Stretch Film – Issues & Solutions
Technical Support Guide
At NPP, we want you to get the most from our stretch film. That’s why we created this support guide. It allows you to quickly identify any issue which may be affecting your stretch film’s performance.
| Issue | Probable Cause | Solution |
| Products are being crushed | The film has been applied to tightlyToo much film has been applied | Reduce the stretch level and/or increase the speed of feed |
| The load is shifting (at the base) | The film has not been attached to the pallet base during wrappingThe film has been too loosely applied
Insufficient film has been applied The load is too light for lay-on force used |
Ensure the pallet is coveredIncrease the stretch level and/or reduce the speed of feed
Increase the number of turns Increase the film thickness Reduce the stretch level and/or increase the film thickness |
| The load is shifting (between layers) | The film is too looseThe product is moving between layers | Increase the stretch usedInterleave products with stretch wrap film or similar |
| The load is shifting (generally) | The film is too looseThere is insufficient overlap
The film is too thin |
Increase the stretch levelIncrease the overlap
Increase the film thickness |
| Pallet stretch wrap is torn | The film is too thinThe film has been incorrectly applied and loads are sticking together | Increase film thicknessBe sure your choice of film has ‘cling’ on only one side and that side is facing the load |
| The stretch wrap punctures over protrusions | The lay-on force used exceeds the puncture resistance of your choice of film | Reduce level of stretch and/or increase film thickness and/or use a higher grade of film |
| The stretch wrap tails off the pallet | The film has insufficient tack/clingWipe down operations are not being performed properly | Check the efficiency of the wipe down apparatus and/or select a film with higher cling |
| The film herring bones | The film is too loose or soft | Increase the level of stretch and/or increase the overlap and/or increase the film thickness. Alternatively, use a stiffer grade of film |
| The film tears | The film edge is damagedThe film edge becomes damaged when stretched
The film is too sticky and will not unwind |
Remove the damaged layersCheck and clean stretch rollers
Withdraw the film and replace |
| The film has holes | The film is being damaged by the stretch mechanismThe film is contaminated
The film is too sticky and will not unwind |
Check and clean the stretch rollersCheck the leading and trailing edges of the holes for contamination
Withdraw the film and replace |
| The film snaps | There is excessive stretch damageThe film is contaminated
The film is to sticky and will not unwind There is a machine malfunction |
Reduce the stretch level. Also check the roll and stretch rollers for damageCheck the broken edges of film for contamination
Withdraw the film and replace Seek engineering help |