Page 29 - The Inside Scoop Archive

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Here Is the Deal on Anti Stat Stretch Film

First of all there is no such thing as anti static stretch film. We are used to hearing about anti stat this, and anti stat that, but it
does not really apply to stretch film. What we have commonly referred to as anti static stretch film is really Dissipative Stretch
Film.
While it is inherently difficult to manufacture a good functioning "static dissipative" stretch film, there are perhaps several
companies who have produced this type film. The most successful, in my opinion, has been Hi-Tech Films.
Hi-Tech Films introduces an additive into the film that creates a surface on the film that helps
in blocking any static charge going to the product that are wrapped inside the film. They do not
offer a guarantee or certification that static will be dissipated or eliminated in every
circumstance. The effectiveness of the dissipative film can be affected based on encountering a
particular set of circumstances involving cold, dry, and humidity. Dissipative film can be used in
conjunction with making sure that the stretch machine is properly grounded, and the use of
copper tinsel placed near the film roll to provide the best result. Hi-Tech Films provides
dissipative film in 80 gauge hand wrap x 1,500', and 80 gauge machine film in 20" x 5,000' or
6,000'. The color is
burgundy.

To clarify how dissipative films work, the additives available don't really prevent the static from building up during the stretching
process of the film, but allow the film to dissipate much more quickly. Most of the additives available work by migrating to the
surface, and promoting the condensation of water from the air into a "film" which will allow the charge to dissipate. This method
unfortunately knocks down cling in the film. It is an expensive additive and will definitely add to the cost of the film.
There is another type of additive known as Static Intercept that forms a conductive network within the film itself. The problem is
that if the film is stretched, as in stretch film, its conductive network is destroyed.
Dissipative Stretch Film does provide an additional margin of comfort when used in conjunction with proper grounding of the machine,
and the use of copper tensile.

Coming Next... The Next Generation of New Technology Stretch Film
Footnote: Last week the Inside Scoop reviewed the subject of how to wrap a pallet that needs to breathe. Somehow we overlooked
one of the major suppliers of air flow type film, Clinch-Tite......who is a major supplier of this type of breathable film to the food
industry. Clinch-Tite is located in Sandy Lake, PA and their website is www.clinchtite.com.

file://C:\Documents and Settings\William Jackson\My Documents\Northwoods Software\... 2/28/2007