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CALCULATING LAYFLAT
Calculating Shrink Sleeve Layflat
1
Find the Circumference of the Container
​
Method a) With a Flexible Tape Measure:
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Wrap it around the widest point of the container
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Locate "zero" on the tape measure
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Note the highest value achieved at the point where it lines up exactly with the "zero"
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Method b) With a Strip of Paper, Tape, or String:
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Wrap the paper or string around the widest point of the container and mark where it overlaps
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Lay out the paper or string straight on a flat surface and measure the length with a ruler
Top View
Tape Measure
or string/tape/paper
2
Convert Inches to Millimeters (only if inches are used)
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Inches x 25.4 = Millimeters
(always round up to nearest millimeter)
flat string, tape, or paper
3
Calculating the Layflat
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(Circumference in millimeters ÷ 2) + 2mm = Approximate Layflat
Calculating the Layflat When Diameter is Already Known From a Drawing
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Diameter (mm) + 2 mm x 1.57 = Layflat
(always round up to nearest millimeter)
Top View
Diameter
Determining Shrink Sleeve Cut Length
1
2
Convert Inches to Millimeters to get the Cut Length (only if inches are used)
​
Inches x 25.4 = Cut Length in Millimeters
(always round up to nearest millimeter)
Find the Cut Length of the Shrink Sleeve (over the cap)
​
Method a) With a Flexible Tape Measure:
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Place open end of tape measure to where you want the shrink sleeve to start
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Follow the contour of the container to where you would want the shrink sleeve to stop on the container and note the value achieved at that point
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Method b) With a Strip of Paper, Tape, or String:
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Place one end of the strip of paper, tape, or string where you want the shrink sleeve to start
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Follow the contour of the container to where you would want the shrink sleeve to stop on the container and mark the paper or tape
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Lay out the paper or tape straight on a flat surface and use a ruler to measure
The above information is for determining an approximate layflat size. The final layflat size can vary and is best if the container is evaluated by our Engineering Department. Testing under actual conditions in your facility is also highly recommended.
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