How to Choose the Right Stretch Film
Stretch film, often known as stretch wrap, is an underutilised item that many businesses use regularly. It is a very stretchable plastic sheet made out of linear low-density polyethylene.
Its elastic recovery feature keeps the components firmly bonded together. It is used to wrap around objects to secure items in place. It protects a wide range of everyday items, from food to paint cans. It comes in various widths and thicknesses, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It has been proven to reduce product loss, discourage load tampering, and even reduce worker accidents.
Key features
The following are the most common reasons for shrink wrapping items:- Keep moisture, dust, and other contaminants away from the goods
- Bundle items in groups of two or more
- Keep freshness and lid removal at bay
- Provide an efficient means of preventing tampering
- Add an extra surface for labelling and attaching theft prevention devices
Choosing the right stretch film for application
Customers frequently base their decision to purchase stretch film on the cost of the roll. In reality, the cost of wrapping the pallet is the key driver of stretch film expenses. If your warehouse's stretch wrapping procedure has not been assessed, your business may be losing out on significant savings. To find prospective opportunities for cost savings, examine the following:- Common Stretch Film Misconceptions
- Types of stretch film
- Stretch film selection based on application
- Optimal times for switching to automated processes with stretch film equipment
Types of stretch film
Stretch film comes in a variety of forms. A list of each type is provided below. Below the list, we will look at each film's capabilities, popular applications, and various dynamic properties.Machine Stretch
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Cast Stretch
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Blown Stretch
Hand Stretch
Hand stretch film is designed solely to be hand-wrapped. It is often used by businesses that wrap small quantities of goods. This refers to businesses that wrap fewer than 50 pallets each day. Hand stretch film's capabilities must be regularly assessed against the various potential benefits of switching to a stretch wrapping machine. Choosing the proper stretch application for your packing line helps increase efficiency and reduce production costs.UVI Stretch
Ultraviolet film is a stretch film with specific light-resisting chemicals that protect it from photographic deterioration when wrapped objects are stored outside and exposed to the environment.VCI Stretch
VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) stretch film is designed to wrap metal components and keep them from rusting. This formulation is often used for packaging tools, metal pipes, and other metal items or materials because it inhibits metal oxidation.Common Stretch Film Misconceptions
Even though stretch film comes in a range of gauges, lengths, and styles, customers frequently utilise the same stretch film for several applications or a less effective stretch film for a single application. This is due, in part, to the following widespread stretch film misconceptions:- Misconception: The higher the gauge, the stronger the film and fewer revolutions required.
- Reality: Compared to conventional films, advanced resins and multi-layer technologies in lower gauge films can give stronger strength and equivalent performance while requiring fewer revolutions. This results in a higher roll yield and cheaper total costs.
- Misconception: The higher the number of film revolutions on the pallet, the greater the tension and load security.
- Reality: Wrapping a pallet with too many redundant revolutions might result in wasted film and overpayment for the film.
- Misconception: One film fits all applications.
- Reality: Certain stretch films are more suited to specific purposes than others. Using the correct film for the job minimises waste, total expenses, and overwrapping.
- Misconception: The greater the stretch, the better the film.
- Reality: The stretch capacity of the film has no bearing on how well it will hold the weight. In fact, excessive stretch (when not properly aligned) might reduce the effectiveness of palletization.
Choosing the Right Stretch Film for the application
When considering new stretch films, it is necessary to examine your application first. As previously stated, no single stretch film is ideal for every purpose. Consider the following factors while looking for the best stretch film:1. Load's form and weight
Types of load- Uniform with clean edges
- Irregular load with uneven edges
- No conformity with sharp edges