Stretch Film (Stretch Wrap) Buyers Guide - What you need to ...

Key Considerations for Purchasing Stretch Film

• I don't have time, just ship it!

  (This could be an expensive oversight!)

  For additional details, visit SMART WASP.

• Indeed, your stretch wrapper may be operational

  (but it’s likely not delivering optimal results)

• Understanding the synergy between machinery and film is crucial

  (A key element often neglected!)

• Examining the relationship between stretch film and wrapping equipment
• Are all stretch films equally effective?
• Determining the most critical factors for selecting stretch film

Just Ship It!

Properly ensuring your finished product is ready for safe transport should not be an afterthought.

The final stage of production, stretch packaging, is often undervalued as a cost area. In our urgency to dispatch products, we tend to overlook essential details. This approach can lead to costly consequences. Simply covering a pallet with stretch film does not guarantee its safekeeping during transit. You might either be applying an excessive amount of film unnecessarily or mismanaging your wrapping technique, leading to significant wastage in material costs.

Your Stretch Wrap Machine is Running (But Is It Effective?)

It’s essential to note that a stretch wrap machine may continue operating without ensuring appropriate prestretching of the film.

In fact, many stretch wrap machines operate significantly below their efficiency capacity. This inefficiency not only inflates your stretch film costs but also reduces its strength and load retention capabilities, potentially resulting in damage during shipping.

Cost Savings Example:
A certain client managed to reduce their stretch film expenses by over $150,000 annually.

Understanding the fundamentals of film prestretching is vital for significant savings in your packaging operations. A quick review of our stretch wrap basics section will provide invaluable insights into efficient practices.

Is the Load Wrapped Correctly?

Even if a load looks securely wrapped, it might fail upon reaching its destination due to insufficient prestretching. The exterior appearance cannot assure effective packaging.

• Are the necessary retention forces properly applied through adequate prestretching?
• Could you be applying too much stretch film and risking damage to the product?
• Are your film expenditures excessive due to a vendor’s misunderstanding of equipment needs?

Assess Your Stretch Wrapper's Efficiency!
We have an online efficiency assessment for your stretch wrap machine. It could help identify unnecessary expenses and ultimately save you money!

The Synergy: Stretch Film and Machinery

Selecting the right stretch film requires understanding how various manufacturing processes affect performance. Learn more in our stretch film basics section.

• Finding a low-priced 2-sided cling stretch film may not yield savings if incompatible with your wrapping machine settings.
• While a deal on blown stretch film may seem attractive, poor performance at high speeds could detriment your operations.
• Some machine designs necessitate specific film handling orientations, which can complicate the wrapping process.

Understanding your film requirements is vital to avoid mistakenly selecting a supposed deal that ultimately costs more. If your machinery isn’t consistently prestretching the film to the required levels, even a minor price drop could lead to greater losses.

Is All Stretch Film the Same?

Absolutely not! Evaluating your specific needs helps identify the appropriate type, grade, and performance of stretch film. If you hold onto the notion that ‘all stretch film is the same,’ you might not be maximizing your ROI and performance. Refer to our basics section to explore varying performance characteristics.

Curious about the Online Stretch Pallet Wrapping Machine? Contact us for expert advice!

Criteria for Selecting Stretch Film

The primary objective of purchasing stretch film is to guarantee that your products reach customers in good condition. Some fundamental factors to evaluate include:

• Optics
• Cling
• Tear Resistance
• Puncture Resistance
• Thickness Consistency
• Noise
• Gloss
• Load Profile & Height
• Load Weight
• Storage Conditions (UV exposure)
• Production Speed
• Stacking Patterns
• Value of Products
• Transport Distance & Methods
• Type of Equipment
• Labeling & Barcode Requirements
• Cost

All these factors must be carefully weighed before finalizing your choice of stretch film.

Avoid being swayed by flashy presentations that focus solely on one aspect, like cost or prestretch capabilities. Conduct thorough research to confirm that selected stretch films meet all necessary criteria to satisfy your customers’ expectations.

>> Guide on Buying Stretch Film.
>> Guidelines for Choosing a Stretch Film Supplier.

In light of the Plastic Packaging Tax, many businesses have scrutinized their packaging approaches, considering options to reduce plastic use or switch to recycled alternatives. Employing higher quality film while minimizing usage is frequently a beneficial strategy. Transitioning to stretch film with recycled content is another favored route. Nevertheless, careful selection of the pallet wrapping machine itself deserves equal attention.

Combining appropriate stretch film with the right pallet wrapper can significantly enhance efficiency, bolster pallet stability, and minimize plastic waste, resulting in substantial savings. Choosing the right machine to fit specific tasks and ensuring regular maintenance further ensures optimal performance.

How to Choose a Pallet Wrapping Machine

Firstly, clarify your packaging objectives. Beyond manual wrapping, explore the options of automatic or semi-automatic machines. This equipment represents a long-term investment; weighing future volume needs is crucial for maximizing ROI.

What Will You Be Wrapping?

Consider the dimensions, weight, and variability of your products when selecting a pallet wrapping machine. Items with varying heights might need horizontal wrapping, while stable lightweight goods suit rotating wrap, and heavier unstable loads benefit from rotating arm mechanisms.

Types of Pallet Wrapping Machines

• Turntable: A system that rotates the load on a platform to dispense wrapping film. Suitable for light to medium stable loads.
• Rotary Arm/Ring: The pallet remains fixed while the wrapping head encircles it. Ideal for swift wrapping of lighter fragile loads and heavier unstable commodities.
• Stretch Hood Machines: This technology employs tubular plastic film that stretches and secures around the pallet without heat application, perfect for uneven loads.

What Additional Features Are Beneficial?

Depending on the model, semi-automatic and automatic machines can incorporate various custom features. Options like electric pre-stretching functions minimize film usage and enhancements for anti-dust or sustainability coatings expedite wrapping processes.

Troubleshooting Pallet Wrapping Machines

Ensure your pallet wrap machines function seamlessly to guarantee efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Here are common pitfalls businesses may encounter:

1. Using Incorrect Film. The wrong type or gauge can impede optimal wrapping.
2. Applying Excess Film. Over-wrapping is a frequent misstep; more isn’t always better.
3. Misconfigured Machine Settings. Incorrect machine setups prevent peak performance; proper stretching is key.

Essential Maintenance for Your Wrapping Machines

Routine servicing is critical to preserve the functionality of pallet wrapping machines. Regular visual inspections are necessary, including thorough checks every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on usage:

• Lubricate moving parts as per the user’s manual.
• Inspect and clean sensors using gentle methods to avoid damage.
• Look for wear signs on belts or chains and replace them proactively.
• Check stretch-wrap tension on a test pallet and adjust as needed.

We at Lindum offer a comprehensive selection of pallet wrapping machines tailored to fit your unique packaging requirements. Our expert team can assist with identifying the optimal machine and film combinations suited to your operational demands, factoring in your infrastructure, product volume, and loading needs.

Need assistance in selecting the right machine or further information about our pallet wrappers? Reach out today.

If you wish to delve deeper, please visit High Speed Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine.