When it comes to the best stretch film for different applications, you have options. Whether you call it stretch film or stretch wrap, this versatile material is highly-stretchable and can be used across an array of applications.
At AAA Polymer, we are the leading supplier of different stretch films and stretch wrap solutions:
And more!
Our team of experts will work closely with you to match different types of stretch film to your unique application. Don't hesitate to reach out to us today for customized stretch film and stretch wrap solutions. In the meantime, read on to learn some of the most common stretch film applications.
Securing Pallets Is the Top Stretch Wrap & Stretch Film Application
Whether it's blown stretch film, cast stretch film, pre-stretch film, or any other type, the most common stretch film application is for securing pallets. Warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores securely stack boxes upright onto a pallet and wrap them with stretch film.
Efficient and low-cost, stretch film is highly effective at keeping heavy loads together. However, choosing the best stretch film for your unique palletizing needs can be a challenge. In either case, AAA Polymer will offer guidance and assistance to help you select the best gauge film for your application.
We will carefully think through several parameters, including the gross lbs of the load and packaging needs to help you achieve optimum load containment force. We offer the expertise and stretch film inventory to help you secure loads of all types.
Here are the most common types of loads or pallets as well as key parameters to consider when choosing a film and gauge.
Wrapping Type A Pallet Loads
Type A pallet loads are the easiest type to be wrapped. These loads have nearly perfect dimensions and a uniform shape.
The consistent horizontal and vertical orientation of these types of loads make wrapping easiest because of the low likelihood of puncture. With Type A loads, you can use lower gauge stretch film and lightweight strapping materials.
Wrapping Type B Pallet Loads
Type B pallet loads are more difficult to stretch wrap. And the more difficult it is to wrap, the higher the gauge stretch film required. These loads aren't as uniform but are relatively even in shape.
Because of the increased likelihood of having extruding edges, Type B loads require a film with higher puncture resistance. This means you will need a higher gauge stretch film.
Wrapping Type C Pallet Loads
Type C pallets are the most difficult pallets to wrap. They have the least uniform shape and are typically riddled with sections that have irregular edges or sharp edges. Type C pallets will vary from load to load, and no two will be the same.
The irregularity of the load requires higher puncture resistance, which means a higher gauge stretch wrap. Often 150 gauge film is most suitable for these types of loads.
Stretch Film for Protecting Cargo in Shipping
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the rigors of the shipping can wreak havoc on loads. Because of this, having a reliable stretch film is imperative. Using stretch film to secure loads can help prevent damage.
Moving companies regularly use stretch wrap rolls of different gauges to secure furniture and virtually any other type of delicate item. The stretch wrap works to prevent the wear and tear that easily occurs when several items are packaged into a confined space.
Hand wrap can also be wrapped around dressers to properly prevent drawers from moving as well as more delicate ceramics. In addition, cabinet makers rely on stretch film and stretch wrap to secure cabinets.
In doing so, they can prevent doors from swinging open during transport. In the end, stretch wrapping works as a security blanket for items being moved.
Hand Stretch Film and Stretch Wrap Can Be Used for Bundling Applications
There are several different types of stretch film, such as machine stretch film, hand stretch film, pre-stretch film, and more. If you are looking to secure a few smaller items, using hand stretch wrap can be the perfect solution.
Hand film is perfect for quickly bundling loose products or items together into units for sale, shipping, or inventory management. Hand film can also be used for bundling smaller products together into larger units, such as tubing, rods, and dowels.
Building materials are regularly bundled together with stretch wrap and stretch films to create a secure package. Carpet mills and manufacturers often use blown stretch film to secure rolls of carpet.
Blown stretch wrap boasts excellent stretch capacity and higher load capacity compared to other traditional types of film. However, blown stretch wrap does offer less clarity, which should be considered for certain scanning applications.
Certain Applications Use Stretch Film Instead of Tape
Moving companies often use and prefer stretch film and stretch wrap over the tape. Why? Because certain types of stretch film — cast stretch film —boast exceptional cling. The cling of cast stretch wrap allows it to stick to products and itself without leaving residue that can damage a customer's furniture.
Due to the cast extrusion manufacturing process of cast stretch film, it offers unique attributes that make it a suitable alternative to tape. A few key attributes of cast film include:
Superior cling,
Increased tear resistance,
Less force to stretch,
And more.
Furthermore, you can choose both machine cast stretch film as well as hand cast stretch wrap.
Contact AAA Polymer for Assistance in Choosing the Best Stretch Films for Your Application
Should you select machine stretch film, hand stretch film, pre-stretched film, or another type for your application? We get it — navigating film gauges and stretch films can be confusing.
However, stretch wrapping and proper load containment force are both vital to everything you do. Fortunately, the team at AAA Polymer can help and will guide you toward optimum load stability.
We will start with considering how the stretch film is used in wrapping and packaging applications. Once we have a clear understanding of your business needs and goals, we will guide you to the best, most cost-effective solution.
Contact AAA Polymer today.