How Hand Stretch Film Differ From Machine Stretch Wrap?

When you are dealing with custom printed packaging boxes, you must go through the term stretch wrap which is also known as stretch film. You will be utilizing stretch film when you are building out your packaging line or shipping department. The most common query that we came across is the difference between hand stretch film and machine stretch wrap. Even some seasoned veterans can also get ambiguous about it.

The primary concept is if you are using an automated or semi-automated process for stretch wrapper (requires machine stretch film), then it is called as machine stretch wrap. On contrary, if you’re exclusively utilizing human labor for stretch wrapping then it is referred to as hand stretch film. All you have to do is to recognize the exact approach of stretch film for your custom packaging boxes and palletizing needs.

This blog will assist you to explore the differences between hand stretch film and machine stretch wrap.

What Stretch Film Exactly Is?

Stretch film or stretch wrap is a stretchy narrow plastic sheet material wrapped around products, custom printed packaging boxes, and pallets.  The "stretch-ability" of stretch film accounts for tight wrapping around the items. More the ratio of elastic recovery, the film will more firmly hold the products. The sole purpose is to make sure that the products are properly palletized and will remain safe during shipping.       

Hand Stretch Wrap:

Hand stretch film is done by implementing human labor, therefore, it is also known as hand film. It cannot be used on a stretch wrap machine. It is a fair option if you are wrapping 50 or less than 50 pallets per day. The manual stretch film specifically made to use with a stretch wrap dispenser. It can wrap various kinds of goods and stacks of products on pallets.

Machine Stretch Wrap:

A stretch wrapping machine is used to make machine stretch film on the packaging and products. Machine stretch wrap boasts better load containment, lower cost, and faster applications as compared to manual stretch film. Since machine stretch film has a lot of benefits, but a stretch wrapper could be a significant investment. Your budget restrictions may prevent you from opting for this approach. If you have budget constraints, then you must go for hand wrap.     

Stretch Wrapping Machines Types:

There are many different types of stretch wrapping machines having different kinds of specifications according to the varying requirements of machine stretch films. Some of them are:

• Straddle Stretch Wrapper
• Ring Stretch Wrapper
• Orbital Stretch Wrapper
• Turntable Stretch Wrapper
• Ring Straddle Wrapper

Choosing Between Hand Stretch or Machine Stretch Film:

Figuring out  which type of stretch film is the better choice for your business depends on various important factors like:

• How much you can invest financially in order to know if you can afford a stretch wrapping machine or you will choose hand stretch wrap. 
• The number of pallets you are going to wrap. If you are wrapping less than 50 pallets in a day, then you must go for the manual stretch wrap.   
• The number of employees you are using for stretch wrapping. It is important to keep track of the amount of employees wrapping, their working hours, and the maximum number of pallets or items wrapped.  

Compare the costs of both of the stretch wrapping techniques.