There are two main types of hand held pallet wrap. Cast pallet wrap and Blown pallet wrap.
Cast Stretch Wrap- is manufactured using a cast extrusion process. This is a continuous process by which a thermoplastic material is melted and extruded through a flat die onto a chill roll, where it is quenched and re-solidified. This process allows the Cast stretch film to have excellent clarity, requires less force to stretch, increased tear resistance, unwinds quietly from machines, and offers a superior cling. There are both machine grade and hand grade Cast stretch film available.
Advantages of Cast Stretch Film- Generally less expensive than Blown stretch film due to reduced manufacturing costs. Increased clarity allows users to see wrapped products. Cast stretch wrap unwinds quietly compared to Blown stretch wrap and offers two sided cling that allows the film to stay securely wrapped.
Disadvantages of Cast Stretch Film- Does not offer the load/holding power Blown stretch film offers. Cast stretch film has less memory and tear resistance than Blown stretch film.
Blown Stretch Wrap- is manufactured using the blown extrusion process. This plastic melt is extruded through an annular slit die, usually vertically, to form a thin walled tube. Air is introduced via a hole in the center of the die to blow up the tube like a balloon. On top of the tube an air ring blows onto the film to cool it. This process allows Blown film to be tougher and more resilient than Cast film. The higher mechanical properties of Blown film typically allow a greater load holding power.
Advantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Offers higher load and stretch capacity. Blown stretch film is a higher quality of film, it has a higher degree of memory once stretched allowing loads to stay better secured. A higher tear resistance is an advantage when securing loads with sharp edges.
Disadvantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Higher cost due to manufacturing process. Blown stretch wrap has poor clarity due to crystallization in the manufacturing process. Blown film is also noisy when unwound from rolls.
How to hand wrap a pallet
Extract approximately a yard of plastic off the stretch film roll, squeeze 8 to 10 inches of the end together to form a rope shape. Thread the rope part through one corner of the pallet, a knot is not necessary. Beginning at the bottom, wrap the base of the pallet at least five times while keeping the film tight as pulled off the roll. Slowly work your way up the pallet, focusing on keeping the wrap tight. The goal is to have all of the products stay together as one. Once at the top of the pallet, push the top boxes to see if they move or if they are one with the bottom boxes. If they move, wrap your way back down to the bottom of the pallet.
Are there any advantages to using opaque stretch film?
Opaque stretch film offers a variety of advantages over clear stretch film. A few advantages include:
1. Detours pilferage through valuable shipments by concealing products.
2. Helps to protect products from UV Rays.
3. Outlasts regular clear stretch film during extended outdoor storage.
4. Great for colour coding products.
