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Hand Stretch Film: How to Choose the Right One
If your business makes or ships palletised goods, you almost certainly use stretch film. Two questions come up most often: how does hand stretch film differ from machine stretch film, and which film should you choose for your packaging? This article answers both.
What is stretch film?
Before choosing a hand stretch film, it is worth recapping the basics. Stretch film is a very thin plastic film used to wrap products and boxes assembled on a pallet. Its flexibility and stretchability allow it to hold the wrapped items tightly together: the higher the stretchability (elasticity), the tighter the load is held. The purpose of stretch film is to secure and protect products during transport and handling.
Hand stretch film vs machine stretch film: what is the difference?
Hand rolls are shorter, lighter and usually narrower than machine rolls. Apart from these noticeable physical characteristics, one of the main differences between hand and machine film is stretch capacity – the percentage by which a film can be stretched before it breaks. A stretch capacity of 100% doubles the length of the roll, which reduces waste and packaging costs.
Each type of film uses different additives during extrusion. The additives used in the molten resin pellets modify stretchability. They can also increase UV resistance, reduce the risk of tearing and much more.
The protective performance of a film is also strongly influenced by its thickness, and several thicknesses are available depending on the items to be wrapped. A thicker film offers higher puncture resistance and better conformability, but it also takes more energy to reach maximum stretch. Our company can produce film in the thickness you need, tailored to your individual requirements.
When should you use hand stretch film?
If you wrap pallets entirely by hand, you need hand stretch film. If, on the other hand, you want to automate or semi-automate the process, you will need a wrapping machine and machine stretch film.
We are happy to help you choose the right type of film, just as we have already helped hundreds of customers.
Hand stretch film is designed specifically for manual wrapping. Often simply called “hand wrap”, this type of film cannot be used in a wrapping machine. There is, however, a manual stretch film dispenser that makes wrapping easier.
Hand stretch film is a good choice if you wrap fewer than 50 pallets a day.
Which stretch film meets your needs?
To find out which film is best for your business, answer a few questions:
What do you need to wrap?
What properties should the film have (thickness, UV protection, etc.)?
What is your budget?
How many pallets need to be wrapped per day?
How many people are available for manual wrapping?
If you need help, feel free to contact our team!
Summary
Manual wrapping is sufficient for your business if you do not need to wrap more than 50 pallets a day, have enough people available, or cannot currently invest in a more substantial wrapping machine.