Hand Stretch Film

Material and Construction

Hand stretch film is manufactured from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin using either cast or blown extrusion processes. Cast hand films offer high clarity for barcode readability, quiet unwind, and consistent two-sided cling. Blown hand films provide superior puncture and tear resistance for loads with sharp edges or irregular shapes, with one-sided cling to prevent adjacent packages from sticking together.

Gauge Selection by Load Type

Selecting the correct gauge for hand film depends on load weight, shape, and stability requirements.

• 23-47 gauge (high-performance pre-stretch) films are pre-stretched during manufacturing, requiring less physical effort to apply. These thinner films use metallocene resin technology to deliver holding force comparable to heavier conventional gauges while reducing material usage per wrap cycle.
• 63 gauge is suited for light-duty applications with uniform, boxed loads up to approximately 1,500 lbs. This is a cost-effective option for consistent, low-risk loads.
• 70 gauge provides a mid-range option for moderate loads between light and standard duty.
• 80 gauge is the standard industrial choice for loads up to 2,000-2,500 lbs. It provides reliable puncture resistance and load retention for the majority of hand-wrapping applications.
• 90 gauge is used for heavy or irregular loads exceeding 2,500 lbs, or for loads with protruding edges and corners that require additional film strength.

Pre-Stretch vs. Standard Film

Pre-stretched hand film is elongated approximately 90% during the manufacturing process and wound onto the roll in its pre-stretched state. Because the stretching is done at the factory rather than by the operator, pre-stretch film requires significantly less physical effort to apply. The film unwinds easily and conforms to loads with minimal force, reducing operator fatigue during repetitive wrapping tasks. Pre-stretch films also use less material per wrapped unit compared to standard film applied at the same number of revolutions.

Core Options and Ergonomics

Standard hand stretch film uses a 3-inch diameter core. Extended core designs feature a built-in handle section that protrudes beyond the film width, allowing the operator to grip the roll without a separate dispenser. For high-volume operations, mechanical hand dispensers with braking tension control provide consistent wrap force and reduce wrist strain. Coreless options available.

Cast vs. Blown for Hand Applications

• Cast hand film is the most common type. Its quiet, smooth unwind and two-sided cling make it easy to use for general-purpose wrapping. High clarity allows wrapped products to remain visible and scannable.
• Blown hand film is selected when loads have sharp corners, rough surfaces, or irregular profiles that would puncture cast film. The higher tear propagation resistance of blown film prevents small punctures from spreading into full tears during the wrapping process.