofing Films,
Inkjet Media Guide.
