Opaque stretch film offers a variety of advantages over clear stretch film. A few advantages include:
1. Detours pilferage through valuable shipments by concealing products.
2. Helps to protect products from UV Rays.
3. Prevents damage caused by rain, dew, and dust.
4. Outlasts regular clear stretch film during extended outdoor storage.
5. Great for color coding products.
Do I need UV stretch Film?
UV protection can help extend the life of the stretch film when stored in the sun. The use of an opaque UV stretch wrap can increase the storage life of the film and the product when stored outside. Anyone should consider UV stretch for any shipments stored outside longer than 60 days.
Is shrink wrap and stretch film recyclable?
Both shrink wrap/film and stretch film/wrap are recyclable. Check with your local recycling center and be sure they accept soft plastics.
Do I need a special stretch wrap machine ?
Stretch wrap machines are recommended for any business wrapping more than 15 loads per day. Stretch wrap machines help to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and promote a more secure and consistent load. There are a variety of manual stretch film dispensers and products for businesses that stretch wrap less than 15 loads per day. Extended core stretch film is ready and easy to use out of the box. It is great for businesses that need stretch film, but do not ship many loads. Two-handed manual stretch film dispensers are recommended because of ease of use, a built-in braking system, and the ability to tightly secure loads.
What is Pre Stretch Film?
Pre stretch film or Pre-stretched film is a standard gauged stretch film stretched up to 90% of the film's maximum stretch rate. A standard 80 gauge stretch film becomes a 37 gauge stretch film after stretched 90%. The stretched film is rolled onto cores and require little stretch during application.
How to stretch wrap a pallet?
Extract approximately a yard of plastic off the stretch film roll, squeeze 8 to 10 inches of the end together to form a rope shape. Thread the rope part through one corner of the pallet. A knot is not necessary. Begin wrapping around the base of the pallet. Wrap the base of the pallet at least five times while keeping the film tight as pulled off the roll. Slowly work your way up the box, focusing on keeping the wrap tight. The goal is to have all of the products stay together as one. Once at the top of the pallet, push the top boxes to see if they move or if they are one with the bottom boxes. If they move, wrap your way back down to the bottom of the pallet.
Common Stretch Film Terms
Blown Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the blown extrusion process that has a greater puncture resistance. Click on the stretch film info page to view detailed information about blown stretch film.
Bottom Wraps- The wraps a stretch wrap machine uses to apply film to the bottom section of the load. Forming a strong bottom wrap will help to ensure load stability.
Cast Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the cast extrusion process. Less manufacturing costs allow cast stretch film to be the more widely used stretch film. Visit the stretch film info page to view detailed info about cast stretch film.
Cling- Allows the film to stick to itself and not the product. Some films have one sided cling and others have two sided cling.
Co-extrusion- Extruding two or more materials through a single die to enable the two materials to merge together.
Dart Drop- A commonly used test to measure puncture strength of a stretch film. It is conducted by dropping a semi-circular shaped object onto the film.
Elastic Recovery-The ability of a stretch film to recover to its original shape after being stretched.
Elmendorf Tear- Another common test used for stretch film and other products to measure tear resistance.
Extruder- Equipment used to change solid polymers into molten polymers.
Film Feed- In a stretch wrap machine, it is the speed at which stretch film is supplied to the load.
Film Force- Refers to the amount of tension applied to the film as the film is applied to the load.
Film Memory- The ability of the film to return to its pre-stretched form. This enables the film to maintain a tight load during transportation.
Film Tail- The start and end pieces of stretch film applied to the load. Generally these pieces are cut off later
