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Banding stretch film packaging comes in different varieties, which are meant to serve particular purposes. The following list includes common types:
Casting Stretch Film
Casting film is the type of stretch film that is made through a casting process whereby a thin layer of molten polymer is placed on a rotating drum surface. The product receives a cool treatment and then peeled off the drum to manufacture a film. Because of the stretch film's clarity and high tensile strength, it is common in packaging applications. The film also has excellent cling properties. The film is best suited for wrapping products, especially those that need to be visible, like pallets or products on shelves.
Blown Stretch Film
Unlike cast films, the blown stretch film comes by blowing hot air through a polymer melt. The process is thus known as blown extrusion. Blown stretch film features good elasticity and thickness compared to cast films. Although it may not be as clear as a cast film, blown stretch film generally has a greater puncture resistance.
Pre-Stretched Film
This is a special film that is already stretched during the manufacturing process. When the film is stretched, it experiences greater elasticity. This means that when it is further stretched during packaging, it cannot retract so much. This makes the film have an even tighter hold on packaged goods. Pre-stretched films have less residual stretch, meaning less force will be required to peel it off an item.
Machine-Grade Stretch Film
Machine-grade stretch films are designed and manufactured for automatic or semi-automatic wrapping machines. Compared to hand-grade films, machine-grade films are thinner but stronger. They provide consistent tension and a uniform wrap that reduces the possibility of human error. Machine-grade films are largely used in high-output packaging facilities.
Hand Stretch Film
The hand stretch film is another popular type of prepackaged stretch film, which is mainly designed for manual wrapping using hands. This film usually comes in narrow rolls, and its thickness varies greatly. The film has excellent cling properties. This makes it very easy to wrap items securely. The hand stretch film is used in lower-volume packaging operations or for certain products or areas that require extra wrapping and protection from theft.
Colored and Printed Stretch Film
Colored and printed stretch films are used primarily for marketing or decorative purposes. Depending on their functionality, colored films may also serve the purpose of additional security or simply a means of shielding the wrapped materials from light exposure. The cast process allows easily printed designs on stretch films. Therefore, businesses can insert their logos or other essential graphics on the films.
Banding stretch film has a few essential functions that relate to the manner in which the film is used in packaging:
Stretch film provides a protective wrapper against dust, moisture, and even physical impacts on the wrapped items. This is very important because a film is able to enhance the life cycle of products as well as keep them in good condition throughout transit and storage.
The key characteristic of stretch film is its ability to cling to itself. It is also referred to as self-adhesion. This allows the film to tightly secure items on pallets or even individually. The film's elasticity enables it to wrap items tightly without the need for adhesives.
Another main function of the bundling stretch film is load stabilization. Bundling films are specially designed to stabilize and secure products while they are stacked on pallets. This prevents shifting, toppling, or even combining during the process of transportation or storage. Using the correct tension and layering will result in a film that has the ability to hold items in place firmly throughout its journey.
Stretch films, mainly when colored or printed, can help prove tampering or theft. This is very important because in transit or even in retail, any sign of tampering can lead to damaged goods. In some severe cases, it could also mean that the goods are thefts.
Various features enable banding stretch films to perform better in different applications:
This is one of the features of banding stretch films that enable them to cling to themselves without the application of adhesives. It also ensures that the films stay together tightly, especially around the packaged items. This eliminates the need for extra wrapping materials.
Stretch films are very durable. In other words, they are made of thin plastic, but the films are tough. The films can also stretch without tearing apart. Some of the films manufactured today also come with extra durability, which gives them great puncture resistance. This property is very useful when wrapping sharp-edged products.
Some banding stretch films are manufactured to include ultraviolet (UV) absorbers. This helps protect the enclosed products from harmful effects of UV radiation. It is mainly important for products that may be adversely affected by direct sunlight. Examples of such products are certain chemicals, foodstuffs, and even some types of plastics.
Most of today's stretch films are made from polyethylene. This makes them recyclable. Nowadays, films are manufactured with recyclability in mind. They help reduce waste within the plastic consumption cycle.
Stretch films are manufactured in a wide range of thickness. Such a variation helps allow for the choice of heavier or lighter films, depending on the requirements of any given application. Lighter films are generally suited for wrapping low-density items. On the other hand, heavier films offer greater support to heavier pallets.
The design of banding stretch films is a truly multifaceted consideration. Various factors come into play, such as machine and hand, pre-stretched films, and colored and printed stretch films.
Ply kinking or filament formation is a common problem during the use of traditional nonwoven overwraps. This mainly occurs when the inner-film layers bond together. In cases of tension or torque, such kinking has the potential to strongly destabilize the load. At other times, it can even lead to produce a film-wrapped load that is insecure.
The core and hub design of stretch film wrapping equipment play a major role in wrapping consistency and efficiency. These hubs support the film. They also help transfer the film tension required for tighter wraps. Such films with adjustable cores or hubs provide greater control over the film tension. This helps have a tighter and more uniform wrap.
Modern stretch film wrapping machines are equipped with mechanisms to control film tension, speed, and overlap. This variable speed control will usually allow the film to be dispensed at various speeds depending on the requirement.
Banding stretch films are a packaging staple in different environments. The following are the most common scenarios where such films are used:
Manufacturing and Industry
Stretch films are used widely in manufacturing and industrial settings to stabilize and protect products during transport. These films wrap machines, furniture, equipment, or even manufactured products on pallets. This means that heavy items or fragile ones are securely held together. Bundling stretch films prevent any changes to their positions, thus minimizing the chances of accidents occurring in transportation or no storage at all.
Warehousing and Distribution
Warehouses use bundling stretch films to stack products and ensure load stability during stacking and also during the storage process. In such scenarios, pallets wrapped with stretch film can be easily and safely stored in racks or even in bulk stacks. Basically, the wrap provides an additional layer of security against dust, moisture, and even contaminants. Pulling reliance on pre-stretched film in this situation can reduce the effort of the workers.
Transportation and Shipping
Shipping companies and truck transporters use stretch film to wrap fragile items or those prone to damage to ensure they reach their destination safely. Companies dealing with shipping use stretch films to secure loose items and prevent them from shifting within the cargo bay of the transport vehicles. This further protects the items from dents, scratches, or in the worst cases, complete disfigurement.
Retail Packaging
In the retail sector, stretch films wrap certain products that need to be displayed in shrink form. For example, these are thin films of pallets full of merchandise to maintain their integrity and neat appearance. Also, some retail outlets use printed or colored stretch films as part of their branding strategy. They give the stores an appealing look while acting as merchandise wraps.
Agricultural Uses
Banding stretch films are also used in the agricultural sector. The films are used to wrap bales of hay, straw, or silage. This helps protect the products from adverse weather conditions. The films help keep the products dry and increase their nutritional values.
Choosing the ideal bundling stretch film depends on several factors related to the application and needs. Some of these factors include:
Film Thickness
Bundling stretch films come in various thicknesses (measured in mils). Mils are commonly defined as one-thousandth of an inch. Thicker films (up to 80-90%) generally provide more strength and durability. Such films are ideal for heavier or sharper objects. On the other hand, thinner films (from 12 to 20 mil) are commonly suitable for lighter products. These films normally provide easy handling and may lower costs.
Pre-Stretched vs. Non-Stretched
Deciding on pre-stretched or non-stretched films relies on the application requirements. Pre-stretched films have less relaxation after application. This means that they can hold items together more tightly. Such films are mainly used in automated wrapping processes. Non-stretched films can easily modify their tension levels by hand. This flexibility is useful for various lighter packaging tasks.
Clarity and Finish
The clarity of bundling stretch films is equally an important consideration. Clear films allow products to be visible right through the packaging. This clarity is essential for retail displays or when tracking inventory. On the other hand, opaque or tinted films offer additional protection for products sensitive to light. These products include photographs, artworks, or even perishables. Moreover, films with matte or glossy finishes provide further adherence or release functions.
Pallet Load Size and Shape
The size and shape of load intended for wrapping influence the selection of stretch film width. Generally, larger loads require wider films to ensure complete coverage. Properly proportioned films help eliminate stretching and potential unwrapping during transit. Films that are narrower are more suited for smaller items or individual products.
Machinery Compatibility
For operations using machinery for wrapping, ensuring the selected film is compatible with existing equipment is an essential consideration. These films vary in gauge and thickness. Thus, they will affect their winding patterns and tension control. Checking manufacturers' guidelines will help get the right fit.
Tensile Strength and Elongation
When selecting stretch film, it is important to check these two parameters. High tensile strength guarantees that the film will be able to withstand the wrapping process without tearing. On the other hand, elongation refers to the ability percentage of film to stretch before it actually fails. Wraps with higher elongation are better suited to irregular loads. These films can lengthen and conform to their shapes without losing their integrity.
A1: Banding stretch film is commonly made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). This material has great flexibility, clarity, and puncture resistance. These properties make the film ideal for load securing and wrapping purposes.
A2: Bundling refers to the grouping of several related products together and wrapping them with a stretch film. On the other hand, stretch wrapping is the act of applying an elastic plastic film over an object or group of objects. The wrapping film will then be drawn tight around it to enhance tower stability during transportation.
A3: Yes, many types of stretch films are produced from polyethylene. This makes them highly recyclable. Polyethylene is widely accepted in recycling programs across the world. This helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic use.
A4: Pre-stretched film reduces the amount of training that is required for a load. This film has already been tensioned during manufacturing. This provides consistent application with reduced usage in film. This makes the film environment-friendly.
A5: Exposure to UV rays may degrade some products. For example, fabrics, plastics, or even food. Packaging bands that incorporate UV absorbers will help protect such products from harmful effects of sunlight. The absorbers work by blocking or absorbing the UV light that is trying to penetrate the film.
