Stretch Film Terms

Blown Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the blown extrusion process that has a greater puncture resistance. Click on the stretch film info page to view detailed information about blown stretch film.

Bottom Wraps- The wraps a stretch wrap machine uses to apply film to the bottom section of the load. Forming a strong bottom wrap will help to ensure load stability.

Cast Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the cast extrusion process. Less manufacturing costs allow cast stretch film to be the more widely used stretch film. Visit the stretch film info page to view detailed info about cast stretch film.

Cling- Allows the film to stick to itself and not the product. Some films have one sided cling and others have two sided cling.

Co-extrusion- Extruding two or more materials through a single die to enable the two materials to merge together.

Core- The inside cardboard core of a stretch film roll.

Dart Drop- A commonly used test to measure puncture strength of a stretch film. It is conducted by dropping a semi-circular shaped object onto the film.

Elastic Recovery-The ability of a stretch film to recover to its original shape after being stretched.

Elmendorf Tear- Another common test used for stretch film and other products to measure tear resistance.

Extruder- Equipment used to change solid polymers into molten polymers.

Film Feed- In a stretch wrap machine, it is the speed at which stretch film is supplied to the load.

Film Force- Refers to the amount of tension applied to the film as the film is applied to the load.

Film Memory- The ability of the film to return to its pre-stretched form. This enables the film to maintain a tight load during transportation.

Film Tail- The start and end pieces of stretch film applied to the load. Generally these pieces are cut off later

Gauge- A measurement used to measure film thickness or caliper. One gauge is equal to .254 microns. Microns are another common form of film measurement.

Gloss- The amount of light reflected from a film’s surface. Cast stretch films tend to have a higher gloss than blown stretch films.

Haze- Refers to lack of clarity in a film. Blown stretch films commonly have more haze than cast stretch films due to crystallization during the manufacturing process.

LLDPE Stretch Film- Linear Low Density Polyethylene stretch film. A plastic that is preferred in a variety of film due to its toughness, stretchability, and relative transparency.

Metallocene- A compound used to make a new form of stretch film. Metallocene stretch films offer increased puncture resistance and many other useful benefits.

Microns- A unit of measurement commonly used to measure the thickness of a film. A micron is equal to one millionth of a meter. One gauge is equal to .254 microns.

Over wrap- The amount of stretch film applied over the top of the load. It is used to provide a downward force on the load.

Pallet Covers- A poly film cover used to protect pallets from dust, UV rays, and conceal the load. Feel free to check out the various pallet covers we offer.

Plasticizer- An additive used during the stretch film extrusion process to promote flexibility and stretchability.

Post-stretch- Stretching a film when wrapping the load to achieve tighter tension on the load.

Pre-stretch- Stretching the film before applied to loads. Pre-stretch films can result in improved load integrity and lower packaging costs.

Resin- Pre-made pellets composed of specific compounds that are melted and extruded to produce stretch film.

Roping- Bunching the stretch film into a rope shape. Roping used to start many loads and offers an increased strength for additionally securing a load.

Tackifiers- Additives used in the manufacturing process to add cling to the film.

Tear Resistance- Refers to the resistance of the film to tearing forces.

Tension Stretch- A pulling force that stretches the materials

Wide Web Stretch Film- A large sized film used for larger equipment. Generally it refers to machine stretch film wider than 30 inches

Yield Strength- The amount of stretch a film can have without permanently deforming.