If you operate a turntable wrapper, rotary arm, or mobile palletizing robot, you know that the difference between a generic coil and one formulated for mechanical pre-stretch is measured in pallets wrapped per hour before the first stop. This transparent machine stretch film from Fortemo is designed for continuous lines: 1500 meters per roll, 90 gauge, co-extruded multilayer LLDPE formulation with 200-300% pre-stretch without breakage. This guide explains how to set up the head, adjust wrapping parameters, and keep the line running without unnecessary stops.
Machine film is not applied by hand. If your operation is manual, the correct guide is for transparent hand stretch film. The following is for operations with automatic or semi-automatic wrappers.
Product Specifications
The transparent machine stretch film is offered in a single standard presentation of 50 cm wide by 1500 m long. The following table lists the full technical specifications of the only available variant:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 857432 |
| Material | Co-extruded multilayer LLDPE |
| Color | Crystal Clear |
| Width | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Length per roll | 1500 m (4920 ft) |
| Thickness | 23 µm (90 Gauge) |
| Pre-stretch capability | 200-300% (on motorized head) |
| Puncture resistance | High (multilayer structure) |
| Adhesion system | Calibrated differential cling |
| Core | Industrial cardboard 76 mm (3 in) |
| Compatibility | Turntable wrappers, rotary arm, mobile robots |
| Presentation | Individual 1500 m roll |
The sister guide for black machine stretch film applies the same setup parameters to the opaque version with UV block, suitable for confidential shipments or loads with prolonged sun exposure.
Step-by-step for use
The following procedure covers the complete automatic wrapper operation cycle from roll change to per-pallet performance monitoring. Each wrapper has specific parameters on its panel; the indicated ranges are indicative and should be checked against your equipment manufacturer's manual.
Roll inspection and head cleaning
Before mounting the roll, check that it has no dents or deformations on the edges—a damaged edge in the warehouse compromises unwinding speed. Clean the head rollers: adhesive residue or dust from a previous pallet affects pre-stretch and causes breakages on the first turn. A dry cloth with isopropyl alcohol is correct; never use water, as residual water between rollers causes slippage.
Mounting on a motorized pre-stretch head
Place the roll on the roll holder, ensuring the inner face (with cling) is towards the pallet. Orientation is critical: a roll mounted backward applies cling outwards, and adjacent pallets stick together in the warehouse. Pass the film between the pre-stretch rollers following the pattern indicated by your wrapper manufacturer; most modern motorized heads guide the film in an S or zigzag pattern between 2 or 3 rollers.
Pre-stretch and wrapping pattern configuration
On the wrapper's control panel, set the pre-stretch between 200% and 300% depending on the load type. For stable loads (regular boxes, uniform bags), 250-300% maximizes performance per roll. For fragile loads or those with sharp corners (electronics, glass, photosensitive products), 150-200% reduces the risk of puncture. Also configure the number of base wraps, body wraps, and top wraps according to the recommendations in your wrapper's manual.
To audit the actual performance of your line, measure film consumption per pallet over a window of 50 consecutive pallets of the same type. Divide the meters consumed by 50: if your consumption is below 8 meters per pallet for standard loads, the pre-stretch is optimized; between 8 and 12 meters, there is room for improvement by adjusting parameters; above 12 meters, there is a configuration or roll quality issue that warrants investigation. This audit takes 5 minutes for the supervisor and reveals inefficiencies invisible to the naked eye.
Cycle start and visual verification
Start the cycle and observe the first three wrapped pallets. The texture should be uniform: no creases, no shiny areas (where the film does not stretch) or opaque areas (where it stretches too much), and no longitudinal cuts that indicate the gauge cannot withstand the configured pre-stretch. If you see cuts, reduce the pre-stretch by 50 points and restart. If you see loose film, increase by 50 points.
Maintenance between roll changes
Each time a roll is emptied, take advantage of the change to quickly clean the pre-stretch rollers and verify that there is no film residue wrapped around the axle. An axle with residue generates additional friction that eventually wears out the head bearings. A 30-second cleaning with each roll change extends the head's lifespan by years.
Never apply this machine film manually. The co-extruded multilayer LLDPE formulation is optimized for pre-stretching on a motorized head: applied by hand without pre-stretching, the film breaks at the first curve of the pallet because its natural elongation is calibrated to reach 200-300% under controlled mechanical tension, not human force. If you need to apply film by hand occasionally, use the manual transparent film, not this format.
What pre-stretch should you configure for your load type?
If you have doubts about the optimal pre-stretch percentage for your merchandise (especially when starting a new product line or calibrating after a wrapper change), ask the virtual assistant with: product type, pallet weight, dimensions, and wrapper model. We will guide you to the correct range without wasting rolls on trials.
Complementary Products
To complement machine film in heavy industrial palletizing operations, the following products cover the most common adjacent needs:
The black machine stretch film is the opaque version with the same mechanical performance, indicated when opacity or UV protection are factors. Polypropylene (PP) strapping is the natural combination in heavy palletizing operations: two turns of strapping over the film secure the pallet with additional support for long transits. The open-mouth big bag palletized and wrapped with machine film plus strapping is the standard industrial combination for exporting aggregates. Plastic corner protectors protect the four corners of the pallet from cutting by strapping, especially useful when combining film and strapping on loads with sharp edges.
Maintenance and Care
Machine film rolls should be stored vertically indoors in a cool place, on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight. 1500m rolls are heavy (typically 16-18 kg), so they should be stored on shelves at an accessible height with rigid support. A roll leaning against a warm wall (typical of a warehouse with a metal roof exposed to the sun) loses its shape and elongation properties in a few weeks, which in an automated line translates into frequent breakages and unscheduled shutdowns.
Rolls do not consume their entire content in one day and may be left partially used between shifts. In such cases, the cut end of the film should be secured against the roll (simply press it against the film with the palm of your hand to activate the cling). Rolls with loose ends will partially unroll overnight, and the next day will start the line with wasted meters of film or, worse, with an end wrapped against the printhead causing an immediate shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this film on a wrapper without powered pre-stretch?
It is not recommended. The multilayer LLDPE formulation is designed for mechanical pre-stretch: in simple friction wrappers without powered pre-stretch, the film is applied with little elongation and consumes much more footage than necessary, losing the product's main advantage. If your wrapper is a simple friction type, consider a specific film for that type of head or evaluate equipment modernization. For up to 100% pre-stretch, manual film yields equivalent results at a similar cost per pallet.
What pre-stretch should I configure?
Stable loads (uniform bags, regular boxes, uniform products): 250-300%. Mixed or moderately irregular loads (pallet with various items, different sized boxes): 200-250%. Fragile loads or those with sharp corners (electronics, glass, rigid products): 150-200%. The practical rule is to start at 250% and observe three pallets: if there are breakages, reduce; if the film is loose or consumes too much footage, increase.
How many pallets does a 1500 m roll cover?
For standard pallets of 1.0 × 1.2 m × 1.5 m high with 250% pre-stretch and 50% overlap, a 1500 m roll covers between 130 and 180 pallets. The actual number depends on the configured pre-stretch, the programmed wrapping pattern, and the size of the pallet. It's a good indicator for auditing: if your line consumes more than 12 linear meters per pallet, there is room for optimization.