What Is the Difference Between Shrink Film and Heat Seal Tubing?

Have you just bought a roll of shrink film to wrap your goods? Perhaps you’re discovering that shrink film isn’t producing the best results?

Most likely, you conducted some internet research, discovered an article about shrink film, and tried it out. Now you’re back on the internet, looking for a solution to your problem. 

Shrink film may appear to be the perfect material for your items, but it isn’t. Heat seal tubing was what you really needed. But don’t feel sorry for yourself! Heat seal tubing and shrink film are frequently misunderstood. Alternatively, you may have selected heat seal tubing and now find yourself in the reverse situation.

Many individuals believe that heat seal tubing and shrink film are interchangeable. They’re frequently constructed using the same or comparable plastic compositions. They are, nevertheless, intended for a variety of packaging purposes.

We’ll explain the distinctions between heat seal tubing and shrink film for you.

What Is Shrink Film and How Does It Work?

Shrink film is a flexible packing material composed of soft plastics. Shrink film is often composed of polyolefin, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride. Aside from that, specialized films produced from various plastic compositions are available.

Shrink packing machinery is used in association with shrink film. Heat tunnels and sealers are examples of this type of equipment. Conveyors are also utilized in shrink-wrapped products.

Your goods are covered in shrink film and the ends of the bag are closed using a sealer in shrink film packaging applications. The goods are subsequently transported into a shrink tunnel through a conveyor belt. Within the tunnel, the objects are heated. Lastly, the shrink film shrinks evenly all the way around the item.

A conveyor on the other side of the tunnel transports the item out of the tunnel. It then proceeds through your packing process till it reaches your packaging and shipping facilities. Shrink film is commonly used to wrap consumer products. DVDs, CDs, video games, gadgets, game boards, food, and a variety of other items are just a few examples. Perforated shrink film and heat-sensitive shrink film are also available. These are designed for specific product packaging.

What Is Heat Seal Tubing and How Does It Work?

Heat seal tubing is a type of plastic tubing. However different formulas are accessible, it is most frequently composed of polyethylene. If you want to use a formula apart from polyethylene, simply contact your packaging provider.

Heat seal tubing is a packing film in the form of a tube. It’s utilized for product storage, transportation, and security. It safeguards items from impurities such as dust, dirt, and humidity, just as shrink film. Tubing has more puncture resistance than shrink film as it’s thicker.

The packaging of longer and odd-shaped goods is one of the uses for heat seal tubing. Custom sizes can be cut from the tube. After that, the goods are put into the tube and covered with a sealer. In a heat tunnel, the tubing is shortened around the object.

For a variety of packaging purposes, heat seal tubing is utilized. Curtain poles, flag poles, rolls of wrapping presents, and some other longer or strangely designed consumer products can all be packaged in it. Heat seal tubing is also available in printable form. For marketing and branding purposes, they can be printed with eye-catching designs.

Distinction among Shrink Film and Heat Seal Tubing

The most significant distinction between shrink film and heat seal tubing is the purposes for which they are utilized. In practice, the plastic compositions are about the same. Tubing, on the other hand, is often thicker than shrink film and puncture proof.

If you’re packing elongated products, heat seal tubing is the best option among these two components.

Shrink Film or Heat Seal Tubing: Which Is Better For You?

You’ll have to answer a few questions to determine which of these two materials is best for you.

• Is your good unusually structured or long? – If your answer is yes, you should use heat seal tubing as your primary packing material. Gift wrap, curtain rods, and fishing poles can all be used as size comparisons.
• Are you in the business of packaging tiny consumer goods? – If you answered yes, you should think about shrink film for your packaging needs. CDs, books, and tea boxes may all be used as size comparisons.
• Is it necessary for your product to have a scent? – Perforated shrink film is ideal for perfumed items such as candles and soaps.