Stretch and Shrink Wrap

Low-cost and low-waste, plastic film packaging options present unique opportunities for REELEX coils.

Shrink Wrap

REELEX coils are ideally suited for shrink wrap. Low-cost and low-waste, shrink wrapped REELEX coils offer a value-added package that benefits both the manufacturer and the end-user. With purchase and rental options, REELEX can help you configure a shrink wrap solution to suit your needs and budget.

Flexible, Adaptable, Affordable and Sustainable

While the cardboard box is widely accepted as the standard REELEX package, REELEX® coils lend themselves easily to shrink film packaging. The shrink wrap package can be made using standard shrink package methods and offers the lowest-waste, lowest-cost packaging option for REELEX coils.

Key Benefits

  • Eliminate the reel! Shrink wrap packaging of REELEX coils offers end-users a tangle, twist and rotation-free payout experience from a reel-less package. Other shrink film coils dispense axially, imparting twist into the product and creating a “pig-tail” effect on the wire.

  • It’s the lowest-cost packaging option: Shrink wrap costs less than US$1.00 per package, even including the payout tube! No other package type comes close.

  • It literally shrinks to the size of the coil: This means one REELEX machine and one shrink wrap line can produce a wide variety of package sizes. This allows custom cable manufacturers or non-standard lengths to be packaged easily using one process rather than carrying a wide variety of box sizes.

  • It uses “off the shelf” equipment: To make shrink-wrapped REELEX coils, standard shrink film sealers and ovens can be used. These can be sourced from a wide variety of manufacturers and start at as little as US$5,000. REELEX can assist you in finding a good fit, or you can purchase solutions from global suppliers.

  • Film is readily available: REELEX recommends ShrinkBox® film by Cryslar for its excellent shrink characteristics, clarity and puncture resistance. However, shrink film is available from a variety of suppliers.

  • Film is surprisingly sustainable: Films are generally made from polyolefin and can be recycled under SPI code 5. Some films are sourced from post-consumer materials and overall landfill waste volume is massively reduced when using shrink film.

  • Differentiate your product: Films can be printed and the reputation of REELEX tangle and twist-free offers installers a hassle-free experience. Present your product in new ways via a low-cost, low-waste package.

  • You can’t break it: Unlike reels which are rendered unusable if cracked and damaged, shrink wrap cannot be broken. Shrinkbox® film is nearly impenetrable, and offers a robust barrier between the product and its environment.

Graph comparing the costs of cable packaging options

How do I get started with shrink wrap?

  • Let us know what size coils you are looking to package.

  • Let’s make some samples. Send us some of your product. We will wind it into the optimum coil configuration and make shrink wrapped packages for you. We will then send back the packages for you to test and demonstrate to your customers.

  • If you like the samples, let’s discuss how to make it happen in your production environment. REELEX can facilitate equipment purchasing or leasing, or provide contacts of companies we have worked with.

Looking for Something More Unique?

Look No Further.

Automatic Stretch Wrapping

REELEX Packaging Solutions’ Stretch-Wrapping module can be retrofitted to existing RS1, S290, D-750, and D-1500 coiling machines as an add-on or ordered with new equipment. This module has been custom-designed for use with the REELEX coiling process and is operated by the REELEX machine controller.

What is the Stretch Wrap Module?

An option available for manually-operated REELEX machines, the module works by using compressed air to trap the film inside the outer layer of the coil during the final revolutions of the mandrel. This process is choreographed to coincide with the various stages of the winding process for seamless automated stretch-wrapping capability.

Why would I want to stretch wrap a REELEX coil?

Products that are “springy” or have memory can be difficult to handle without unravelling. By automatically stretch wrapping the coil on the machine, the wrap “freezes” the coil in place, capturing the tail end and allowing the coil to be easily handled or batched for further packaging.

SlingPack also requires the use of stretch wrapped coils to protect the product and prevent the coil from deforming in the package.

Overview Video

Stretch Wrap Module Overview

How it works:

1. Film Advance

As a coil finishes winding, the controller signals the wrap module to advance the wrap material using motorized rollers.

2. Air Application

Compressed air is blown through small slots that keep the film suspended, and the material is blown onto the rotating coil. The cable still being applied captures the wrap and engages it with the coil.

3. Coil Engagement

Once the stretch wrap film has encountered the rotating coil, the film becomes engaged with the cable as it is wound onto the coil.

4. Tension and Cut

Back tension is applied to the film to keep it tight. When the mandrel stops rotating, the film automatically cut.

5. Coil Removal

The coil is now fully wrapped and can be removed from the machine as a stabilized, contained coil. Further packaging may now take place or the coil can be shipped as-is.

Questions? In need of service? Contact us!

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