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Shrink sleeve articles

Printing film involves many tasks. The material is very thin so getting the proper web tensions without snapping the film or creating tears is critical. The slick surface of shrink film makes it difficult to get the ink to adhere and dry to, since you cannot use heat to dry the ink or the film will shrink. Once these tasks can be completed, a very high quality label  is produced.

Rotogravure printing processes are used to print on the shrink film. Many times, the label is reverse printed so that when the custom shrink label is applied to the product, the image will be on the inside of label, next  to container, so it is protected from scuffs on the outside from handling and storage.

Custom printed shrink sleeve labels can be produced in either individually cut pieces or in roll. The way in which the labels are produced will be determined by the way they will be applied to the container. If the labels are going to be applied by hand, most likely for short runs, individual cut labels will be supplied. If  the labels will be applied automatically, then they will be supplied in roll form so they can quickly and continuously be applied.

If shrink sleeves are produced on a roll, it’s crucial  to know how the applicator deliver the label to container. It will determine the proper unwind direction for the labels to ensure the printed labels are not applied upside down on the containers. Factors like whether the applicator will deliver the labels from the top, bottom, or one of the sides, and whether  the roll is threaded with the printing on the outside or inside will be necessary to ensure your labels are applied correctly.