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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
Pre-stretch is a stretch-wrapper mechanism that uses two rollers spinning at different speeds to elongate the film before it wraps the pallet. By stretching the film 150-400%, pre-stretch saves 40-70% of film versus hand wrapping and raises holding force - the decisive factor in a wrapping line’s film cost.
How pre-stretch works
The film passes between two pre-stretch rollers before reaching the pallet; the rear roller turns faster than the front at a set ratio, stretching the film on the machine. A 250% ratio means 1 meter of film becomes 3.5 meters. This taps the elasticity of LLDPE film, turning one roll into far more coverage. Hand wrapping or non pre-stretch machines reach only 0-15% stretch and use much more film.
Pre-stretch ratios and savings
| Pre-stretch ratio | 1 m becomes | Saving vs hand wrap | Pallets per roll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand wrap (~0%) | ~1 m | 0% | lowest |
| 150% | 2.5 m | ~30-40% | 20-25 |
| 250% | 3.5 m | ~40-50% | 30-35 |
| 300-400% | 4.0-5.0 m | ~50-70% | 35-40+ |
From the same roll, a high pre-stretch machine wraps roughly twice as many pallets as a non pre-stretch one.
Three types of film carriage
The film carriage determines a machine’s pre-stretch capability:
| Carriage type | Stretch | Film saving | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| No stretch (brake) | 0-15% | ~0% | small, 10-30 pallets/day |
| Fixed stretch | 150-250% | 30-50% | 30-70 pallets/day |
| Adjustable stretch | 100-400% | 40-70% | 70-400 pallets/day |
How much does pre-stretch save? The ROI
For a site wrapping 100 pallets a day, moving from a non pre-stretch to a 250-300% pre-stretch machine can halve film consumption. The annual film saving typically repays the upgrade within 1-2 years, and under a year for high-volume sites. That is why pre-stretch is the number-one criterion when choosing a wrapper for a large line.
Notes on high pre-stretch
Higher ratios save more but demand good-quality film to avoid tearing. Premium machines use torque control to monitor tension continuously, preventing breaks even at 300-400% and reducing line stoppages. Low-grade film stretched far tends to tear and lose holding force, so test before setting the maximum ratio.
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Frequently asked questions
What does 250% pre-stretch mean?
The machine stretches 1 m of film into 3.5 m before wrapping. Higher ratios save more film but need quality film to avoid tearing.
How much film does pre-stretch save?
About 40-70% versus hand wrapping depending on ratio and carriage; adjustable 300-400% units save the most.
Do hand wrappers have pre-stretch?
Most do not. Hand and cheap semi-auto machines only stretch 0-15% via a brake; true pre-stretch needs a powered dual-roller carriage.
Does pre-stretch weaken or tear the film?
Within the elastic limit no, and it raises holding force; only over-stretching or poor film tears. Premium machines use torque control to prevent breaks.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
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