Application Notes #2...

Rail Industry Equipment & Engineering

Shrink wrapping describes the technique of covering an object with a heavy duty plastic film. This shrink wrap is heat shrink using a hand held hot air gun to create a moulded covering that fits 'as tight as a drum skin'.

A shrink wrap cover moulds to the object it is protecting, so it cannot flap or chafe, even at high wind speeds. This tightness is the secret of the strength and durability of shrink wrap.

What is the alternative?

Traditional tarpaulins or custom made covers are commonly used, but these are loose sheet systems and are nearly impossible to fit tightly. The result is that they may flap around so much that they self destruct and are b lown off the product completely.

Meanwhile, more costly re-usable or returnable covers require increasing levels of maintenance, and may not return in good time, if at all, to be used again.

Rail components & equipment

Shrink wrapping is a highly effective way of protecting rail components of any size from damage during storage or transport. The tough shrink wrap film, will mould to fit even the most awkwardly shaped edges.

Films are available up to 300 microns thick, in widths up to 12m, and lengths up to 70m. This means that even the largest object can be covered with a single sheet. Pre-formed shrink wrap bags can be useful for smaller products or where a large number of products of similar shape and size require covering.

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