Stretch wrapping is one of the most common tools for unitizing products for transport. However, just because a pallet is wrapped and looks good to the naked eye does not mean it is wrapped well, efficiently, or most importantly… SAFELY.
When the proper stretch wrapping is negated, problems can arise during shipping. Depending on the severity of the problem, your business may end up with a bruised reputation and potential safety failures.
Below, we will explore the various types of stretch film so that you can decide which is best for your particular applications and needs.
What is Stretch Film
Stretch wrap or stretch film is an extremely elastic plastic wrap that is stretched around various products (such as pallets of boxes) for shipping and transportation. The elastic recovery or stretchability of the film secures the products and ensures they are tightly bound.
Stretch wrap sticks tightly to itself and is used in millions of companies across the globe. It is often implemented in the unitizing of various products. Still, it can also be leveraged for packaging bundles of small objects.
Learn moreTypes Of Stretch Film
There are many different types of stretch film. Below you will find a list of each type. Beneath the list, we will investigate each film’s capabilities, common uses, and varied dynamic qualities. You should take notes here as there is a lot of information to digest.
Machine Stretch Films
Machine stretch film was created to be used by a stretch wrap machine. It has the upper hand over hand film in various ways, including but not limited to quicker and greater efficiency in packaging, lower material spending, greater safety, and superior load containment. There are several kinds of machine stretch films: cast machine stretch film, blown machine film, and pre-stretched films.
Read moreCast Stretch Film
Cast stretch film is made by applying a comprehensive manufacturing operation called cast extrusion. This action mandates the continual thrusting of a thermoplastic substrate into a flat die and onto a cooled roll.
The film gauge is resolved by how quickly the casting roll drags the plastic away from the die. This treatment causes cast films to boast superior clarity, allowing end users to observe the wrapped objects. This film stretches easier due to the molecules being aligned as they’re extruded.
Cast stretch film is exceedingly quiet when removed from the roll and relatively simple to stretch. Cast stretch film also provides two-sided cling that grants wrapped products the ability to remain firmly wrapped during transportation.
While cast stretch film has multiple fantastic attributes, such as a more affordable cost than blown film, it does not hold a candle to blown film in sustaining strength or protection against tearing. Cast stretch film can generally stretch easily but has less robust stretch memory than other films.
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