A 250% pre-stretch pallet wrapper can reduce film use and improve wrap consistency, but the percentage alone does not guarantee a stable pallet. Film grade, carriage design, containment force, wrap pattern and the load itself must work together.
This guide explains what 250% pre-stretch means, how it affects stretch-film consumption and what to verify when choosing a pallet wrapping machine for loads up to 2,000 kg or heavier custom applications.
What does 250% pre-stretch mean?
Pre-stretch rollers elongate the film inside the film carriage before it reaches the pallet. The rollers rotate at different surface speeds, creating a controlled stretch ratio. This is different from relying only on the pallet to pull and stretch the film.
Suppliers do not always express percentages in the same way. Some describe 250% as an extension of 250% beyond the original length; others use the percentage as a final-length ratio. Ask the supplier to state the formula and test method. A clear quotation should specify roller ratio, compatible film and the measured result under operating conditions.
How pre-stretch can reduce film consumption
When the carriage stretches film efficiently before application, each metre from the roll covers more distance around the load. The operator can apply a repeatable film amount instead of compensating for inconsistent manual tension. Savings depend on the current process, film quality, number of wraps and load requirements, so a trial is more reliable than a universal percentage claim.
Track film use by pallet, not only by roll. Record roll weight, pallets wrapped, film tail waste and rejected or rewrapped loads. Compare the same product, pallet height and wrap program before and after changing the machine setting.
Pre-stretch ratio is not the same as containment force
Pre-stretch describes how the film is elongated in the carriage. Containment force describes how strongly the applied film holds the load. A high pre-stretch ratio with excessive application tension can crush cartons, distort light products or pull unstable loads off centre. Too little containment force can allow boxes or bags to shift during handling.
The machine should let the operator adjust application tension and wrap count independently of the pre-stretch system. Top, middle and bottom reinforcement should match the load rather than using one maximum setting for every pallet.
Film quality and specification still matter
Confirm film width, thickness, core size, stretch capability, puncture resistance and cling direction. Low-quality or incompatible film may neck down, break or lose holding force even when the carriage is set correctly. If the plant uses several film suppliers, test each approved grade and save a verified recipe.
Choosing a pallet wrapper for a 2,000 kg load
Load weight is only one selection factor. Also provide pallet length, width, height, centre of gravity, surface condition and whether products are rigid, compressible, slippery or unstable. Standard Fyxfer turntable pallet-wrapper configurations are designed around loads up to 2,000 kg, with 3,000 kg and higher capacities available as project options.
For very heavy, tall or unstable loads, review turntable diameter, deck structure, ramp or pit loading, drive system and safety clearances. A rotary-arm or rotary-ring solution may be more suitable when the pallet should remain stationary.
Explore Fyxfer pallet wrapping machines and compare them with orbital wrapping machines for long products, profiles and bundles.
Wrap-pattern settings to verify during a trial
- Bottom and top wrap counts
- Carriage up and down speed
- Turntable or arm speed
- Film overlap and banding positions
- Application tension at different load zones
- Top-sheet or rope/banding requirements
- Photo-eye response to dark, glossy or irregular loads
- Film-break detection and safe restart behaviour
Evaluate load stability after wrapping
A film-saving setting is not successful if the pallet fails during forklift handling, warehouse storage or transport. Check corner movement, layer shift, leaning, film puncture and top-load security. Where relevant, use an internal transport trial or an agreed load-stability test rather than judging the pallet only at the machine exit.
Information to send for a fast quotation
Send pallet dimensions, maximum weight, daily pallet volume, product photographs, film specification, loading method, available power and required automation level. Fyxfer provides a 36-month warranty for the standard offer, and selected standard configurations can be prepared in 1–3 working days after technical confirmation. Custom 3,000 kg and higher load capacities require project review.
Use the request-a-quote page to share the data. If DDP delivery is required, include the destination postal code, site access and unloading conditions so the quotation can state the included freight, customs and tax responsibilities clearly.