ByProper application of hand stretch film is essential for ensuring your products are securely wrapped and protected during storage and transit. Whether you’re wrapping pallets, boxes, or other items, a few simple steps and tips can go a long way in improving efficiency, reducing waste, and maximizing load security.
Step-by-Step Guide for Applying Hand Stretch Film
Gather Necessary Materials:
- Hand stretch film roll (choose the right gauge and type based on your application).
- A stretch film dispenser (optional, but can help with handling and applying the film).
- A flat surface or pallet to wrap your products.
Position the Film:
- Place the roll of stretch film on a secure surface or dispenser. Ensure that the film is unrolling in the right direction (typically, the film should be stretched as it unwinds from the outside). If using Machine Stretch Film for automatic wrapping, ensure the machine is properly set up and the film is correctly loaded.
- Start at the base of the pallet or item. If you’re wrapping a pallet, position the end of the film at the bottom of the stack of items.
Begin Wrapping:
- Wrap around the load: Hold the film in one hand while pulling the film with the other. Start by wrapping the base of the load, making sure to cover the bottom layer entirely.
- Maintain consistent tension: As you begin wrapping upwards, pull the film to stretch it slightly, maintaining consistent tension to create a secure wrap. Avoid pulling too hard to prevent the film from breaking.
- Overlap the film: When wrapping each layer, overlap the film by about 50-75% of the film’s width. This ensures a solid, cohesive wrap with no gaps.
- Work your way up: Continue wrapping upwards around the load, overlapping each layer, and covering the load’s sides and top. Make sure to leave a bit of film on the top to secure the load at the end.
Secure the Film:
- Once you’ve wrapped the load completely, cut the film and secure the end by either tucking the film under itself or using tape or a stretch film dispenser cutter to secure the loose end.
- If you’re using a dispenser, it often has a built-in cutter for cleanly cutting the film.
Final Inspection:
- Check for any loose spots: Walk around the load to ensure the film is evenly applied with no loose spots or gaps. If necessary, add more film to areas that feel loose.
- Ensure stability: The load should feel stable, with minimal shifting when you push or nudge the pallet. If the film is too tight, it may cause the load to become unstable, so adjust accordingly.
Tips for Reducing Film Usage and Maximizing Load Security
While wrapping, it’s important to keep certain practices in mind to ensure you’re using the stretch film effectively and efficiently:
Stretch the Film to its Optimal Elongation Point
- Stretching the film properly is key to ensuring maximum holding strength with minimal material. Most hand stretch films can be stretched up to 300-400% of their original length, depending on the gauge.
- Optimal stretch: When wrapping, stretch the film until it reaches the optimal elongation point where the film feels taut but not overly tight. Stretching the film too much can increase the risk of breakage, while not stretching it enough may result in a weaker wrap.
Use the Right Gauge Film for Your Load
- The gauge (thickness) of the film plays a critical role in how well it holds the load. Thicker films (higher gauge numbers) provide more strength, but they also tend to be less elastic. Lighter gauge films are ideal for lighter loads or for environments where flexibility is required.
- Use thinner films (lower gauge) for lighter, stable loads and thicker films (higher gauge) for heavy or irregular loads that require more puncture resistance. For items that are sensitive to rust or corrosion, consider using VCI Stretch Film. This type of film releases corrosion inhibitors during transport, offering additional protection to metal items.
Apply Film in Layers, Not Just One Layer
- Applying multiple layers of film (with sufficient overlap) ensures greater load stability. A single layer may not provide sufficient security, particularly for heavier loads.
- As you wrap, ensure that each subsequent layer overlaps the previous layer by at least 50-75%. This creates a stronger, more cohesive wrap.
Pay Attention to the Corners
- When wrapping items with sharp corners (such as boxes or metal objects), be sure to reinforce the corners with an extra layer or two of film. This is especially important for puncture-resistant films like blown stretch film, which provide better protection against sharp edges.
- You can also fold the corners of the film over sharp edges to create a more secure wrap.
Adjust Film Tension for Load Shape
- For irregularly shaped loads, adjust the tension of the film to ensure the wrap holds the load securely without causing deformation or instability. Wrapping heavier, uneven loads requires more careful tension to prevent shifting.
Use a Stretch Film Dispenser for Efficiency
- A dispenser can help you apply the film more efficiently and with better control, especially for larger or more complex loads. It reduces strain on the user and ensures more consistent tension during wrapping.
- Many dispensers also feature ergonomic handles, which are designed to reduce fatigue and make the wrapping process faster and easier.
Minimize Film Waste
- Proper stretching: Stretching the film too much will cause waste, so aim for the optimal elongation point to use the minimum amount of material needed for secure wrapping.
- Cut efficiently: When cutting the film, ensure you leave enough to secure the end but don’t waste excess material that won’t contribute to the strength of the wrap.
Regularly Inspect for Tension and Wrap Quality
- During the wrapping process, periodically check the tension and overall quality of the film to ensure that the load is securely wrapped. This step is essential in preventing issues with instability or damage during transport.
