If you operate in a group that always packages its products and transports them to stores, you probably use packaging equipment such as machines and stretch films frequently. When starting a business, one of the most common questions people ask is the difference between hand and machine stretch film.
Hand stretch film may have a difficult user process in the mind of many people. This is despite the fact that for many businesses around us, the best packaging option is manual stretch film. In this article, we are going to get to know this type of packaging film more closely and get to know its advantages.
What is stretch film?
Stretch film is a type of plastic with high elasticity that is used to package various products in most collections. This product is also known as cling film in the market and among consumers. This plastic cover is placed around the product and by tightening it, it prevents impact or disintegration of multi-piece devices. Stretch is usually used to secure the products on the pallet and for this reason, it is also known as stretch pallet.
What is Hand stretch film?
This category of stretch film is specially produced for use by people and operators and cannot be used in packaging machines. If you intend to pack 50 products or less during the day and the volume of your products is generally small during the day, hand stretch film is the best choice for you. This stretch film is used with a device called a manual stretcher. Of course, you can stretch without it.
Hand vs. machine stretch film?
When choosing between these two types of stretch film, you should pay attention to some things.
- What is your budget for packaging equipment? You should pay attention to the fact that machine stretch film requires devices that make it have a higher final price compared to manual packaging.
- How many products do you want to pack in length? If you plan to wrap many products during the day (such as a workshop or a large factory), Hand stretch film is not suitable for you. Otherwise, you can use this type of stretch film.
- How much manpower do you have to do packing? At the beginning of the work, write down the number of manpower, the working hours of people and the number of products that need to be packed. Compare the costs of these items with the total cost of machine stretch film and choose your suitable packaging equipment according to it.
Advantages of using Hand stretch film
Although machine stretch films seem more economical and faster in many ways, hand stretch films can be better than machine examples in some cases.
1. Increase Productivity
According to the way of packing with the help of manual stretch film, you can pack more products with one roll. In this way, your productivity has increased by almost 63%, and you can even make the packaging process much easier by choosing the right distribution device.
2. waste reduction
The use of stretch film for packaging machines can be associated with waste and waste of many rolls. But when packing products with the help of an operator, human forces can use the packing rolls in more optimal ways.
3. Reducing the risk to people
When working with packaging machinery, it is essential to have someone present to perform the necessary adjustments and repairs. In such a case, if there is a problem with the device or if the packaging procedures are not followed correctly, there may be risks for the operator. But in the manual stretch film packaging method, people are not in contact with any uncontrollable devices and can pack the products in complete safety.
4. Damage reduction
One of the other advantages of manual stretch films compared to machine samples is the reduction of damage to products. During the packing process with automatic machines, some items and products may be damaged during packing. Although the damage is minor, they can cause damage to your collection. If you have a small batch that produces certain products in low volume, it is better to use manual stretch film to reduce damages.
Disadvantages of manual stretch film
Although manual stretch film has many advantages, but to make the right choice, it is better to be aware of its disadvantages and make an informed choice.
1. Fatigue of operators
Carrying out the wrapping process with manual stretch film can be a very tedious task. The weight of the stretch film rolls is between 2 and 4 kg, and in the long term, they can cause fatigue or even damage to people’s hands.
2. Requires expertise
Although we mentioned hand stretch film as a less dangerous tool compared to machine samples, but if the people performing the process do not have enough expertise, this method can also be a very dangerous option.
3. Not very neat packaging
As you know, the use of machine stretch film gives you more regular and uniform packages. You can also have good packages using manual samples, but this requires much more precision and time.
final word
Entering the field of production and presentation of products requires knowledge of all stages, one of which is the stage of packaging with suitable equipment. Stretch films are produced in manual and machine types, each of which has different samples with different dimensions, colors, qualities and thicknesses. The important thing in having the best choice is to pay attention to your needs. You should first determine your expectations from a package for manufactured products and choose the right stretch film according to it. Thank you for being with us in this article.
