Stretch Wrapping Basics
Stretch wrapping is a technique used throughout the packaging industry to secure products to a skid and provide extra protection while in transport. This technique is particularly useful while shipping several boxes or products on a skid. Pallet Wrapping will ensure that your products are safe, stabilized and secure so they reach your customer without being damaged or tampered. This article aims to give you a clear understanding of how stretch wrapping works and how it is implemented. You need to follow certain steps so that you stretch wrap your products properly preventing them from getting damaged during the shipping process.
Stretch Film
Stretch Film is a highly stretchable plastic film that is used in the stretch wrapping process. This highly stretchable film is wrapped around the boxes while adjusting the tension, wrapping the skid providing a secondary protection. There are two types of stretch film which are commonly used: Machine stretch film and Hand stretch film.
Stretch Wrapping Equipment
Pallet Wrappers/Stretch Wrappers tightly wrap a loaded skid or a pallet with machine stretch film. A loaded pallet is placed on the turn-table and with the carriage mounted with stretch film, the turntable rotates dispensing film and wrapping the pallet. Pallet Wrappers tightly wrap the pallet making it stable, air-tight and clean. You can also use a hand wrapper to wrap the pallet by hand using hand stretch film.
Different types of Pallet Wrappers:
The following are the steps to be considered before stretch wrapping a skid using a hand stretch wrapper:
- Select the right size pallet or skid: Make sure you stack your boxes or products using the right size skid. Using a skid that is too large or too small will result in an insecure and unstable load. The best size is one that is not larger than the products placed on top otherwise the plastic may tear on the sharp pallet corners; yet the pallet has to completely cover the base area of the products you want wrapped or you may have damage to your products in shipping.
- Stack the base of the skid properly: If you have different size boxes, make sure to place the larger heavier boxes on the pallet first. Make sure not to leave any gaps and occupy as much space as you can to make the base stable and secure.
- Stack the rest of your boxes on the skid: Properly place the remaining boxes or products on the skid. Make sure that your boxes do not cross the edges of the pallet and placed them as close as possible to each other in order to prevent them from moving after being wrapped. Do not stack your pallet too high as it can destabilize the load by raising the center of gravity. Make sure your skid is in cubical or square shape.
- Start the Stretch Wrapping Process: Tie the stretch film around the corner of the skid. This will ensure that the film does not come off while wrapping. While holding the hand stretch wrapper, start walking around the skid. Once you reach the corners of the skid, tightly secure and apply tension ensuring it is nice and tight around the load. Always start from the bottom and then go towards the top. It is recommended that you go around the skid at least 5-6 times to ensure stability. Once the wrapping is finished, check the skid thoroughly for sturdiness. If the load is moving and is not stable, you should consider wrapping it again. Once your pallet is stable and sturdy, tear the stretch wrap from the skid and you are done.
If you have a high volume of skids or pallets to wrap, we recommend using a machine pallet wrapper. If you have any questions about stretch wrapping and wrapping equipment, please call us at (416) 299-0960 and a representative will guide you in selecting the right stretch film and equipment for your packaging needs.
Thanks for reading!!
