Film control guide
Keep each reel clean, dry, identified, protected from edge damage and managed to the film supplier’s storage and conditioning instructions. Reel condition must be checked before machine settings are changed.
Direct answer
Shrink film should remain in its protective packaging until required, with the supplier, material, code, gauge, width or layflat, batch and reel direction identifiable. Store and condition it within the supplier’s published limits, prevent crushed cores and damaged edges, and keep reels away from contamination. When a reel behaves differently, compare its identity and condition before compensating with heat, speed or seal settings.
A label or internal record should connect the reel to supplier, film construction, gauge, width, batch and purchase reference. Visually similar POF, PE or PVC-related materials can process differently, so an unlabelled reel should not inherit an approved recipe automatically.
Edge damage can disturb tracking and film presentation. A crushed core can affect reel mounting and unwind. Handle reels with suitable equipment and support; do not roll, drop or clamp them in a way that changes the wound pack.
Large differences between storage and production conditions can change how a reel unwinds or seals. Follow the material supplier’s conditioning guidance and allow the film to reach a stable production condition before judging the machine.
When defects begin at a reel change, record the old and new reel identities, inspect edges and core, confirm loading direction and compare the approved settings. Do not increase tunnel heat to compensate for a tracking, seal or air-release problem.
Practical workflow
| Stage | Record or check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt | Supplier, code, material, gauge, width/layflat, batch, quantity and packaging condition | Prevents an unknown reel from being introduced into an approved process |
| Storage | Clean, dry, protected location; reel orientation; edge/core protection; supplier limits | Preserves the wound reel and reduces contamination or handling damage |
| Conditioning | Time and conditions required by the supplier before use | Avoids judging film while it is still responding to a large environmental change |
| Loading | Reel direction, film path, tension controls, perforation and print orientation | Incorrect loading can imitate a material or machine defect |
| First-off approval | Reel/batch, recipe, seal, shrink finish, product condition and approved sample | Connects the accepted result to the exact material and process inputs |
| Change control | Supplier, construction, gauge, width, print, perforation or batch change requiring review | Stops a previous recipe being treated as universal |
Buyer questions
Do not assume so. Follow the film supplier’s conditioning instructions and allow the reel to reach a stable production condition where required. A reel moving from a substantially different environment may unwind, track, seal or shrink differently until it stabilises.
Record the storage and production conditions when investigating a reel-related change.
A damaged wound edge can disturb film tracking, create wrinkles or cause inconsistent presentation into the sealing area. Edge damage may be mistaken for poor tension control or a machine alignment fault. Inspect the reel before adjusting guides or drive settings.
An approved recipe is the correct starting point, but it should not be treated as proof that every reel will perform identically. Confirm the code and specification, approve the first-off pack and investigate any sustained difference. Supplier changes, construction, gauge, perforation, storage and handling can alter the usable window.
Retain supplier, exact film code, material, construction, gauge, width or layflat, batch, reel direction, print and perforation details. Link those records to the product, machine, seal settings, tunnel recipe and approved pack sample.
Yes, if the film becomes contaminated, damaged, misidentified or loaded incorrectly. Weak seals can also come from seal-surface condition, alignment, pressure, dwell and product interference. Check the film identity and condition as part of a structured diagnosis rather than assuming a single cause.
Provide reel labels, supplier data, photographs of the reel and defect, product code, machine model, loading direction, settings, date/time, previous accepted reel and examples before and after the fault. A short video of tracking or sealing can help separate material presentation from the tunnel result.
Lancing Ltd publishes this guide to help buyers prepare film and process evidence. The film supplier’s technical data and the supplied machine documentation remain the controlling references. Send reel and pack information for review.
Film review
Send film labels, product details, defect photographs and the machine recipe so Lancing can review the complete evidence rather than one setting in isolation.