Various performance comparisons:
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1. Comparison of physical properties
POF has excellent moisture resistance, a uniform thickness, a soft texture, a strong tensile strength and a resistance to tearing, a shrinkage range that can be adjusted, and strong friction resistance.
PE has consistent thickness, is moisture-resistant, feels soft to the touch, has a lower tear strength than polyolefin (POF), but a lot greater tear strength than polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and has a significantly lower friction resistance than POF.
PVC is thick, irregular in thickness, hard and brittle in texture, low in strength, low in shrinkage, and poor in friction resistance.
2. Comparison of cold resistance
Since POF shrinkable film is not hard or brittle at -50 degrees Celsius and is not easily broken, it is suitable for the packaging of frozen foods. Long-term storage at -50 to -95 degrees Celsius will not affect the integrity of the shrunken packaging. It is difficult to contaminate the dust and maintain products freshness with static electricity anti-fog treatment.
The PE shrinkable wrap performs well in the cold. It retains its integrity after being frozen and can be transported without fear of cracking. Static electricity elimination treatment helps prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt, allowing the product to remain pristine.
It is difficult to transport PVC shrink film without it breaking due to its brittleness in the cold or when it has been frozen. It&#;s not compatible with static removal treatment, and it&#;s easy to get dust on it, which can mess with how your products seem on display.
3.Comparing processing performance
POF processing produces no gas, does not adhere to seals, and is simple to maintain and run. Ideal for automatic packing on high-speed production lines because to its excellent tenacity, smoothness, and friction resistance.
PE processing does not generate gas, does not adhere to seals, and is simple to operate and maintain. Superior tensile strength, appropriate for automatic packaging on high-speed production lines;
The processing of PVC will produce toxic gas that does not satisfy environmental protection standards and is likely to cause mechanical damage, it is easy build up on sealing components during shrink wrapping, and challenging to maintain.
4. Security evaluation
After POF shrink wrapping, the seal&#;s four corners are soft, won&#;t hurt hands, and are resistant to friction.
After PE shrink wrapping, the seal&#;s four corners are soft and will not harm the hands.
After shrink wrapping with PVC, the four corners of the seal are hard, making it easy for hands to be injured.
5. Environmental safeguards and hygiene
POF is non-toxic, does not emit a toxic odor during processing, and conforms to FDA and USDA regulations.
PE is non-toxic, produces no toxic gases during processing, and conforms to FDA and USDA standards.
PVC is toxic and will produce a peculiar odor during processing, so its use is being phased out gradually.
If you want to run shrink film on your packaging line, you need to understand a wide array of technical terms. From gloss and haze to tensile and elongation, there is a host of technical data that requires understanding.
With decades of experience with shrink film, we here at Industrial Packaging know the material inside and out. In today's article, we will explore the various terms used when interpreting technical data on shrink film.
With the information in this post, you will be able to run shrink film on your packaging line with ease and know how to properly optimize your machinery and materials.
Common Terminology For Interpreting Technical Data On Shrink Film
Haze
It is the actual measurement of the cloudiness of the film. It is typically communicated in a percentage format. The lower the percentage, the clearer the film. If you want your products to be clearly visible on store shelves, you will want a low haze film.
Gloss
Gloss is the measurement of reflected light given off from the surface of the film, given from a certain angle of degree. The higher the number, the glossier the film is.
When interpreting gloss, make sure to keep in mind the angle it is being measured from. The most common is 45 degrees but this measurement can be skewed by using a different angle.
If you want to catch the eyes of consumers, using a high gloss film may help your products to stand out on the shelf.
COF
The coefficient of friction, or COF, is an indicator of the ability of the film to slide against itself or another surface. The higher the COF, the less likely it will be to slip or move.
This item is important if you&#;re running high-speed shrink packaging equipment. You&#;ll want to make sure the film flows over inverting heads and forming plows easily.
There are even some applications such as laundry providers that need less slippery film so their bundles of tablecloths don&#;t end up on the floor during movement within the plant.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Resistance to Moisture PVC Shrink Film. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Shrinkage MD/TD
Shrinkage (also known as unrestricted shrink), is a percentage of the amount of shrink measured in both the machine direction (MD) as well as the cross direction (TD). The TD direction is 90 degrees to the MD of the film. This is measured as a percentage value.
Tear Resistance MD/TD*
Tear resistance is measured in both the machine directions as well as the transverse direction; tear-resistance represents the ability of the film to resist tearing. Typically, more oriented (high-clarity) films have a higher resistance to tear. As you increase in gauge or thickness, your tear resistance increases. High-clarity films are commonly used to package high-value consumer goods.
Ultimate Tensile MD/TD*
Tensile is measured in both directions as well and is measured as PSI or pounds per square inch. This is the force that the film can withstand from external forces such as poking or tearing.
*Ultimate tensile and tear resistance are especially important if your product has sharp corners or an odd shape that when shrunk drastically pulls on the film.
Elongation MD/TD
Also measured in each direction, elongation is the percentage a film will distort or stretch before breaking. The higher percentage, the more the film will resist tearing or breaking.
MVTR
MVTR or moisture vapor transmission rate is the rate that moisture will pass through the film. Usually measured as grams per 100 square inches over 24 hours. The lower the number, the more resistant it is to moisture transmission. You see lower MVTR rates in films used in packaging applications such as modified atmosphere packaging.
Need Help Choosing The Right Shrink Film?
OTR
OTR or Oxygen transmission rate is a measurement of the permeability of oxygen through film. This is measured by a CC per 100 square inches over 24 hours. The lower the number, the less chance oxygen gets in. You would want a film with a higher number for packaging things that require the presence of oxygen, for example, beef.
Modulus
Modulus is the measurement of the film's stiffness. It is typically measured in both directions, and the lower the numbers are, the softer the film is. Stiff films are commonly used to package CDs and DVDs where softer films are used for applications such as food packaging.
How To Use This Information
Each of the items above can be useful when sourcing shrink film for your packaging line and products. Depending on what you are packaging, you will need to feel comfortable with each of the items above at some levels. Using the wrong type of shrink film for your products results in excessive waste, tearing, improper shrinkage, and other common shrink wrap problems.
By using the information above, you will have a set of tools to better understand the unique characteristics of shrink film and their various gauges. When finding the correct brand, type, gauge, and width of shrink film for your needs, it is essential to do research ahead of time.
To take all of these data points to find the unique formula that helps identify the correct shrink film for your packaging needs, we recommend reaching out to a local packaging expert. If possible, have them come to your facility to physically inspect your packaging line, machinery, and current materials.
This will allow them to identify the appropriate shrink film for your products and packaging line. It would be a good idea to speak with 3-4 different vendors and compare the information and recommendations from each company representative.
Once you have had the opportunity to review the information from each potential vendor, you can then make an educated decision on which vendor has the right solution for your shrink film needs.
If you are unsure of where to start, feel free to contact one of our packaging experts. They will be able to assist and advise on which type of film is right for your needs. Additionally, they will be able to help you choose the right vendor for your applications, even if it is not us.
Are you interested in learning more about Personal Care PVC Shrink Film? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!