Hold the load constant
Use representative pallets with the same weight, geometry, corners and handling route.
BINGOPLAS TECHNICAL BUYER GUIDE
What machine-film pre-stretch percentages actually mean.
Use 150%, 200%, 250% and 300% as test settings—not as proof of performance. The approved result must connect the film, wrapper and pallet load to measurable containment and cost per pallet.
PERCENTAGE BASICS
Translate elongation into a practical comparison.
Pre-stretch percentage expresses how much a starting length is elongated. The simple relationship is: final length equals original length multiplied by one plus the stated percentage. Real wrapper performance may differ because of slip, neck-down, tension, overlap and film-delivery efficiency.
TargetLength example and buying interpretation
150% pre-stretch1 ft of original film becomes 2.5 ft after stretching. A moderate comparison point; actual suitability depends on the film and wrapper.
200% pre-stretch1 ft becomes 3 ft. Often used as a machine-trial target, not a universal product guarantee.
250% pre-stretch1 ft becomes 3.5 ft. Requires a compatible film, carriage, settings and stable film delivery.
300% pre-stretch1 ft becomes 4 ft. A high-stretch target that must be validated for breaks, containment and repeatability.
A VALID TRIAL
Measure more than elongation.
Record the machine setup
Document wrapper model, carriage, pre-stretch setting, wrap pattern, tension and cycle time.
Compare the completed pallet
Measure applied film weight, breaks, rewraps, pallets per roll, containment and cost per successful load.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Machine-film pre-stretch questions.
Does 300% pre-stretch mean every foot of film covers four feet of pallet?
The percentage describes elongation from the film's original length before other application effects. It does not by itself predict pallet coverage, containment or savings. Overlap, neck-down, wrap pattern, film breaks and the wrapper's actual delivery efficiency all affect the result.
Is a higher pre-stretch percentage always better?
No. The useful setting is the highest repeatable level that maintains film integrity and the required load containment on the actual pallet. Excessive stretch can increase breaks, reduce puncture tolerance or produce an unstable result.
How should two machine films be compared?
Run each confirmed grade on the same wrapper and representative loads. Record roll net film weight, applied film weight per pallet, stretch setting, breaks, cycle time, containment result, rewraps and pallets per roll. Compare cost per successfully wrapped pallet rather than price per roll alone.
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC REVIEW
Test the film on your wrapper and pallet.
Send the current film label, wrapper information, settings, load profile and monthly volume for review.