The Complete Guide To Stretch Film For Shipping Protection

23 Sep.,2024

 

The Complete Guide To Stretch Film For Shipping Protection

Suppose the temperatures are still too high in the coolest spot in your warehouse. In that case, you will want to consider implementing climate control protocols such as air conditioning to prevent your stretch film from being compromised by heat.

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If you are storing your films in a warehouse or area exposed to extreme heat, you will want to move your films to a cooler place that will not produce tacky films.

High temperatures may cause your film to melt or become tacky, causing your films to be problematic or unusable.

Suppose you are storing your stretch film in a facility that is subject to high temperatures during summer (or other times based on your location). In that case, you need to be aware of your storage protocols.

Winter

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If you are storing your stretch films during the winter or in a place where the temperature is always cold, you will need to think about how you store your films and make some adjustments to the process.

 

Extreme cold can cause your stretch films to become brittle or crack. This may result in stretch films becoming unusable or even producing a safety hazard in relation to unstable loads.

 

If you are storing you films in a warehouse or area exposed to extreme cold, you will want to move your films to a warmer area that will not produce brittle films.

 

Suppose you do not have a warm enough space to prevent the adverse effects of cold temperatures on your films. In that case, you will want to consider implementing climate controls such as heating systems to control the temperature of your stretch film storage area.

 

Can You Get Paid To Recycle Stretch Film?

 

Today, countless consumers demand that companies producing their favorite products "go green." Many companies are trying to source sustainable packaging to meet customer needs.

 

Additionally, many businesses are trying to source recyclable packaging materials in an attempt to meet consumer's sustainability demands.

 

One question we often get from customers is, "can you recycle stretch film?"

 

And the short answer is yes! However, while stretch film is recyclable, you cannot just throw the used film into a single-stream recycling bin.

 

Most single-stream and municipal recycling centers do not have the proper infrastructure to recycle stretch films.

 

But, specialized third-party stretch film recycling companies have the required infrastructure to recycle these materials.

 

And, some of these stretch film recycling companies will actually pay you for larger volumes of properly baled and sorted LLDPE used and waste film.

 

If you want to learn more about recycling stretch film and getting paid to do it, please reach out to one of our packaging specialists.

 

They will be able to help you find out if you can recycle your used stretch film and if you qualify to make a profit from doing so.

 

Should You Automate Your Stretch Wrapping?

 

Many companies choose to wrap their pallets manually with hand stretch film. And this is a totally acceptable way to wrap pallets.

 

But, with an ongoing labor shortage, finding good laborers to work in your warehouse is not always easy. And even if you find the labor you need, you could be saving a lot of money by switching to automated stretch wrapping.

 

With an automated stretch wrapper, you can partially or fully automate your stretch wrapping.

 

With automated stretch wrapping, you can reduce the number of laborers in your warehouse, increase production speeds, improve safety, reduce film waste and save some serious coin.

 

But is automated stretch wrapping right for your business?

 

Depending on the number of laborers you can replace in conjunction with the volume of products you are wrapping, automated stretch wrapping may be able to save you a ton of money.

 

But how do you know if automated stretch wrapping is proper for you?

 

If you want to know if an automated stretch wrapper makes sense for your product palletizing and securing requirements, you will want to speak with a packaging expert.

 

They will help you understand how much a stretch wrapper costs, whether buying or leasing is the right choice, and how much cost savings you can reap from automating your stretch wrapping.

 

Stretch Wrapper Safety

 

It should go without saying that when you choose to automate your stretch wrapping, that safety comes first.

 

Stretch wrappers are a form of industrial equipment that, if operated wrong, can lead to safety hazards. As such, it is imperative to educate yourself about stretch wrapper safety before purchasing, installing, and using an automated stretch wrapper.

 

Safety concerns that should be studied before implementation include the following items:

 

  • Preventing trip hazards
  • Avoiding pinch points
  • Avoiding poor load containment
  • Reducing the probability of injury

 

In an effort to provide you with the proper safety advice for automated stretch wrapping, we have compiled this guide to stretch wrapper safety that covers each of the bullet points above.

 

Problems With Stretch Film

 

While stretch film is an excellent packaging material for palletizing and securing your loads, it may or may not be the suitable material for your needs.

 

Depending on what you are attempting to palletize, other materials may be better suited to your requirements (such as strapping).

 

To ensure transparency about using stretch film, as we suggest here, we need to note the most common problems with stretch film.

 

Reviewing these items will help you decide if stretch film is the correct packaging material for your business or if you should be using an alternative material such as strapping.

 

The most common problems with stretch film include:

  • Stretch film tearing
  • Improper load containment
  • Using the wrong type of stretch film
  • Using the wrong size of stretch film
  • Using the wrong thickness of stretch film

 

Eopac Machinery are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

In order to help you negate all of these issues, we have put together a guide to understanding each of these items.

 

This guide will help you understand if you can avoid these problems when palletizing your products and will also clarify whether stretch film is the right material for your needs.

 

Where Can You Buy Stretch Film?

 

After reading this guide, you should have everything you need to identify the proper type of stretch film for your stretch wrapping needs. But, you are probably wondering, where can you buy stretch film?

 

When it comes to purchasing stretch films, you have a few different options to choose from. Below, we will review the places where you can buy stretch film.

 

Online Retailers For Stretch Film

 

Online retailers are one option for buying stretch films. You can purchase stretch film from online retailers such as Uline, Amazon, or Ali Baba.

 

Shopping around for stretch film on online retailer's websites such as these may allow you to find the lowest price possible.

 

But, sellers on these sites often do not provide in-depth information on the materials, nor do they give access to packaging experts who can consult on whether or not you are purchasing the best film for your needs.

 

Brick And Mortar Retailers For Stretch Film

 

Your next option for buying stretch film would be brick-and-mortar retailers. You can purchase stretch film from department stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and similar brick-and-mortar locations.

 

When buying from a store like this, you can physically and visually inspect the stretch film before you buy it.

 

And while these stores will have sales associates to help you in your buying process, they often do not have the expertise on stretch film to help you buy the proper material.

 

Stretch Film Manufacturers

 

Your next option for purchasing stretch film is to buy direct from a stretch film manufacturer.

 

This is a popular choice for consumers as stretch film manufacturers are the premier experts on the brands of film that they manufacture.

 

Sales reps from stretch film manufacturers are some of the top thought leaders and experts on the stretch films that they sell.

 

The reps can answer any questions you may have about the films they offer and assist you in making a purchase.

 

With that being said, stretch film manufacturers only sell the brands of film that they make. As such, in many instances, they may try to sell you their brand of film regardless of whether or not it is the best film for your needs.

 

It is also essential to understand that not all stretch film manufacturing companies will sell directly to consumers. Some manufacturers only sell their films through packaging distributors.

 

Stretch Film Distributors

 

Finally, we come to stretch film distributors. This is another popular option for many consumers when looking to buy stretch film for their company.

 

Stretch film distributors are brand agnostic. This means they source and sell multiple brands of stretch film under one roof.

 

Because stretch film distributors sell multiple brands of stretch film, their sales professionals will help you buy the correct film for your needs.

 

Stretch film distributors feature knowledgeable packaging experts who can review several brands of film with you to help identify the perfect film choice for your product, budget, and logistics requirements.

 

We should point out that Industrial packaging is a stretch film distributor. We offer some of the best brands of stretch film on the market today.

 

If you are interested in purchasing the stretch film that is most appropriate for your product palletizing needs, feel free to reach out to one of our packaging specialists today!

 

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Plotter Paper: Find the Best Fit for Your Wide-Format Printer

Plotter paper comes in an array of sizes, specifications, and qualities. Choosing the right paper for your wide-format printer can be tricky. You need to find a balance between quality and cost. It&#;s like trying to walk a tightrope: you want your designs to look great without spending too much.

We&#;re here to help make this decision easier. In this article, we will provide all the information you need about plotter papers and how to choose them. By the end of this article, you&#;ll feel confident in choosing the best plotter paper rolls for your printer.

What is Plotter Paper?

Plotter paper is a type of uncoated paper specifically designed for use with wide-format inkjet printers and plotters. It is primarily used for printing technical drawings, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) designs, architectural plans, engineering diagrams, and other line-based graphics that require sharp and precise lines.

Plotter paper is designed to work seamlessly with various types of inkjet printers and plotters from manufacturers like HP, Canon, Epson, and others. It is an essential media for industries that rely on precise and high-quality line drawings, such as architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing.

The Common Uses of Plotter Paper

A plotter paper is versatile because it can accommodate different technical and architectural drawings. Let me walk you through the myriad of projects you can do with one:

  1. Technical Drawings: The devil is in the details of machine parts and electrical circuits. Inaccurate drawings can cause complex problems when translated into real-life situations. Engineers and designers use plotter paper to create detailed technical drawings for clients to provide thorough and precise visuals and information.
  2. Architectural Drawings: Blueprints are the building blocks of the construction and manufacturing industries. Architects can&#;t settle for regular bond papers when presenting visuals to clients. They use plotter paper to draft these blueprints with detailed elements to ensure every corner fits well, from doors to stairways to rooms.
  3. Charts and Maps: Plotter papers are commonly used to print large-scale projects like charts and maps. Due to its ability to provide pristine clarity on detailed elements like complex data charts and city maps, publishers and professionals need plotter papers to produce stellar print quality for readability and legibility of the tiniest details.
  4. Posters: Businesses and publishers also use plotter papers on large print marketing materials like promotional and educational posters.

Understanding Plotter Paper Sizes

Plotter paper rolls come in various sizes to accommodate different types of projects and plotter printer specifications. Here are the details you need to know about plotter paper roll sizes:

  1. Paper Roll Width: The width of the plotter paper roll is the primary size specification and is measured in inches. Common roll widths include 11, 17, 18, 22, 24, 30, 34, 36, and 42 inches. The roll width needs to match the maximum media width supported by your specific plotter or wide-format printer model.
  2. Paper Roll Length: The length of plotter paper rolls is usually measured in feet or meters. Common lengths include 150, 300, and 500 feet. Longer rolls allow for continuous printing without frequent reloading. Heavier paper types or specialized media may come in shorter lengths, like 100-150 feet.
  3. Core Diameter: The core diameter refers to the size of the cardboard tube around which the paper is rolled. The standard core diameter is 2 inches (50.8 mm), but some rolls come with a 3-inch (76mm) core. It&#;s important to match the core diameter to your plotter printer&#;s specifications.
  4. Weight and Thickness: Plotter paper rolls come in different weights and thicknesses, measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or mils. Common weights range from 20 lb (75 gsm) to 40 lb (150 gsm). Heavier paper is more durable and produces higher-quality prints.

Other factors like paper surface type (bond, vellum, glossy) also play a role in selecting the appropriate plotter paper for your application and printer model. Choosing the right plotter paper roll size depends on your specific printing needs, the type of plotter printer you have, and the nature of your projects.

Three Factors to Consider When Choosing Plotter Paper

By now, you are more knowledgeable about plotter paper and printers. The next thing you need to focus on is to make a list of your required plotter paper. So, make sure you run through these factors before purchasing.

  1. Compatibility with printer models &#; The best way to know the specifications is to research your printer&#;s model online or inspect its box. In general, you will find everything you need inside the box and its manual. The width and thickness capacity of the printer should also accommodate the plotter paper you want to order.
  2. Maximum paper size and grammage supported &#; As mentioned previously, the printer&#;s capacity in terms of width and weight is important. Using the wrong paper size can cause misalignment and cropping of the actual design. Incorrect grammage may also cause paper jams and smudging to your draft.
  3. Durability of the plotter paper &#; Durability is linked to the longevity of the plotter paper and its prints. Some types of plotter paper, like premium ones, have higher resistance to smudging and fading. Thus, they maintain the quality of your prints for a long period of time. Plus, the more durable the plotter paper is, the higher its resistance to wear and tear from handling.

Where To Purchase Plotter Paper?

These are some of the suggested places where you can buy plotter paper.

  1. Local office supply stores &#; Stores like Staples offer a wide range of plotter paper rolls. The good thing about visiting the store is that you can feel the paper and inspect it from top to bottom before purchasing. The convenience of having the plotter paper immediately is the reward.
  2. Online retailers and resellers &#; If you don&#;t have time to visit the local stores, Amazon and Walmart offer a wide selection of plotter papers at competitive prices. Simply order online &#; make sure you have the right specifications and requirements for your printer &#; and it will be delivered straight to your home or office.
  3. Specialized plotter paper suppliers &#; We recommend buying from these suppliers if you&#;re buying in large quantities. On top of that, you can request specific plotter paper sizes and materials according to your business needs. Panda Paper Roll, for example, not only sells plotter papers but also provides you with advice on what paper to buy. We manufacture and ship directly from the warehouse and all you need to do is track your orders in real time.

Opt for Quality to Bring Life to Your Designs

Now that you have read enough plotter paper tips and know how to choose the best one for your wide-format printer, it&#;s time to put your knowledge into practice. Take some time and think about the factors to consider when choosing papers, and also check the specifications of your printers to ensure the right sizes in width, grammage, and weight.

Inquire now and let Panda Paper Rolls help you make the right choice for your printing needs. Don&#;t settle for mediocre printouts. Upgrade the final drafts with the best plotter paper suppliers in China.

Want more information on paper roll wrapping machine? Feel free to contact us.