SML was presenting its inline pre-stretch unit to an expert audience for the very first time – up close in operation at Innovations Days 2024. Integrated in a SmartCast Infinity stretch film line, the system is setting a new standard for efficiency in production. The advantages of the inline manufacturing of pre-stretch film are evident: Ultimately, they result in significantly lower production efforts.

The aim of pre-stretching is to reduce the thickness of stretch wrap film, for example from 23 mic to 8 mic, and simultaneously to achieve a stiff and rigid product. “Historically, it has been common practice to manufacture pre-stretch film in two separate production stages: film production and offline pre-stretching on a separate rewinder”, Thomas Rauscher, Product Manager at SML, explains. This was, for a long time, the most economical solution to achieve extremely thin and stiff stretch film.

Advanced winding technology enables inline production 
“With the SmartCast Infinity we have developed an inline pre-stretch unit followed by an ultra high-speed winder. The whole process runs in an absolutely stable manner. The production speeds attained of 800 m/min or even 900 m/min were astonishing, and has taken the inline solution to a whole new level of efficiency!” Thomas Rauscher states.

Ready-to-sell products straight from the line 
The greatest advantages of the inline production of pre-stretch film are the savings in terms of labour and logistics costs, as the product is ready to sell when it comes off the winder. All of this leads to a significantly more efficient production process.

Approved for SmartCast Infinity and EcoCompact II 
The manufactured pre-stretch film can be wound up on 2 -inch, 2 ½-inch and 3-inch cores. The units are designed for the production of “typical” pre-stretch products, such as hand rolls, with folded edges and with oscillated winding as a standard. Core separation at the winder for the usage of different standard core lengths is available as an option. “We have built, tested and approved our inline pre-stretch unit for 2 m and 3 m wide lines. So, it is optimally suited for our SmartCast Infinity and EcoCompact II stretch wrap film lines”, Thomas Rauscher concludes.

SML’s SmartCast Infinity stretch wrap film line with the integrated pre-stretch unit is available for customer visits and trials at SML’s Technology Centre. For more information, please contact Thomas Rauscher, [email protected]

Redlham, 07.01.2025