I found a site that doesn't sell shrinkwrap but plastic sleeves that fit around the CD case & they seal shut.

I haven't tried htem though.

I assume you want a machine to do it yourself on duplicated discs?

Replicators do it for you. I use cdtechnical.com as a full service company.
They stamp the disc, silkscreeen, print inserts, assemble the package, and
shrink wrap.

If you have one nearby ask for a tour. You can see the machine yourself.
Call a packager, a company that makes boxes not UPS or DHL.

Shrink wrap, when done correctly, can give your product a professional, finished look. We used to shrink wrap every VHS tape that left the building. Now, with DVD's it's not as "in demand". Watch most customers. Hand them a DVD case and most will immediately open the case to (1) verify the disk is present (2) and admire you artwork. With a cellophane barrier, you miss that "Ooooh Aaaah" moment when they first see the disc artwork. And yes...I firmly believe that packaging and presentation is very important to the overall satisfaction of the customer.

Although shrinking the package looks good, it's a real pain in rear to have to deal with removing the plastic before popping it in the machine...especially demos, presentations and DVD's that will be handled in a dark room. Think about where the product is going and it's purpose before encumbering it with a lot of packaging. The same goes for DVD and CD labels. If you know it's going to be handled in a low lit control room, a nice white label with legible type sure helps the operator.

On the other hand, if a disc is going to be retailed, the shrink wrap provides another level of theft security. It also adds protection from humidity when being shipped or transported.

We have a small conveyor system as well as a good ol' industrial hand blower (which we use most). Either way it's time consuming when producing great quantities,

Has anyone seen where you can purchase the clear, tape-like tabs that go across the seam of the case. If these where available in sheet form, perhaps even printable, it would be another nice option to have. In most cases, you simply want to keep the box closed until it's appropriate to open it. Although aggravating for the consumer, the tabs do that.

We try to avoid the shrink wrap process whenever possible.

You might want to try a do it yourself approach. Go to a hardware store or home improvement center and buy a sheet of shrink plastic window covering. They cost around $10 - $12 in season and around $4 - $5 at the end of the winter when they are trying to clear them out.
The sheets are 7 feet x 9 feet which will cover a lot of CD's. They suggest a hair dryer, but a heat gun (if you have access to one) works better.

John

Thanks for the replies. Client wants to test retail the product, hence the need for shrink wrap. I am curious to do it myself because, well, I am curious, and, I also am not ready to commit the entire project to an outside source. That may ultimately be the route to follows, but, I'm not there yet.

Thanks again - I knew I could count on this forum for some good suggestions.

Caruso

If you do go the outside sourcing route, I can vouch for cdtechnical, mentioned earlier in this thread. Great support, fast service, great product. Good luck!

Something like these should probably work. (scroll down to the bottom of the page)

Hey, TheHappyFriar, could you give an url to the product you were talking about, it sounds interesting, thanks.

Shrinkwrapping Amaray-style DVD cases is a problem for many, because they use film that is too thick for that application.

End result = melted covers.

Using a thinner film is absolutely OK.