Poly Solves LLC is here to help guide you to the best decision when deciding the type of stretch wrap to use. There are two types of stretch wrap: blown stretch wrap and cast stretch wrap. Significant differences exist between the two kinds of films, ranging from manufacturing to application. This blog post will clarify the differences and benefits of each.
Cast Stretch Wrap
How Is It Made?
Cast stretch wrap is made through a cast extrusion process, which involves the heating and compression of resin. Once melted at the right temperature for the needed viscosity, it is pushed through a die, creating a continuous layer of plastic. The width and thickness of the stretch wrap are determined by the dimension of the space in the die.
Advantages Of Cast Stretch Wrap:
High transparency
Excellent barrier for moisture
Thickness consistency
No limits on the thickness of the film
Cast stretch wrap has a very quiet unwind
Blown Stretch Wrap
How Is It Made?
Blown film is created by the thick layer of the extruded film emerging from a circular die, and a giant bubble of air is blown inside. The volume of the bubble and the original diameter and thickness of the extruded tube determine the material's ultimate gauge (thickness).
Instead of being cooled quickly, the air cools the bubble gradually as it goes up the tower. Once it rises to the very top of the building, the film is nipped together and drawn down to the winding and slitting stations with guide rollers.
Advantage Of Blown Stretch Wrap.
Puncture resistance
Produces less manufacturing scrap
Durable and provides maximum toughness
Higher level of cling
Cast VS Blown Stretch Wrap
Cast Stretch Wrap | Blown Stretch Wrap |
High clarity for easy load identification and barcode reading. | Resist puncturing or tearing. |
Smooth and easy release. | Higher degree of memory. |
Suitable for uniform load. | Suitable for irregular loads or securing uniform. |
Bottom Line
Generally speaking there is no single “best” stretch film or wrap. Every application and company have different needs when it comes to selecting which kind of wrap is best for their packaging performance. Therefore the “best stretch film” is relative – based on your goals, circumstances and expectations.
When considering the type of stretch wrap/film, questions need to be answered.
Many companies buy film based on gauge and $/lb (or price/roll). However there more factor need to be considered such as:
What is the shape, type and weight of your load?
what pre-stretch percentage you expect,
What sort of transport and storage your product will experience?
Environmental considerations (e.g. wrapping in a freezer)
These factors can help you determine the proper gauge and pre-stretch, knowing precisely the amount of film required to wrap each load properly.The best first step to creating and optimizing the perfect packaging film for your product and process is talking with the experts at Poly Solves LLC.
Got Questions? Contact Poly Solves LLC
When choosing the best gauge of stretch wrap for your pallet load, it's crucial to get it right. And the experts at Poly Solves LLC can help you make the best decision.
Contact Poly Solves LLC today.
Comentários