Shrink Film: How to Avoid Sealing and Shrinking Failures in Industrial Packaging

Understanding the Role of Lubricants in Packaging Operations

Industrial packaging lines are fast, complex, and involve multiple points of friction. This includes:

• Conveyor belts and rollers
• Shrink tunnels and heat sealers
• Cutting tools and blades
• Guiding rails and pneumatic cylinders
• Packaging machinery like palletizers, wrappers, and carton sealers

All these components require smooth movement to function reliably. Lubricants reduce wear, minimize friction, prevent overheating, and lower the risk of mechanical failure. They also improve safety and cleanliness when chosen correctly.

Key Lubricants Used in Packaging Equipment

There are three primary types of lubricants used in the industrial packaging sector:

a. Hydraulic Oil (e.g., Azolla ZS)

Use case: Hydraulic presses, pallet wrappers, automatic strapping machines, and lift systems.

Why it matters: Hydraulic oil is crucial for transferring power in machinery that relies on hydraulic systems. Using a high-quality oil like Azolla ZS ensures:

• Consistent viscosity and pressure transmission
• Oxidation resistance, reducing sludge formation
• Protection against corrosion and wear
• Stable performance across temperature changes

When to use: If your packaging equipment includes hydraulic arms, pistons, or presses, regular hydraulic oil checks and top-ups are necessary to prevent power loss and damage.

b. Slideway Oil (e.g., Drosera MMS)

Use case: Moving machine parts that operate with metal-on-metal contact, such as sliding guides in wrapping machines or tray forming equipment.

Why it matters: Unlike general-purpose oils, slideway lubricants like Drosera MMS are specially formulated to:

• Maintain adhesion to vertical or inclined surfaces
• Prevent stick-slip motion (jerky, inconsistent sliding)
• Improve positioning accuracy in precision equipment
• Reduce vibration and enhance operator control

When to use: Whenever you see inconsistent or jerky movement in equipment rails or guides, or if your line is suffering from poor alignment or repetitive jams.

c. Multipurpose Lubricant and Anti-Seize (e.g., Folia B7000)

Use case: Hinges, bolts, gears, hot melt guns, and general packaging equipment maintenance.

Why it matters: Folia B7000 is a non-toxic, biodegradable lubricant ideal for maquiladoras focused on sustainability or operating near sensitive materials like food or electronics. Key benefits include:

• Protection against rust and corrosion
• Smooth operation under high temperatures
• Anti-seize properties for threaded components
• Safe use around packaging of sensitive goods

When to use: For general maintenance schedules, especially when servicing mechanical joints, screw mechanisms, and hot melt glue guns.

Where Lubricants Are Most Needed in Packaging Lines

To maximize efficiency, it's important to identify hotspots where lubrication makes a tangible impact:

a. Conveyor and Transport Systems

These systems are the backbone of most packaging operations. Constant motion under heavy loads creates heat and friction, which can wear out bearings and rollers. Proper lubrication:

• Prevents premature part failure
• Reduces noise and vibration
• Maintains speed and alignment

b. Wrapping and Sealing Equipment

Shrink wrappers, stretch film applicators, and sealing bars rely on heating elements and precision components. Lubricants help:

• Avoid sticking and seizing under heat
• Extend life of blades and cutting mechanisms
• Maintain clean cuts and consistent seals

c. Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic arms, lifts, and strapping machines can fail or lose power without properly maintained oil systems. Lubricants keep pressure consistent and reduce downtime from overheating or fluid degradation.

d. Moving Guides and Rails

Guiding systems that help align products or boxes require lubrication to avoid misalignment or damage to packages. This is especially true for machines that operate in multi-shift environments with little downtime.

e. Maintenance Points

Any bolt, hinge, or threaded mechanism that needs periodic tightening or movement should be lubricated with an anti-seize product like Folia B7000. This makes disassembly easier and protects against rust in humid environments.

When Should You Lubricate Your Packaging Equipment?

Timing is everything in maintenance. Too little lubrication leads to breakdowns; too much can attract dust or cause product contamination. Here’s a good rule of thumb for maquiladoras:

Also consider:

• Environmental factors (heat, dust, humidity)
• Machine usage (24/7 lines need more frequent service)
• Safety requirements (use only non-toxic lubricants near food or pharma packaging)

Why Lubricants Are Essential in Modern Packaging Operations

✅ Reduced Downtime

One of the biggest cost drivers in maquiladoras is unplanned downtime. Lubricants extend the life of critical components and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.

✅ Increased Productivity

Well-lubricated machines run faster and smoother, with fewer jams or calibration issues. This means higher throughput with less manual intervention.

✅ Lower Maintenance Costs

Using specialized lubricants reduces the need for constant part replacement, cutting both direct costs and labor time.

✅ Enhanced Safety

Dry or overheating parts can lead to fires, mechanical failure, or operator injury. Proper lubrication lowers these risks significantly.

✅ Regulatory and Quality Compliance

Using FDA-compliant, food-safe lubricants like Folia B7000 is essential when working near packaging for consumables. It helps meet strict hygiene and traceability standards.