Industrial stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is a crucial packaging material widely used in many industries for securing products during storage and transportation. It’s a highly stretchable plastic film that clings tightly to objects, ensuring they stay stable and protected throughout their journey. In this guide, we will thoroughly explain what industrial stretch film is, its types, applications, benefits, and important technical specifications such as thickness and size.
Industrial stretch film is typically made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a highly durable plastic material known for its excellent stretchability, strength, and cling. This industrial stretch material is used to tightly wrap products, holding them securely in place to prevent any movement or damage during transit. The film’s elasticity allows it to stretch and return to its original form, providing extra protection and stability.
Understanding the key technical aspects of industrial stretch film is important to ensure that the right film is used for specific applications. Here are some of the main specifications:
- Thickness (Gauge or Micron):
The thickness of industrial stretch film is measured in gauge (for the US market) or micron (internationally).
• Common Gauges: 80 gauge, 90 gauge, 100 gauge, and up to 150 gauge for more robust applications.
• Micron Range: 12 to 35 microns, with thinner film (12-15 microns) used for light loads and thicker film (20-35 microns) for heavy or more demanding applications.
• Impact of Thickness: Thicker industrial stretch film provides better durability and puncture resistance, important when securing heavy or sharp-edged products. - Width:
• Common Widths: 12 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches for hand-applied industrial stretch film. For machine use, the width usually ranges from 20 to 30 inches. - Length:
• Rolls of hand stretch films are typically between 1000 to 1500 feet, while machine-applied industrial stretch film rolls range from 5000 to 9000 feet.
• Stretchability:
• The elongation rate of industrial stretch film is usually between 100-300%, meaning it can stretch 1 to 3 times its original length without breaking. This high stretchability is key for reducing the amount of film needed and ensuring secure wrapping.
There are several types of industrial stretch film, each suited for different needs:
- Hand Stretch Film: This type of industrial stretch film is applied manually and is ideal for smaller operations. It can be used with or without a dispenser and is available in different gauges based on the required strength.
- Machine Stretch Film: This type of industrial stretch film is used with wrapping machines, making it perfect for high-volume packaging. It offers consistent wrapping, reduced waste, and better load stability. Machine-applied industrial stretch film usually comes in gauges from 80 to 150.
- Blown Stretch Film: Produced by blowing heated resin, blown industrial stretch film is highly durable with excellent puncture resistance, making it ideal for securing heavy loads or those with sharp edges.
- Cast Stretch Film: Cast industrial stretch film is made using a casting process, resulting in a clearer, quieter film that has superior cling properties. It’s perfect for applications where presentation is important, such as retail.
- Pre-Stretched Film: Pre-stretched industrial stretch film requires less effort during application, making it an efficient and eco-friendly option. It typically ranges from 55 to 70 gauge, offering strong holding power with reduced material usage.
- UVI Stretch Film: UV-resistant industrial stretch film is designed for outdoor use, preventing degradation when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. It’s commonly used in logistics and outdoor storage.
Industrial stretch film is versatile and used across a variety of industries. Here are some common applications:
- Pallet Wrapping: One of the most popular uses of industrial stretch film is wrapping pallets to secure multiple items together for shipping. The film stabilizes the load, preventing shifting during transit.
- Bundling Small Products: Industrial stretch film can be used to bundle smaller items together, preventing product loss and simplifying storage.
- Protecting Products from Dust and Moisture: The stretch film acts as a protective layer, keeping products safe from environmental factors like dust and moisture.
- Securing Irregular Loads: Industrial stretch film is highly flexible and can stabilize irregularly shaped loads that may be difficult to secure with other packaging materials.
Using industrial stretch film offers several advantages:
- Load Stability: The primary benefit of industrial stretch film is the stability it provides to loads. It secures products in place, preventing shifting or damage during transportation.
- Protection: Industrial stretch film creates a protective barrier that keeps products safe from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other packaging methods, industrial stretch film is a more economical solution for securing bulk goods. It minimizes material costs and reduces waste.
- Efficiency: Machine-applied industrial stretch film can be applied quickly and consistently, saving time and labor costs. Its high stretch ability also reduces material consumption.
- Customizable: Industrial stretch film is available in various gauges, widths, and lengths, allowing businesses to choose the right film for their specific needs.
To maximize the effectiveness of industrial stretch film, here are some best practices to follow:
- Choose the Right Film: Different types of industrial stretch film are suited for different applications. For example, blown film offers more puncture resistance for heavy or sharp loads, while cast film is better for retail applications.
- Apply the Correct Tension: When applying industrial stretch film, make sure it’s tight enough to secure the load but not so tight that it tears or damages the products.
- Store Properly: Store industrial stretch film in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight can weaken the film.
- Use Proper Equipment: If you’re wrapping a high volume of pallets, using a stretch wrapping machine can improve efficiency and ensure consistent wrapping.
Industrial stretch film is an essential tool for many industries, providing stability, protection, and cost-efficiency. By choosing the right type of industrial stretch film, applying it correctly, and considering technical aspects like thickness and stretchability, businesses can improve their packaging processes and protect their products during storage and transit.
Whether you’re wrapping pallets for shipping, bundling smaller items, or safeguarding products from environmental elements, industrial stretch film offers a versatile and reliable packaging solution. With the right film, you can ensure that your goods are safely transported and stored while reducing costs and material usage.
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