Understanding Different Types of Machine Pallet Wrapping Films

Pallet wrapping is an essential part of securing goods for storage and transportation. The primary tool for this task is stretch film, which wraps around the load to provide stability, protection from environmental elements, and containment during the entire shipping process. The type of machine pallet wrapping film used plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of goods, reducing costs, and optimizing wrapping efficiency.

Choosing the right stretch film for pallet wrapping can be a complex decision due to the wide variety of films available, each with its unique properties and applications. In this article, we will explore the different types of machine pallet wrapping films, their benefits, and which one is best suited for specific business needs.

Cast Stretch Film

Cast stretch film is one of the most commonly used types of machine pallet wrap in automated systems. It is made by a casting process, where the resin is melted and extruded onto a chilled roller, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish. Cast stretch film is known for its excellent clarity, which makes it ideal for applications where product visibility is important.

Key Characteristics of Cast Stretch Film:

Clarity: Offers superior transparency, allowing for easy product identification and barcoding scanning.
Stretchability: Has a moderate stretch capacity, typically around 100–150%, making it ideal for light to medium-weight loads.
Quiet Operation: The film does not make much noise during the wrapping process, making it a favorable choice for workplaces sensitive to noise levels.
Ease of Handling: Cast film is more flexible and easier to handle than other types of stretch films, which makes it easier to apply manually or via machine.

Best For:

Wrapping lighter, stable loads where visibility of the product is a priority.
Businesses looking for cost-effective films for moderate throughput operations.
Applications that require less noise during the wrapping process, such as in retail or consumer goods.

Blown Stretch Film

Blown stretch film is produced by forcing air through the film during the extrusion process, which makes it thicker and stronger than cast stretch film. It’s often used in industries that need a more durable wrapping solution for heavier or irregularly shaped loads.

Key Characteristics of Blown Stretch Film:

High Puncture Resistance: The blown film has a higher level of strength and resistance to punctures and tears, making it ideal for wrapping sharp or rough-edged products.
Better Load Retention: The film can stretch up to 250–300%, providing greater load retention and more reliable containment.
Thickness: It tends to be thicker than cast film, which provides additional durability and makes it a good choice for high-stretch applications.
Noise: Blown stretch film tends to be noisier than cast film during application, which might be a consideration in noise-sensitive environments.

Best For:

Heavy, sharp, or irregularly shaped loads that require additional protection.
High-tensile applications where load security is paramount, such as in construction or industrial manufacturing.
Businesses need a durable film for wrapping products that will face rough handling during transit.

Pre-Stretched Stretch Film

Pre-stretched stretch film is a type of stretch film that has already been stretched during production to its maximum elongation and then wound onto a roll. This type of film has the advantage of using less material compared to traditional stretch film, while still providing excellent load stability.

Key Characteristics of Pre-Stretched Stretch Film:

Material Savings: Since it is pre-stretched, less film is required to secure a pallet, making it a more cost-effective option over time.
Consistent Tension: Pre-stretched film offers a more uniform and consistent wrap because it doesn’t lose its stretch potential during the wrapping process.
Reduced Stretching Effort: With pre-stretched film, there’s less effort required from the machine to stretch the film, making it more energy-efficient and easier on the equipment.
Lightweight: It is lighter than traditional stretch film, which reduces the overall weight of the shipment and, potentially, shipping costs.

Best For:

Businesses looking to reduce film usage and waste while still achieving a strong and secure wrap.
Operations where the consistent tension and stability of the wrap are important.
Applications that require energy efficiency and lower operational costs.

Colored and Printed Stretch Film

Colored and printed stretch films are variations of traditional stretch films that come in a range of colors or with custom-printed designs. These films offer additional branding or identification benefits by providing visibility of product packaging or company logos during shipping.

Key Characteristics of Colored and Printed Stretch Film:

Branding and Visibility: The ability to add logos, product details, or special messages helps increase brand awareness and makes it easier to identify products during transportation.
Security: Colored stretch film can be used to conceal the identity of products, providing a security measure against theft.
Customizable: Printed stretch films are highly customizable, which is ideal for businesses looking to promote their brand or product information in transit.

Best For:

Companies that want to enhance their branding or offer additional product information during transportation.
Businesses that need to distinguish different types of products or shipments.
Companies looking to protect their products with a more visually appealing stretch film for marketing purposes.

Hand Stretch Film

While machine stretch film is designed for automated wrapping systems, hand stretch film is used for manual wrapping, making it more suitable for smaller businesses or for occasional use. Although it is typically less efficient for large-scale operations, hand stretch film can still offer similar features to machine stretch film.

Key Characteristics of Hand Stretch Film:

Manual Application: Ideal for smaller, irregularly shaped pallets or individual products where automatic wrapping isn't practical.
Lightweight: Easy to handle and apply by hand, especially for smaller quantities or locations without machinery.
Versatility: Comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, offering flexibility for different applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of machine pallet wrapping film depends on your specific business needs, the nature of the products you’re wrapping, and the type of wrapping equipment you have in place. Whether you need a high-strength, puncture-resistant film like blown stretch film for heavy-duty loads, a cost-effective pre-stretched film for reducing material waste, or a colored stretch film for branding and visibility, there is a solution to meet every requirement.