Description
Standard machine-grade stretch film is the most widely used pallet wrapping material in European logistics and manufacturing operations. It is designed to run on rotary arm, turntable, and ring-type automatic and semi-automatic pallet wrappers at the film elongation rates and line speeds that these machines deliver. The film secures pallet loads reliably for storage and distribution, providing a stable, weather-resistant wrap that holds boxes, bags, and irregular load shapes firmly in place throughout the supply chain.
Cast LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) is the base polymer for most standard machine stretch film. This extrusion process produces film with a consistent gauge, high clarity, and excellent mechanical properties that remain stable across the elongation ranges used by automatic wrapping machinery – typically 150 to 250 percent stretch. At these elongation rates, a 23 micron film running at 250 percent stretch applies the equivalent coverage and containment force of a much thicker film at lower cost per pallet wrapped.
Choosing the Right Film for Your Wrapping Machine
The correct film gauge for a machine stretch film application depends on the type of pallet wrapper, the pre-stretch ratio of the machine carriage, and the load characteristics. Most turntable and rotary arm wrappers in European warehouses run film in the 17 to 23 micron range at pre-stretch ratios between 150 and 300 percent. Heavier loads or machines with lower pre-stretch carriages may require thicker gauges. NovoPacks can help you select the correct specification based on your machine model and load type.
Standard machine stretch film is available on machine cores (typically 50mm or 76mm internal diameter) in widths of 500mm for standard pallet widths. Extended roll lengths reduce core change frequency on busy wrapping lines, lowering downtime and labour cost per pallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pre-stretch ratio should I use for standard machine stretch film?
A pre-stretch ratio of 200 to 250 percent is typical for standard machine stretch film on modern turntable and rotary arm wrappers. At 200 percent pre-stretch, 1 kilogram of film covers approximately three times the pallet surface area it would cover at zero pre-stretch, significantly reducing material cost per pallet. Your pallet wrapper manual will specify the pre-stretch range the machine carriage can achieve, and NovoPacks can confirm the correct film grade for your machine settings.
How many pallets can I wrap per roll of machine stretch film?
This depends on the roll weight, film gauge, pre-stretch ratio, and the number of wrapping cycles per pallet. As a rough guide, a 17 micron film run at 200 percent pre-stretch on a standard 1000 x 1200mm Euro pallet will wrap around 60 to 80 pallets per 17kg roll, depending on wrap programme settings. Your pallet wrapper supplier can provide a more precise calculation for your specific machine, load dimensions, and wrap cycle.
Is machine stretch film suitable for outdoor storage?
Standard machine stretch film provides good short-term weather protection for pallets stored outdoors. However, standard LLDPE film has limited UV resistance and will degrade and lose elasticity with prolonged outdoor sun exposure. For pallets that will be stored outside for more than a few days, UV-stabilised machine stretch film grades are available and recommended to maintain load integrity throughout the outdoor storage period.
What is the difference between cast and blown machine stretch film?
Cast stretch film is manufactured by extruding molten polymer onto a chilled roller, producing a clear, quiet-unwinding film with consistent gauge and good cling properties. Blown stretch film is produced by blowing the polymer into a bubble, which creates a slightly hazy film with higher puncture resistance but more gauge variation and more noise on unwinding. For automatic pallet wrapping applications in Europe, cast stretch film is by far the most common choice because of its consistency and compatibility with high-speed machines.
Can standard machine stretch film be used on both turntable and rotary arm wrappers?
Yes, standard machine stretch film is compatible with both turntable-style and rotary arm-style pallet wrappers, provided the film gauge and pre-stretch ratio match the machine specifications. Rotary arm wrappers are often preferred for very heavy loads that cannot safely rotate on a turntable, and they may require film with slightly different elongation characteristics. NovoPacks can advise on the best grade for your machine type.