This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4649 − 20

Standard Guide for

Use of Stretch Films and Wrapping Application1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance

1.1 This guide covers recommended guidelines for the of Transparent Plastics
selection, specification, and use of stretch films for unitizing, D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
reinforcing, and palletizing for indoor environments. This can Gradient Technique
include storage or transport, or both, in warehouses, closed D1746 Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting
containers such as truck trailers or rail boxcars, and associated D1894 Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of
transfer terminals. This guide does not cover the performance Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting
issues associated with outdoor exposure. D1922 Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of
1.1.1 Performance characteristics of stretch film may be Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method
negatively affected by extreme temperatures. D2103 Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting
D2457 Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Solid Plastics
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D2578 Test Method for Wetting Tension of Polyethylene and
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Polypropylene Films
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Plastics (Oxygen Index)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- D4321 Test Method for Package Yield of Plastic Film
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. D4470 Test Method for Static Electrification
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
D5331 Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D5414 Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Performance of Load Unitizing Stretch Wrap Films
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D5415 Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Per-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
formance of Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing
2. Referenced Documents D5416 Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of
Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 D5458 Test Method for Peel Cling of Stretch Wrap Film
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic D5459 Test Method for Machine Direction Elastic Recovery
Sheeting and Permanent Deformation and Stress Retention of
D907 Terminology of Adhesives Stretch Wrap Film
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ- D5748 Test Method for Protrusion Puncture Resistance of
ments Stretch Wrap Film
D8314 Guide for Performance Testing of Applied Stretch
1
Films and Stretch Wrapping
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing and Unitizing of
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
Loads. Materials
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published January 2021. Originally E284 Terminology of Appearance
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4649 – 03 (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/D4649-20.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 3. Terminology
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 3.1 Definitions—Terminology found in Terminology D996
the ASTM website. shall apply.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D4649 − 20
4. Significance and Use each other. If the cling side is not known, fold the film over on
4.1 This guide is for user selection, specification, and its self in either direction to determine which side has more
application of stretch film materials. It may be used between cling.
the buyer and seller to arrive at purchase specifications. 5.3.3.1 Two Sided—Similar cling properties are found on
both sides of the film.
5. Stretch Film Classification 5.3.3.2 Differential Cling—Superior cling properties are
found on one side of the film and lower cling on the other.
5.1 Stretch Film Uses—The following are general uses of 5.3.3.3 One Sided—Cling properties are found on one side
stretch films. and no cling is found on the other side. Some one sided cling
5.1.1 Used to bundle multiple smaller goods into a single films have a slippery, non-cling side.
larger entity. 5.3.3.4 No Cling—No cling is found on either side of the
5.1.2 Used to secure a handling base (skids, platforms, film. These films’ tails typically have to be tucked under a layer
pallets, slip sheets, etc.) to a load to expedite handling. of film in the wrap pattern or heat sealed to ensure the film does
5.1.3 Used to secure cushioning, edge protection, or other not come unraveled in the transportation process.
package components to an individual item (office furniture, 5.3.4 Layering During Extrusion:
windows, etc.). 5.3.4.1 Monolayer—Single layer of material.
5.1.4 Used as an environmental protection and tamper 5.3.4.2 Co-Extruded—Multiple layers of material where
evidence for a load. used during extrusion.
5.1.5 Used as a primary protective wrap for individual 5.3.5 Ultraviolet Protective Film—Protects the film from
products (rolled products, metal coils, metal extrusions, wood breaking down in the presence of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
molding, etc.). 5.3.6 Anti-corrosive Films—Works to prevent corrosion on
5.2 Stretch Film Types—The following are general types of metal products.
stretch film. 5.3.7 Opaque/Tinted Films—Colorants are an option as a
5.2.1 Machine Stretch Film—Typically sold in widths rang- load identification alternative or as a method to hide the
ing from 20 in. to 30 in. and in a variety of thicknesses. It is product being transported.
typically sold on a 3-in. core and can be purchased in any
length, although 3000 ft to 10 000 ft is most common. 6. Raw Materials
5.2.2 Hand Stretch Film—Typically sold in widths ranging 6.1 The following are typical materials included in the
from 10 in. to 20 in. and in a variety of thicknesses. It is extrusion process of stretch film:
typically sold on a 3-in. core and can be purchased in any 6.1.1 Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
length, although 1000 ft to 2000 ft is common. 6.1.2 Metallocene linear low density polyethylene
5.2.3 Prestretched (oriented) Stretch Film—Hand films that (mLLDPE),
are stretched during the manufacturing process either in-line 6.1.3 Polypropylene (PP),
(oriented) or in a secondary operation (prestretched). 6.1.4 Polyisobutylene (PIB) (tackifier),
5.2.4 Stretch Tape—Typically sold in width ranging from 3 6.1.5 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).
in. to 5 in. and comes in a variety of thicknesses. It can be used
to bundle a series of objects, wrap a load that requires airflow 7. Stretch Film and Additives’ Characteristics
or to handle goods temporarily for internal transport. It is
7.1 Physical and Mechanical Properties:
generally applied by hand and the devices for application vary
7.1.1 The properties and test methods in Table 1 shall be
widely from grabbing an extended core to apparatuses that aid
used when describing the physical and mechanical character-
in the application of the film.
istics of wrap materials as manufactured.
5.2.5 Ventilated Stretch Film—A film that has holes formed
7.1.2 The practices listed in Table 2 can be an aid when
into it that allow airflow to enter and exit the load. It can be
describing performance characteristics of wrap materials, as
applied with all application methods discussed in Section 12.
used for unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing.
5.3 Stretch Film Classifications—The following are general 7.1.3 Some of the test methods described in Table 2 may be
classifications of stretch films. applied to multiple wraps or stretched specimens, or both, to
5.3.1 Application Methods: aid in assessing their performance characteristics.
5.3.1.1 Hand Film—For use in hand application of stretch 7.1.4 Other tests that may be of value for evaluating actual
film. performance are given in Guide D8314.
5.3.1.2 Machine Film—For use in powered stretch film 7.2 Other Properties—Food contact stretch films must con-
application. form to FDA or other governmental regulations, or both, as
5.3.2 Fabrication Methods: applicable.
5.3.2.1 Blown Extrusion—Implies the bubble forming ex-
trusion process used to manufacture the film. 7.3 Recyclability/Disposability—Stretch film should be re-
5.3.2.2 Cast Extrusion—Implies the flat die extrusion cycled whenever possible. Disposal shall be in accordance with
method of manufacturing the film. local, state, and federal regulations.
5.3.3 Cling Mechanisms—The cling should be facing in- 7.4 Static Discharge—Some stretch films may build up
ward on the load to prevent different loads from sticking to static electrical charge. Care should be exercised in using these

2
 D4649 − 20
TABLE 1 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Materials TABLE 3 Average Weight/Yield Tolerances for Stretch Wrap
Common SI ASTM Test
Material
Property
Unit Unit Method Number of Rolls Tolerance, %
Breaking factor lbf/in. kN/m D882 Any one roll ±7
Clarity % % D1746 Lots over 25 ±5
Cling (peel) gm N D5458
Coefficient of friction at ap- ... ... D1894
proximately 72 and 100°F
TABLE 4 Unit Conversion Factors
(22 and 38°C)
Density lbf/in.3 g/cm3 D1505 Unit Conversion
Elastic recovery % % D5459 Gauge * 0.254 = Micron Inch * 25.4 = Millimetres
Elongation at break % % D882 Micron * 3.937 = Gauge Millimeter * 0.0394 = Inches
Flammability %0 %0 D2863 Feet * 0.3048 = Metres Pound / 2.2 = Kilograms
Force at elongation (50, 100, lbf/in. kN/m D5459 Meter * 3.2808 = Feet Kilogram * 2.2 = Pounds
150, 200 %) Pound Force * 4.44822 = Newtons Newton /4.44822 = Pounds Force
Gloss ... ... D2457 Pound/in3 * 27.6799 = g/cm3 Pound/ft3 * 0.0160184 = g/cm3
Haze % % D1003 Mil * 25.4 = Micron Mil = 100 Gauge
Protrusion puncture in./lbf Nm D5748 Pound Force/in2 * 6.895 = kPa
Static electrification V V D4470
Stress retention % % D5459
Tear resistance (Elmendorf) gm N D1922
Ultimate tensile strength lbf/in.2 Pa D882
Water vapor transmission g/24 h-100 g/h-m2 E96/E96M, 8.1.5 The length per roll of film wrap materials shall be
rate in.2 Procedure E
Yield (coverage) in.2/lb m2/Kg D4321
within 65 % of the length as marked, or as otherwise agreed
between the buyer and the seller as measured by a wheel
counter that presses on the film roll as it is being unwound from
TABLE 2 Test Methods Related to Performance the roll but before the film is pulled off the roll. (Films may
Procedure ASTM Test Method extend or contract after the film is removed from the roll. This
Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of D5416 may produce an inaccurate length measurement.)
Stretch Wrap Material 8.1.6 A unit conversion table is found in Table 4.
Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Perfor- D5415
mance of Stretch Wrap Material by Vibration Testing
Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact Perfor- D5414
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
mance of Stretch Wrap Materials 9.1 Films shall be generally free from imperfections that
Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of D5331
Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Materials
may affect the performance such as wrinkles, creases, soft
spongy areas, damaged edges, and inconsistent thicknesses.
9.1.1 No splices are allowed.

materials especially where potential flammable air vapor or air 10. Sampling
dust mixtures can exist. 10.1 Samples should not be taken within the initial 2 % or
7.5 Unwind Noise—Some stretch films are noisier than the last 2 % of the length of the roll; regardless remove enough
others during the application process. This may be a charac- film to ensure that damaged or poorly wound film is not used
teristic that needs to be considered for some applications. for test samples.

8. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations 11. Ordering and Shipping Information
8.1 The material dimensions and their permissible varia- 11.1 The following should be included when ordering
tions shall conform to the following, unless otherwise specified stretch film.
by the user: 11.1.1 Film thickness.
8.1.1 Thickness (gauge, microns, inches) is expressed in 11.1.2 Film width.
decimal form. For example, 80-gauge is also equal to 11.1.3 Film length per roll.
0.0008 inches. The 80-gauge film multiplied by 0.254 to equal 11.1.4 Core dimensions (inside diameter and extension).
20.3 micron. 11.1.5 Identification of machine or hand film.
8.1.1.1 The actual wrap material thickness shall not vary 11.1.6 Identification of any other classifications found under
more than 610 % of the nominal thickness in any one point Section 5.
across the width. 11.1.7 Quantity.
8.1.2 Roll Weight or Yield—See Table 3. 11.1.8 Delivery locations.
8.1.3 The film roll width tolerance for wrap materials is 11.1.9 Where necessary, ordering information may be ex-
61⁄4 in. (6 mm) unless otherwise agreed upon between the panded per customer request.
buyer and the seller. 11.2 Shipping container or individual rolls, or both, shall be
8.1.3.1 Roll width tolerance is 61⁄8 in. (3 mm) of the width labeled in accordance with Practice D3951 with the following
as marked unless otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and additional markings:
the seller. 11.2.1 Product name.
8.1.4 The roll diameter tolerance is 65 % of nominal out- 11.2.2 Thickness.
side diameter. 11.2.3 Material width.

3
 D4649 − 20
11.2.4 Material length per roll.
11.2.5 Material weight per roll.
11.2.6 Manufacturer’s or seller’s name.
11.2.7 Lot or serial number on the individual roll, pallet, or
case.
11.2.8 Where necessary, labeling information may be ex-
panded or modified for special uses or materials.

12. Considerations for Application

12.1 Wrap Patterns—Infinitely variable but typically consist
of:
12.1.1 One-Way Spiral—Typically started on the bottom or
the top of the load. The stretch wrapper makes a single spiral
pass over the load with overlap varying from 20 % to 80 %.
12.1.2 Two-Way Spiral—Typically started on the top or
bottom of the load. The stretch wrapper makes two complete
spiral passes (for example, up and down) over the load without
breaking the film web. Overlap is between 20 % and 80 %.
12.1.3 Additional Top and Bottom Wraps—Multiple layers NOTE 1—Clockwise from left, Pole applicator, end plugs to protect
of overlap on the top and bottom of the load are applied in hands during application, and film applicator with tensioner.
FIG. 1 Hand Wrap Film Dispensers (see 13.3)
addition to a cross spiral pattern (12.1.2) base.
12.1.4 Top Overwrap—The amount that the film is allowed
to wrap over the top surface of the load.
12.7.1.1 The film tail can be tucked under a previous
12.2 Stretch Roping—Roping is achieved by taking either wrap(s).
part or the entire film web and curling or bunching into a single 12.7.1.2 The film tail can be heat sealed to the wrap(s).
“strand” of film. This technique is used for stabilizing heavy
loads and to better connect the contents on the load to the 13. Application Devices
pallet. Note that by using roped stretch film it is very easy to
create a high point load on corners of a load, potentially 13.1 Stretch film may be applied either by machine or by
damaging delicate goods during the wrapping process. hand. Machine application provides more consistency and
control for wrapping of a load. Hand application is more
12.2.1 Hand Application of Rope—The film roll is held
variable due to operator control of film coverage, placement of
sideways (roll is parallel to the floor) as the film is applied to
the film, and the amount of tension applied. Any method of
the load.
application can be used in conjunction with a conveyor.
12.3 Percent Prestretch and Post-Stretch—In general, the
13.2 Types of Stretch Devices
more stretch imparted on a given film, the more stiff (harder to
13.2.1 Brake Devices—A brake device stretches film using
stretch further) the film will become. As the film is stretched
only tension between the film roll (or application device) and
generally the film stiffness, cling levels, load containment, and
the load to be wrapped on more basic wrappers.
puncture resistance may change. This is due to the aligning of
13.2.2 Non-Powered Prestretch—A set of fixed gears is
the polymer chains during the stretching process.
used to stretch film to a percentage of its original length. The
12.4 Shelf Life of Film—Depending on storage conditions levels of stretch that can be selected are limited to the ratios
the quality of the film or the core can degrade over time, utilize which can be achieved by changing out machine parts in the
first-in-first-out inventory management when possible. Expo- film carriage.
sure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and humidity can 13.2.3 Powered Prestretch—A power assisted version of
significantly affect the length of this period. non-powered prestretch, again using fixed gears.
12.5 Securing the Pallet—Securing the pallet and the load 13.2.4 Variable Prestretch—An adjustable stretch version of
together with stretch film helps to keep the load together, the powered prestretch where the percent stretch can be
reducing the potential for load shift during transit. changed by the operator either between wraps or mid wrap
pattern.
12.6 Wrapping Consistency Evaluation—Film stretch and
13.3 Hand Wrap Dispenser (see Fig. 1). Will range from
containment force should be reevaluated on a minimum
handling the core directly to an apparatus that holds the film
quarterly basis to ensure machine operation is consistent with
and can control tension during application. For the safety of
the standard operating procedure.
both handlers and load contents, a clear Standard Operating
12.7 Methods of Securing the Film Tail: Procedure should be composed and followed. Film is typically
12.7.1 The cling properties of the film are used to secure the stretched between 0 % and 50 % during application. When
tail in place, recommended length is 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 the width of a applying film by hand, attempt to emulate the wrap patterns
load. stated in Section 12.

4
 D4649 − 20

FIG. 2 Turntable Stretch Wrap System (see 13.4.1) FIG. 3 Rotating Arm Stretch Film System (see 13.5)

13.3.1 Optional Techniques beyond the standard wrap pat-

terns include: 13.5.2 The film carriage travels up and down as the film is
13.3.1.1 Butterflying—Rotating the roll on its vertical axis applied.
during the application process. If this is part of the SOP, it is 13.5.3 Consider the size of the load to be wrapped versus
not recommended that single sided cling film is used as the the diameter of the available wrapping area.
cling will only be on the inside 50 % of the time. 13.5.4 Used for unstable loads that cannot be rotated.
13.3.1.2 Over the Corner—Pulling the film over the corner 13.5.5 Used for very heavy loads that cannot be put on a
during the application process to help secure the corner of the turntable or conveyor.
load. 13.5.6 Better suited for high speed application because the
13.3.1.3 Band Wrap—Wrapping around the top of the unit load is not exposed to centrifugal forces during wrapping.
load to temporarily secure the load. 13.6 Self-Propelled Robotic Stretch Wrapper (see Fig. 4).
13.4 Machine Application—Can be manual, semiautomatic, 13.6.1 The pallet load is placed on the floor, typically at the
and automatic and offer a wide variety of features. same location it was loaded with product, and the stretch
13.4.1 Turntable Wrapper (see Fig. 2). wrapper is brought to it for stretch wrapping.
13.4.1.1 Load turns on a spinning table as the film is applied 13.6.2 The stretch wrapper travels around the pallet load to
therefore the load must be stable enough to handle the force apply stretch film.
from the film and the centrifugal forces. 13.6.3 A guide wheel maintains contact with the pallet load
13.4.1.2 The film carriage travels up and down as the film is to guide the stretch wrapper around differing pallet sizes.
applied. 13.6.4 The film carriage travels up and down as the film is
13.4.1.3 The film carriage is available in prestretching and applied.
brake device variants. 13.6.5 Used for unstable loads that cannot be transported
13.4.1.4 Turntable Height—Turntables are available in two prior to stretch wrapping.
different heights, low and high. 13.6.6 Used for facilities with space constraints that must
(1) Low Turntables—The turntables are close to the store the stretch wrapper out of the way when not in use.
ground, typically less than 4 inches in height. Can be loaded 13.6.7 Used for very large loads which would otherwise
with both hand jack and fork truck. require very large turntable or rotary arms.
(2) High Turntables—The tables are higher than 4 inches 13.6.8 Used for very heavy loads that cannot be put on a
off the ground. They allow for more pallet coverage when turntable or conveyor.
applying film and easier loading for fork truck drivers. 13.7 Vertical Ring Wrapper (see Fig. 5).
13.4.1.5 Consider the size (tower clearance) and weight 13.7.1 The film carriage travels on a circular track that
(max table weight) of the load to be wrapped. travels up and down.
13.5 Rotating Arm/Straddle Wrapper (see Fig. 3). 13.7.2 Multiple film heads can be added.
13.5.1 The load is placed on the floor under the arm or it is 13.7.3 Consider the diameter of the wrapping area versus
brought to the wrapping station on a conveyor and the film the diameter of the load to be wrapped.
carriage travels around the load to be wrapped. 13.7.4 Used for unstable loads that cannot be rotated.

5
 D4649 − 20
13.9.2.2 Horizontal Roll Stretch Wrappers—Have a film
carriage that travels horizontally as a roll is wrapped.
13.9.2.3 Vertical Roll Stretch Wrappers—have a film car-
riage that travels vertically as a roll is wrapped. These are
modified turntable or rotary arm stretch wrappers (Fig. 7).
13.9.3 Through-the-Eye Wrapper—These systems are typi-
cally either Track and Shuttle or C-Ring Wrappers. These
wrappers rotate the products axially as they are being wrapped.
13.9.3.1 Track and Shuttle Wrappers have a track that runs
through the core or eye of the coil which a shuttle carrying
stretch films runs on. The track is opened while the coil of
product is being loaded on the wrapper, and closes to create a
complete loop for wrapping. As the shuttle runs this track
through the eye applying stretch film, additional powered
rollers rotate the coil to provide coverage on all surfaces. This
variety of wrapper is typically used for large and heavy coils of
metal, which require access to their eye for handling with a
crane.
13.9.3.2 C-Ring Wrapper—Carries stretch film on a rotating
ring as conventional Horizontal Ring Wrappers do, but C-Ring
wrappers have a portion of their ring removed so that a coil of
product can be positioned, allowing the orbital ring to turn
through the eye of the coil of product. As the ring carrying
stretch film rotates, applying film to all surfaces of the coil of
FIG. 4 Self Propelled Robotic Stretch Wrapper (see 13.6) product and through the coil’s eye, a set of rollers rotates the
product to provide coverage on all surfaces.
13.9.4 Through-the-Eye Wrap Pattern—Produced using a
through eye wrapper where the track or shuttle travels through
13.7.5 Better suited for high speed application because the the eye of the roll to produce a full encapsulation of the roll
load is not exposed to centrifugal forces during wrapping. while the roll is rotated. Allows for full surface coverage while
permitting open access to the core for material handling. This
13.8 Horizontal—Loads move horizontally through the ma-
is achieved using track and shuttle or C-Ring wrapper.
chine (see Fig. 6).
13.9.5 Cocoon Wrap Pattern—A wrap pattern which com-
13.8.1 Film is stretched and applied in a vertical circle
pletely encapsulates a unit load, applying stretch film on all
around the load as it moves horizontally through the machine.
sides. If the product has an open core or eye this will be
13.8.2 Typically used on long objects.
covered. The film carriage is set to the mid-point of the
13.8.3 Ability to wrap under loads.
product’s height so that the film is wrapped across the center of
13.8.4 Consider the diameter of the wrapping area versus
the product and as rotation occurs all surfaces are covered. This
the diameter of the load to be wrapped.
is achieved using a vertical surface roll wrapper.
13.9 Machine Application for Rolls and Cylindrical Prod- 13.9.6 Open-Eye Wrap Pattern—A wrap pattern which
ucts: leaves the center of each roll face open, typically used to leave
13.9.1 Commonly called Roll Wrappers, or coil wrappers, the core or eye of a roll open for handling and or ventilation
the basic principles of operation are the same for these systems purposes. An Open-Eye pattern is achieved either by offsetting
as with other stretch wrapping machines, but with added the carriage position off of the core height position, or by using
features and devices for wrapping roll or coils of product. the rotation of the product to create this offset. As the product
There are two primary categories of Roll Wrappers, Surface rotates, all surfaces of the roll may be covered except for the
Roll Wrappers, and Through-the-Eye Wrappers. Either can be core or eye. This is achieved using a vertical surface roll
made with manual, semi-automatic, or automatic controls, and wrapper.
can be operated as a stand-alone system or have conveyors 13.9.7 Open End Wrapping—A pattern which allows for
integrated for in-line operation. For either category of Roll film coverage on the radial face of the roll. There is little or no
Wrapper the product is wrapped without a pallet or platform, film on the roll ends. This is achieved using a horizontal
and is placed on its side and rotated by means of an additional surface roll wrapper.
set of powered rollers in order to present all sides of the
product to the machine for wrapping. 14. Optimizing Film, Wrapper, and Load Interaction To
13.9.2 Types of Roll Wrappers: Keep Your Loads Safe
13.9.2.1 Surface Roll Wrappers—These systems are typi- 14.1 Wrapping Objective—Determine what it takes to get
cally either Horizontal or Vertical Stretch Wrappers that may your load from point A to B safely. Ask your stretch film
have been outfitted with a set of rollers to rotate a cylindrical manufacturer, distributor or machinery manufacturer for an
product. advanced analysis.

6
 D4649 − 20

FIG. 5 Vertical Ring Stretch Wrapper (see 13.7)

FIG. 7 Vertical Roll Wrapper (see 13.9.2.3)

(1) Note that this is a general guideline and things such as

freight method, dimensions and center of gravity, stacking
pattern, coefficient of friction, and transport method (etc.) may
affect the containment force required to keep a load stable. Ask
NOTE 1—Goods move horizontally through the machine. your stretch film manufacturer, distributor or machinery manu-
FIG. 6 Horizontal Ring Stretch Wrapper (see 13.8) facturer for guidance on these variables.
14.1.2 Adjustment of Stretch Wrappers—There are three
general settings for manipulating a stretch wrapper. They are
listed below along with their relationship to the other settings.
14.1.1 Once the objective of the wrapping process has been 14.1.2.1 Film Tension (film force)—By increasing film ten-
determined, the correct film can be purchased and wrap pattern sion between the film carriage and the load you will increase
determined (see Section 12). the containment force of the applied film.
14.1.1.1 All films are not created equal; choose one that has 14.1.2.2 Carriage Speed—By increasing the film carriage
the correct performance versus cost for your application speed the amount of overlap within the wrap pattern decreases
objective. leading to a decrease in containment force.
14.1.1.2 Generally, for every 100 lb of a load, 1 lb of 14.1.2.3 Rotational Speed (including speed of machine if the
containment force should be applied to the load. load does not move)—By increasing the rotational speed you

7
 D4649 − 20
are increasing the amount of overlap within the wrap pattern 16.3 If you have multiples of a singular machine, does one
and increasing the film tension both of which lead to a higher behave poorly while running the same film? If so, that machine
containment force. may require maintenance.
14.1.3 Methods to evaluate stretch/containment force/film
16.4 If you have a singular wrapper or multiple different
tension are described in Guide D8314.
kinds of wrappers, tracking consistent, incremental data from a
14.1.4 The tighter the film during application the more
singular machine to identify behavior over time is the best way
likely you will damage contents of the load or tear the film
to evaluate its behavior. Consider tracking:
during application. However, it needs to be sufficiently tight to
contain the load. This cost benefit analysis should be conducted 16.5 Film usage (610 %).
by the packaging engineer. 16.6 Pull plate values (615 %).
15. Failures of Applied Film 16.7 Calculated % stretch (615 %) (for example, variance
15.1 There are several methods of film failure during around 200 % is 185 % to 215 %).
application. If there are any imperfections or damage to the 16.8 Holes and breaks (significantly more than the regular
film roll, such as cuts, dents, dings, abrasion etc., the film may occurrence).
fail catastrophically during application. Note that it is advisable
to keep a roll of control film (good film that you know works 16.9 How to maintain your stretch wrapper.
great) on hand to allow for quality control comparisons. If your 16.10 The goal of wrapper maintenance is to keep the
control film has similar issues to your current batch of film, machine operating at as close to initial specifications as
your machine may require maintenance (see Section 16). possible. The majority of wrapper maintenance surrounds the
15.1.1 Prestretch Break—The break is a clean vertical break film carriage. Contact machine manufacturer to determine the
that is caused by the over stretching of the film by the rollers correct film carriage maintenance schedule. When evaluating
in the prestretching process. the film carriage, consider:
15.1.2 Post-Stretch Break—This series of breaks is caused
by weaknesses in the film that are amplified during the post 16.11 The rolls should have surfaces that are free of nicks
stretching process and/or protrusions that are on the exterior of and cuts and clean.
the load. 16.12 The rolls should be as close to parallel as possible,
15.1.3 Edge Failure—If the edge of the film is damaged due preventing film from hanging over the top and bottom edges of
to poor handling or manufacture imperfection, the damage may the rollers.
propagate during the post stretching process and break the film.
15.1.4 Hole Failure—If the film has a hole due to poor 16.13 The rolls should have well maintained bearings.
handling or manufacturing imperfections, the holes can open 16.14 The rolls should be tightened enough to prevent any
up during the prestretch process and may completely tear out axial movement during application of the film.
during the post-stretching process.
16.15 The sensors and motors attached to the rollers should
15.1.5 Gel Failure—Films can form gels in the manufactur-
operate at the specified accuracy and precision.
ing process. When prestretched, these gels can open up holes
and can cause film failure in the post stretching process. 16.16 If equipped with a film carriage door, it should stay
securely fastened during the entire wrap pattern and not allow
16. Suggested Stretch Wrapper Maintenance flexing.
16.1 Develop a preventative maintenance program with
16.17 All non-mechanized rollers are free to rotate as
input from the equipment manufacturer and film supplier and
designed.
followed to ensure the machine operates as required. There are
two potential causes of problems with stretch wrapping, the 16.18 For single sided cling film, ensure that the cling side
stretch wrapper and the film. The following will address of the film faces the correct direction per original machine
general points of maintenance that should be considered. Note manufacturer’s recommendations and film manufacturer’s rec-
that it is advisable to keep a roll of control film (good film that ommendations. Failure to do so could affect film and machin-
you know works great) on hand to allow for quality control ery performance. If the cling side is not known, fold the film
comparisons. If your control film behaves well while your over on itself in either direction and determine which side has
current batch of film has a high chance of failure, you may more cling.
have a bad batch of film (see Section 15).
16.2 How to identify if your machine requires maintenance. 17. Keywords
Note that when comparing multiple machines; make sure you 17.1 indoor environments; stretch films; wrapping applica-
also consider make, model, age, and machine settings. tion

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 D4649 − 20
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