Sealing Shrinkwrap

[AnneL]

Am I missing something obvious here? I just can't seem to get a good seal on the edges of the shrink wrap. I've tried several different brands, different techniques, etc. I still get those annoying gaps in the seal that turn into holes when I shrink it. Maybe it's the type of shrink wrapper I have. It has a fixed arm that swings down to seal/cut off the wrap. The brand on the side is "shrink Wrap Equipment". Any suggestions?

[katman]

I'm not an expert, but I had that problem when I first got my detached arm machine about a year ago. I was starting to heat the wand so it would be hot when it touched the film. Bad seals. I was told I should put the wand in position first, then push the heat button down for about 10 seconds. When done, pull want straight up. This technique works for me. I get my film from clearmount. Use the thicker stuff and see no need to switch.

[Ron Eggers]

Anne, two things to check. If you can adjust the temperature, gradually crank it up until the problem stops. Setting it too high is hard on the equipment, but too low won't give you a good seal.

Also, try cleaning the heating element with a piece of fine steel wool. Sometimes the residue from the shrink wrap builds up on it and interferes with the seal.

[JFeig]

I had a technique problem when I started to use a shrink wrap machine. I waited prior to pulling off the melted/trimmed portion. I now pull very slightly until I feel the film gives. As it gives I pull the entire portion off for a good seal every time.
My machine has a timer control and a red light to indicate that the power is warming the wire. My dwell time for the seal process is about 6-8 seconds. I also press down firmly and rock the arm slightly away (95' from vertical) e ability to remove the sealed portion.

[Jim Miller]

Like Ron, I would check the hot-wire for corrosion or debris. A wipe with steel wool is all it takes to clean it up.

My shrinkwrapper has teflon tape over the wire, which keeps the wire clean & working consistently. I guess it could be added to most any shrinkwrapper.

[Ron Eggers]

The adjustment knob I was thinking of doesn't adjust the temperature, it adjusts the automatic timer. Longer heater times might seal better, but too long burns the building down.

[Merlin Framers]

Unlike the others that seem to use a Hot wire, I use a 'free' arm, that heats up in a heating bay. That is Teflon coated but does get a build up of sticky residue. A good wipe when it is cold removes all the debris.
The other problem I had was with the shrink material. It was too thin. So I moved to a thicker material, that seems to have cured the problems of the holes appearing along the sealed join.

[DB]

I've used two different types of shrink wrappers. One thing that is important (besides keepingthe wire clean) is to make sure your work surface is free of dirt and is level. If there is a bump or a dip you will have a problem. With the type of arm you are using, I had more luck pulling on the film side and pulling up, rather than taking the whole package and pulling out and away.

[jvandy57]

I had awful luck shrinkwrapping until i talked to the expert at a trade show.
Step one: With power off, lower the bar until it touches the base, note where it touches the base.
It should touch in the middle first. If not then you need to add a slight bow in the wand.

Step two: shrink wrap something dwell time should be a count of 8, pull straight up on the opposite side of the bar from the item you are shrinkwrapping.

Works everytime.

I was pleased.

Srinkwrapping is now a breeze.

[Jerry Ervin]

Originally posted by jvandy57:
With power off, lower the bar until it touches the base, note where it touches the base.
It should touch in the middle first. If not then you need to add a slight bow in the wand.

Step two: shrink wrap something dwell time should be a count of 8, pull straight up on the opposite side of the bar from the item you are shrinkwrapping.

I had the same problem only "bowing" "bending" did not help. The bottom part was not level and I had to shim the base to level it up.

Count to 8 on my machine and the wrap would be burnt to a crisp. Counting to 3 is all I can get. I would bet that this varys from machine to machine.

I think using a shrink wrap machine is more of an art than skill.

Jerry

[printmaker]

Originally posted by Jerry Ervin:
I think using a shrink wrap machine is more of an art than skill.;) BINGO! :cool: