POF vs PE film guide
Compare film routes.
Film and artwork
Printed film registration for L sealer machines
Printed film adds artwork and barcode requirements that should be reviewed before selecting the L-sealer route.
Film route
When printed film changes the L-sealer specification
Plain shrink film is usually specified around size, clarity, thickness and shrink behaviour. Printed film adds artwork position, repeat length, barcode visibility and registration tolerance.
Before committing to printed film, check where the L seal will land, which face needs to remain visible and whether product detection can read the pack reliably.
| Check | How to assess it | Acceptance evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork position | Graphics and barcode faces relative to seal position. | Seal does not cover critical artwork or codes. |
| Repeat and registration | Print repeat, eye mark or registration method if used. | Print remains aligned with the product presentation face. |
| Film tension | Film feed and roll handling. | Reduces drifting artwork and uneven shrink. |
| Tunnel effect | Heat and shrink recovery on printed areas. | Finished graphics remain acceptable after shrinking. |
Evidence
What to send with a printed-film enquiry
- Flat artwork or mock-up showing important faces.
- Film specification, repeat length and roll direction if known.
- Barcode and label visibility requirements.
- Product orientation entering the sealer.
- Examples of acceptable and unacceptable finished packs.
FAQ
Questions about this topic
Can printed film be used on every L-sealer job?
It depends on film, product orientation and how closely artwork must register.
Should barcode visibility be checked?
Yes. Film position and shrink can affect barcode readability.
Can Lancing review artwork before quotation?
Artwork, mock-ups and product photos can help identify registration or seal-position risks.
Review the artwork after shrinking, not only flat
A flat artwork proof and a finished shrink-wrapped pack answer different questions. Mark the critical text, graphics and code areas on the proof, then inspect their final position and appearance on the trial pack. Keep product orientation and film winding details with the artwork revision.
If registration requirements are tight, state the permitted variation and ask how the proposed equipment detects and controls the repeat. Do not assume every L-sealer includes the same printed-film functions. The proposal should identify the required sensing, format parts and inspection method.
- Seal clearance
- Show where the L-shaped seal may fall relative to print and codes. Review the full product range rather than one convenient carton.
- Artwork change
- Flag any change to repeat, mark contrast, winding or important print position before reusing an approved machine recipe.
Is a successful plain-film trial enough to approve printed film?
It does not establish artwork registration. Trial the intended print layout and material under the agreed finished-pack acceptance conditions.