If you package any type of product or pallet, you've more than likely encountered the stretch film vs cling wrap decision. While both stretch film vs cling wrap may be terms that are used interchangeably, these two materials are very different. And if you get these two terms confused, you're not alone.
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Fortunately, the team at AAA Polymer has provided crystal clear clarity on the differences between stretch film vs cling wrap. Continue reading to learn more and don't hesitate to reach out to the AAA Polymer team today for the best solution.
Stretch film or stretch wrap is a clear, elastic material that is used to stretch around pallets or boxed before transportation and shipping. The unique elastic recovery or stretchability of stretch film is ideal for securing products and making sure they are bound tightly.
Using stretch film to secure pallets or products is a highly cost-efficient and effective solution compared to other types of material. And once the stretch wrap is applied, it boasts a remarkable level of protection.
Because one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work, stretch film is offered in an array of types, sizes, formulations, and thicknesses. Some of the most common types of stretch film are listed below:
As the name suggests, machine stretch film is designed to be applied by a machine. It offers several advantages over hand stretch film including efficiency, safety, speed, and lower materials cost. At the same time, machine stretch film leads to more secure loads.
Hand stretch film, in contrast to machine stretch film, is designed to be applied by hand. This type of film is regularly used in smaller capacity operations. While hand stretch film may not offer the efficiency, speed, and scale of machine stretch, it's an attractive option if you're looking to avoid the capital expense of a stretch film machine.
Pre-stretched film has been previously stretched to the limit or maximum breaking point. Because it has already been stretched, it doesn't require as much effort or energy in the application as a standard stretch film would need to achieve the same wrapping force.
Colored stretch wraps and films are transparent packaging solutions offered in a broad spectrum of hues.
UV stabilized stretch film offers weathering resistance and radiation absorption. Thanks to an extra UV blocker additive, this film can block out harmful UV radiation. Best of all, it's transparent, so you can still see through the film to identify the contents underneath.
Cling wrap, cling film, plastic wrap, Saran wrap, or Glad wrap is a thin film used primarily for sealing food in containers to preserve it for extended periods. Cling wrap is commonly sold on rolls in boxes that have a cutting edge. This material is designed to cling to smooth surfaces as well as itself. Cling wrap is engineered to maintain a tight stretch over some time without the use of adhesive.
The common type of cling wrap found in residences is 75 ft long, while most commercial roles start at feet. The standard gauge or thickness of cling film is 35, but you can opt for a variety of different widths as well as the type of cling wrap.
One of the most common types of cling wrap is the plastic wrap with cutter box, which is the standard design you'll see on consumer-grade products. Oftentimes more durable, commercial-grade cling wrap with cutter box is perfect for use in delis, bakeries, and kitchens. It features a cutter box that has metal teeth across the width of the box to simplify pulling and tear cutting.
These rolls of cling wrap are identical to cling wrap with the cutter box. The only difference is that the sliding cutter design is much easier and safer to use. Although sliding cutter cling wrap is more expensive, it can offer you the added advantage of efficiency and safety. With this roll, an easy-to-use sliding mechanism makes a clean cut on the film at the desired length.
As the name suggests, this type of cling wrap allows you to remove a pre-cut sheet of cling wrap with speed and ease. In addition to the food and hospitality industry, perforated cling wraps are also used by printing companies, hair salons, and more.
Just as a stretch film can be applied manually or mechanically, cling wrap is the same. Cling wrap equipment is designed to quickly and effortlessly cut and dispense cling wrap. Machine cling wrap is offered in an array of sizes to meet virtually any need.
Both stretch films and cling films are plastic wraps used for packaging, but each material is used differently. Stretch film and stretch wraps are used to wrap cartons and pallets of products. It's exceptional durability and elasticity allows it to forge a reliable barrier that securely holds pallets boxes or cartons in place. The bond is so strong it's capable of securing boxes throughout transportation and storage. Alternatively, cling film protects food items to increase its shelf life without deteriorating quality.
In short, the answer is yes. Yet, there is a difference between stretch film and cling film that is often presumed to be true, but not accepted universally. In many instances, stretch films can be used to wrap food containers while cling film can be applied to the food itself.
At AAA Polymer, we offer one of the largest and most diverse inventories of stretch wraps, stretch films, shrink wraps, and more. Our team of product experts will get to know your unique needs and guide you to the best solution.
Contact AAA Polymer today to learn more.
A cling film wrapping machine is one of the finest machines used for sealing and wrapping of food and other products. These machines are getting famous worldwide as the customer now is more focused more on product safety and its presentation.
Cling film wrapping machines are a series of wrapping machines that are used to pack both food and nonfood products. The packaging ensures preservation of food and prohibits the entrance of microorganisms. Cling film wrapping machines are used to wrap products like meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, ready to eat meals, chemical products, agricultural products and etc.
Cling film wrapping machines are widely used in
Food Packaging
Food products like vegetable, fruits, eatables and other are commonly wrapped using a cling film wrapping machine. All these products are wrapped in cling film because of its defensive nature against microorganism and bacterial attacks.
Food packaging industry has the maximum usage of a cling film wrapping machine in almost every part of world.
Agricultural Industry
Agricultural products also use giant cling film wrapping machines to wrap products that can easily be carried to longer distances.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Cling film wrapping machines are globally present in cosmetic industries to wrap chemical and cosmetic products. As the products are directly related with human body, therefore great concern regarding the security of their chemical state is shown worldwide.
Chemical products are highly sensitive and when wrapped using a cling film wrapping machine, their strength and life gets doubled.
A cling film wrapping machine has a same working phenomenon like other wrapping machines. It only differs when the type of automation is either manual or automatic. The working principle of a cling film wrapping machine is as
The structure of a cling film wrapping machine is made up stainless steel to make it durable and long lasting. It is mainly consisting of heating system, stretching system, conveying system, induction conveying system, sealing system and some of the components in a cling film wrapping machine are controllers. Detail for some of the components is as follow
Power Supply
The initial power supply is given to the machine through this power supply unit which activates all the accessories in a cling film wrapping machine.
Controlling Knobs
As the machine gets operated all the parameters like temperature, pressure, conveying speed, reset box, roller speed, and release door time all are controlled through these controlling knobs.
Constant temperature heating knobs, quick release door knob, film roller positioning knob, quick release knob all are present on a cling film wrapping machine to maintain machines process.
Feeding Bracket
At the inlet, a feeding bracket or platform is there from where the product is feed into the system.
Conveying System
As the product is placed on the feeding platform, the operation of conveying system starts. Induction conveying system is there to enter the product automatically in to the wrapping platform and the release conveying system send the wrapped product back after process completion.
Film Roller
Here the cling film roller is placed which is used for wrapping purpose. This roller allows any type of roller irrespective of its size, length and diameter.
Wrapping Platform
This is the main unit of a cling film wrapping machine in which the wrapping is done. As the induction of product is done this platform rolls the film around the product and then automatically cut the film with perfection.
Human Machine Interface / Touching Screen
A touching screen is there which helps the operator to monitor all the activities that are performed by a cling film wrapping machine and also tells about the controlling factors of machine. Operator can directly control things with its help.
Temperature Heating Plate
After complete wrapping process the process is placed on a temperature heating plate which is already preheated to a certain temperature. These tights the cling film present at the bottom side so that no moisture or environmental factor can enter the product.
There are three main types of cling film wrapping machines including manual cling film wrapping machine, semi-automatic cling film wrapping machine and fully automatic cling film wrapping machine.
Manual Cling Film Wrapping Machine
In a manual cling film wrapping machine, complete process is carried by the operator. The product is placed in tray and then manually the wrapping film of covered over the product.
The operator stretches the film over the product and wrapping is carried out. Further the product is placed on the heating plate to complete seal the wrapping film. The productivity is much slow as only 50-60 products can be wrapped in a complete hour.
Semi-Automatic Cling Film Wrapping Machine
In a semi-automatic cling film wrapping machine, both the operator and machine mutually perform their responsibilities. The worker is responsible to place the product on inlet station and then the machine itself wraps the sheet around it. The excess film is cut by the operator.
Then similar to manual cling film wrapping machine, the product is placed on heating plate for proper sealing. More than 150 trays can be produce using a semi-automatic cling film wrapping machine.
Fully Automatic Cling Film Wrapping Machine
A fully automatic cling film wrapping machine is almost same as a semi-automatic s cling film wrapping machine. The only difference is that here the extra film is also cut down by the machine itself.
Rest a single operate can produce for a longer time without any hurdle. Around 200-250 wrapped products can be obtained using a fully automatic cling film wrapping machine.
A cling film act as a wrap on material to increase their live and safe them from the environmental conditions. In this regard high level of study is required for selecting the right material composition. After several experiments, Scientist discovered that some static charges must be present on wrapping film to work well. This allows the film to properly stick on the product and gets all the gases out.
In this regard it was suggested that due to high molecular structure, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) plastic is best suitable for sticking on material and to maintain the concept. Nowadays most commonly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used because of its low-density nature and can tightly bound with the body of material. Series of polymers make the plastic to perform well and block all type of moisture and odors.
Cling film wrapping machines are highly efficient in there process and maintains product life for a longer period. Some of the advantages of using a cling film wrapping machine are
Versatility
The most important benefit of a cling film wrapping machine is that it can be used for the packaging of multiple shapes and sizes. The machine is versatile in nature and increases attraction of products.
Secure Packaging
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Cling film wrapping machines provide hygienic, sealed, dustproof and clean packaging of products that increases its life. The film packaging done by using a cling film wrapping machine resists the entrance of moisture and prevents contamination.
Quality Packaging
Defect free packaging is carried out by a cling film wrapping machine. The packaging reduces film wrinkles to a distinct level and increases the transparency of a product. Using a cling film wrapping machine makes the customer more attractive toward the product and reduces the cost created by commonly used plastic wraps.
Simple Replacement of Plastic Film
Another advantage that a cling film wrapping machine provides is that it helps the operator to replace the wrap comfortably. A simple process for changing wrap plastic is there in a cling film wrapping machine and reduces long change over times.
Ease in Operation
The operation of a cling film wrapping machine is also user friendly and helps the operator to easily get used to it. In a very less duration the operator can be fully trained regarding the machine.
We highly recommended you the fully automatic cling film wrapping machine, and the reasons are as following:
Fully Automatic Cling Film Wrapping Machine
A fully automated cling film wrapping machine is highly suitable these days for manufacturers to meet their production capacity. It ensures much quick operation in no time that more than 200 to 250 products can be produced in an hour.
A fully automated cling film wrapping machine does not requires extra man power for its operation as a single man can produce thousands of parts. Only input and output job is performed by an operator rest complete process is automated.
When it comes to cling film wrapping or vacuum packaging techniques, there is always a mix concept that whether they are same or are there any differences. To better understand the differences between both of these wrapping and packaging machines, here are some of the key factors
Machine Design
A cling film wrapping machine is a simple type of wrapping machine which is comprised of few important components. Machines are made up of stainless steel to prevent rust and to increase its life. The design of a cling film wrapping machine include its main frame, film sealing system, heating system, conveying system, and other controlling equipment.
Whereas either a single chamber or double chamber vacuum packaging machine both are made up of SS material and have a simple designed structure. The operator finds no difficulty in handling of both types of vacuum packaging machine. Vacuum pump, Vacuum room, sealer frame and main frame are some of the basic components of a vacuum chamber machine.
Sealing Technique
A manual, semi-automatic and automatic cling film wrapping machine holds the same sealing technique as the product gets wrapped completely within the system. The end product after getting wrapped is kept of a sealing plate where the product edges are sealed.
A vacuum packaging machine removes the atmospheric oxygen from the product through vacuum pump and after that the sealing of edges is done. The product can then be utilized for a longer period.
Material Compatibility
Cling film wrapping machines are highly versatile with number of packaging materials like PVC, PET, PP, PR, PVDC, HPDE and LDPE depending upon the product requirement.
Mostly plastic aluminum composite film or plastic composite films are used ideally used for packaging in a vacuum packaging machine.
Application
A cling film wrapping machines are ideally used to wrap food and eatables. Such product get an increased life when wrapped with cling film material. The wrapping material is easily available.
Vacuum packaging machines are mostly used in packaging of food, electronics parts, cosmetics, medical instruments and hardware equipment. These products are used in vacuum packaging machine because oxygen is taken out to increase product life and makes it easily transferable from one place to another.
It is always advisable to use particular type of material according to the size of product because greater stretching force can tear the wrapping easily. The wastage of material can cause a lot to the manufacturer. This is always recommended to follow the following gauge and weight relation
S.NO Wrapping Material Gauge Application Loading Capacity(lbs.)
1
25 ' 30 Pre Stretching A maximum of lbs.
2
35 ' 50 Pre Stretching The maximum lies between to lbs.
3
37 ' 42 High Performance Stretching A maximum of lbs.
4
45 ' 55 High Performance Stretching A maximum of lbs.
5
60 ' 65 High Performance Stretching A maximum of lbs.
6
72 ' 75 High Performance Stretching A maximum of lbs.
7
50 ' 60 General Purpose Stretching A maximum of lbs.
8
70 ' 90 General Purpose Stretching A maximum of lbs.
9
90 ' 110 General Purpose Stretching A maximum of lbs.
10
120 and above General Purpose Stretching A maximum of lbs.
A cling film wrapping process requires few additional equipment to complete the task with ease and perfection. Some of the additional equipment that are associated with a cling film wrapping machine are
Conveyors
Some of the semi-automatic and automatic cling film wrapping machines use conveyors at both in and out station. These conveyors are used to feed the product into the system and to exit it accordingly.
Heavy products that cannot be carried easily get help by these conveyors.
Inkjet Laser
To give proper finishing and identification, cling film wrapping machines use laser inkjets for displaying codes, barcodes and QR codes.
A customer directly gets attracted if the product have fine finishing and displayed in a proper manner.
Heater
Heating plate is often present in manual or semi-automatic cling film wrapping machine to provide strength sealing to products. The product after getter wrapped in placed on the heating plate and there all the edges are tightly packed so that no wastage of product may occur in future.
Some of the common faults that occur in cling film machine are
Tearing Stretch Film
Tear in cling film directly cost productivity, safety and efficiency of a machine. It indicates that the safety and stability of product has been compromised at a point. It can also create machine downtime, damage products, hazards and risk.
Automatic or semi-automatic cling film wrapping machine can directly reduce this type of fault as it has proper setting of load containment.
Improper Load Containment
Incorrect load containment can cause lot of problems. In this way the material is not proper wrapped and causes production and material loss both.
Proper load contained can reduce this issue as load distribution can inlet required film only and the sheet will be used accordingly.
Wrong Type of Film
Before wrapping a product, it is always important to know that what type of film will be suitable for that particular product. Otherwise material, money and time loss will occur as a result of wrong material selection. Also, the concern worker can be affected.
Selection of proper material can reduce this of error and most importantly the worker should be properly trained regarding the application of film and wrapping process.
Wrong Size of Film
This is also another type of error that most commonly occurs. As there are always different size of products for wrapping, the size of film also be selected accordingly. Quality, presentation and material loss can be occurred by selecting wrong size of film for wrapping.
The size of film should initially be matched by the product length and then installed in the machine. Also, the operator training in this regard is much important.
Wrong Thickness of Film
Stretching of film is done in cling film wrapping machine. When the thickness of material is not selected according to product, it gets damaged and also may cause consistent tearing. This will cause a lot of material and money wastage.
Multiple problems can occur as a result of wrong thickness selection. So, appropriate thickness accordingly to product strength should be selected. Also, the gauges may be displayed for convenience of all concerns to save time and money.
A cling film wrapping machine produces safe and ling lasting products and this is why its demand is increasing drastically in the global world. Manufacturers can take a lot from it to produce high quality and reliable products. For further details you can also visit our website https://www.allpackchina.com/ and get our services 24/7.
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