Shrink Wrap Heat Gun

The world always calls for expert opinions, in-depth knowledge, and modern tools. Now I often get asked the question of "What heatgun is the best?". The answer is really short and sweet- It mainly depends on your personal preferences and choosing a heat shrink gun from a reliable service provider will get the job done.

About Shrink wraps

Shrink wrap is way different from other coverings do you know why? Because it creates a drum-tight, molded fit over any object it covers. Although it cannot flap or chafe it is extremely durable in nature. Originally initiated by blowing hot air over the surface of the shrink wrap until and unless it has shrunk to the required tightness. Commonly used for food, consumer goods packaging which after being wrapped pass through a computer-controlled hot air tunnel on a conveyor belt. It may quite interest you to know that thick industrial and marine grade shrink wrap is used to package extremely large and awkward objects a shrink wrap tunnel is clearly impracticable. For such projects, a handheld portable shrink wrap heat gun is used. Whatever your requirement is Shrinkwrap heat gun is the ultimate choice. According to maximum researches, its correct use is fundamental to the success of the finished job.

Further, I would like to present the post in terms of a general guide that offers a fair comparison of different models. Now Shrinkwrap heat guns being easy in terms of use must be operated by trained staff especially the one who follows manufacturer’s instructions for each model of heat gun are followed and that all risks have been assessed.

Shrink Wrap Gun Operation- Most shrink wrap heat guns are powered by propane gas and work in a similar way. They are handheld devices with a handle/ trigger and are connected via an 8-10m flexible rubber hose to a propane gas bottle. Generally, the propane gas bottle is moved around the work area on a gas cylinder trolley for safety.  The moment operator requires to move around the object it will make the shrink wrap job quicker and less tiring. As soon as you find the trigger partly depressed, gas is drawn along the barrel of the gun where it is mixed with air. As soon as the trigger is fully depressed an electrode generates a spark which ignites the gas and air mixture in the burner to create a flame. The burner is protected by some kind of cowl to prevent accidental burns whereas the trigger act as a safety device – when it is released, or if the gun was accidentally dropped, the flow of gas is cut off and the flame extinguished.

Additional tip: The temperature required to shrink plastic films will differ between types of film and manufacturers but shrink wrap normally begins to shrink at around 100-140 Deg C.

Gas or Electric Powered Heat Guns - There is a certain environmental condition where using a shrink wrap heat gun may not be appropriate. Electric heat guns are commonly used for paint stripping or for shrinking the plastic insulation around cabling. However, when it comes for shrink wrapping large objects, the use of these ‘domestic grade’ tools is clearly impracticable. Do you know why? Because of the low heat output and the tiny area of heat produced.

You will come across a wide range of larger ‘industrial grade’ electric shrink wraps that are available, heavier, and more expensive and cannot match the heat output of a gas gun. This means the hot air must be directed at any point of the film for much longer which can lead to more heat being transferred through the shrink wrap to the object underneath.

Most Common European Shrink Wrapping Guns- Made in France, differentiated by their bright orange casing, these guns are stocked by many companies. Marketed as the most powerful shrink wrap heat gun on the market, heat output is listed as 187,000 BTU’s / 55Kw. Having an aluminum body and weighs around 1.2Kg, this product has ‘unique patented’ cold nozzle.

Certain Shrink Wrap Heat Gun Faults & Probable Causes to Consider

  • Gun not firing: Gas supply not on. Excess flow check value not primed. Gun not firing: Gas supply not on. Excess flow check valve not primed. Damaged electrode. Gas valve adjustment screw not operating plunger.
  • Gas has yellow flame: Gas pressure too low. Blocked jet. Gas leak in the body. Blocked valve. Iced supply.
  • Large flame: Too high pressure. Too large jet. Blocked or damaged mixer.
  • Constant Gas: Gas valve adjustment screw tight against the plunger.

To Know more about Shrink Wrap, Heat Gun and Plastic packaging materials and tools, keep reading our blog