How to Choose a Stretch Film Machine: A Customer’s Step-by-Step Guide to Width, Layers, Screws, and Automation

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  • 2026-10-27 at 2:24 pm #12847
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      To choose a stretch film machine, answer 4 questions first: How wide should the film be? How many co-extrusion layers do you need? What is your output target? How much labor do you want to save? 

      The answers determine whether you need a 1000mm, 1500mm, or 2000mm model, a dual/three-layer or five/seven/nine-layer configuration, and a standard or four-shaft fully automatic line. XHD walks through the real decision scenarios customers face and clarifies the differences between models.

      One-sentence version: New small factories choose the 1000mm entry line; stable-order producers choose 1500mm; large-scale expansion/export operations choose the 2000mm four-shaft high-speed line. For stretch film, choose three/five layers; for high-end export film and silage film, choose five layers or more.

      Step 1: Determine “Film Width” — Different Widths Map to Different Market Positions

      The finished film width of a stretch film machine directly determines your customer base and capacity. XHD’s full range is divided into three tiers by width:

       
       
      Machine Width Representative Models Film Width Max Extrusion Output Design Line Speed Best For
      1000mm Entry Line XHD-55/75-1250, XHD-55/80/55-1250 1000mm 80-200 KG/H 150 m/min Beginners, small batches, limited budget
      1500mm Mid-Size Line XHD-65/90/65-1850, XHD-55/80/55-1850, XHD-65/100/65-1850 1500mm 325 KG/H 200-250 m/min Film plants with stable orders
      2000mm High-Speed Line XHD-80/120/80-2400, XHD-80/65/120/65-2400, XHD-80/65/120/65/65-2400 2000mm 250-700 KG/H 250-280 m/min Expansion, export, high-output pursuit

      Ask yourself: Is my market hand film (narrow rolls, high volume), machine film (wide rolls, full rolls), or silage film? Width determines the size of orders you can take.

      Step 2: Determine “Layers” — Co-Extrusion Layers Determine Film Performance and Selling Price

      Co-extrusion layer count determines the performance ceiling of the film. More layers mean stronger functionality and higher selling price:

      • Dual-layer (AB/ABA): Entry level, suitable for general packaging wrapping; representative model XHD-55/75-1250.

      • Three-layer (CBA/CABAC): Mainstream choice, balancing cost and performance, suitable for general stretch film; most 1000mm/1500mm/2000mm models can produce it.

      • Five-layer (ABCBD / CBDA): Significantly improved performance—better tack, stretch, and puncture resistance—suitable for high-end export film and silage film; representative model XHD-80/65/120/65/65-2400.

      • Seven-layer / Nine-layer (5/7/9 Layer): The top-tier layer structure, supported only by four-shaft high-end models (XHD-75/110/75/110/75-2450), benchmarked against international advanced levels.

      Ask yourself: Do my end customers need “high tack, high stretch, puncture resistance”? If you export or sell at a premium, go five layers or more.

      Step 3: Determine Screw Count — More Screws Mean Better Co-Extrusion Layers and Homogeneity

      The numbers in the model name are screw diameters and counts. For example, XHD-80/120/80-2400 is an “80/120/80 three-screw” machine, XHD-75/110/110/75-1920 is a “75/110/110/75 four-screw” machine, and XHD-80/65/120/65/65-2400 is a “five-screw” machine.

      • Three-screw: For three-layer co-extrusion, general-purpose, high cost-performance.

      • Four-screw: For five layers or more, balancing film uniformity and output; standard configuration for four-shaft high-speed lines.

      • Five-screw: For five/seven/nine layers, best homogeneity and plasticization, aimed at high-end applications.

      Ask yourself: Do I want to make five-layer film? If so, the screw count cannot be fewer than 4.

      Step 4: Determine Automation — Do You Need Four-Shaft Automatic Winding?

      This is the dividing line for “saving labor and raising output,” and the point customers struggle with most:

      • Standard automatic winding: The new 2000mm line comes standard with a concealed automatic cutter, automatic material break, automatic roll change, and automatic paper core loading/unloading—already greatly reducing downtime.

      • Four-shaft fully automatic winding (flagship): XHD-75/110/110/75-1920 and XHD-75/110/75/110/75-2450, with design line speed up to 450 m/min and maximum output of 14 tons/day, supporting non-stop continuous roll changes, with optional robotic arm for automatic roll loading/unloading—truly fully automated.

      Why is four-shaft worth the extra cost? Compared with standard models, four-shaft machines reduce roll-change downtime and typically increase output by more than 30% (this figure is noted on multiple models in the brochure). For high-capacity, export-oriented customers, the savings in labor and downtime are enough to cover the premium.

      Ask yourself: Is my labor expensive? Are my output requirements high? Do I want “one person running one machine, one-key speed-up”? If yes, go four-shaft.

      Step 5: How to Configure Downstream Rewinders — Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic?

      After large master rolls are produced, they need to be rewound into small rolls for retail sale. XHD offers three options on demand:

       
       
      Rewinder Features Design Speed Suitable Scenario
      XHD-1000 Four-Station Slitter One-to-many slitting, improved flatness 600 m/min Slitting master rolls into small rolls
      XHD-300 High-Speed Fully Automatic Cling Film Rewinder Automatic paper core loading, length counting, cutting; five-shaft cycling 12 rolls/min (30m/roll) Supermarket/hotel small-roll cling film
      XHD-500 Semi-Automatic Slitting Rewinder High cost-performance, variable-frequency speed control 600 m/min Limited budget, sufficient labor
      XHD-500 High-Speed Fully Automatic Rewinder Automatic length counting, hot-wire cutting, automatic paper core loading 1000 m/min Pursuing output, saving labor

      Ask yourself: Do I sell large rolls or small rolls? For labor savings, go fully automatic; for cost control, go semi-automatic.

      Extension: Beyond Stretch Film — How to Choose for CPE/CPP/PEVA/Breathable Film?

      If your business extends beyond stretch film, XHD offers a full-category cast film line on the same platform:

      • CPE Transparent Film Line (XHD-75/110/75-2600, XHD-80/120/80-3000, XHD-90/125/100-3500): For composite base film, protective film, and metallized film; extrusion output 420-700 KG/H; finished width 1800-3100mm.

      • CPP Transparent Film Line (XHD-90/125/100-3500): For food packaging inner layers and twist film; extrusion output 700 KG/H.

      • PEVA Embossed/Composite Film Line (XHD-75/100-2100 to XHD-90/125/100-3000): For shower curtains, tablecloths, and hygiene material backsheet; extrusion output 270-700 KG/H.

      • PE Breathable Film Line (XHD-150-2900): For diaper and sanitary napkin backsheet; extrusion output 600 kg/h; finished width 2400mm.

      • TPU Film and Lamination Line (XHD-120-1850): For waterproof and breathable functional film.

      Ask yourself: Am I in daily necessities/hygiene materials/food packaging, or focused on stretch film? Choose the line according to your end market.

      FAQ (Most Frequently Asked by Customers)

      Q: What size stretch film machine should a beginner choose when building a factory?
      A: For beginners with limited budget and small space, the 1000mm entry line (e.g., XHD-55/80/55-1250) is recommended, with extrusion output of 100-200 KG/H, small footprint, and low investment; upgrade to 1500mm once orders are stable.

      Q: Is the difference between three-shaft and four-shaft big?
      A: Yes, big. Four-shaft supports non-stop automatic roll changes, with a design line speed of 450 m/min and maximum output of 14 tons/day; output is typically more than 30% higher than standard models, and an optional robotic arm can automatically load/unload rolls, saving labor.

      Q: What model should I choose for silage film?
      A: For silage film, a 2000mm five-layer co-extrusion model (e.g., XHD-65/100/80-2400) is recommended, with CBA/CABAC layer structure, balancing strength, puncture resistance, and preservation performance.

      Q: Is a rewinder mandatory?
      A: It depends on whether you sell large rolls or small rolls. For retail small rolls (supermarket/hotel use), a rewinder is mandatory; for selling master rolls to downstream factories, it is not required. For labor savings, choose the fully automatic XHD-500 (1000 m/min).

      Q: Can these models be export-certified?
      A: Yes. XHD has passed ISO9001/14001/45001 system certifications, and multiple products have obtained CE and 3C certifications. Equipment has been exported to 80+ countries and can be configured to meet export requirements.

      Your Decision Checklist

      1. Define the market first: Hand film vs machine film vs silage film vs daily necessities/hygiene/food film.

      2. Then define width: 1000mm entry / 1500mm mid-size / 2000mm high-speed expansion.

      3. Then define layers: Three layers is sufficient; five layers for high-end/export; seven/nine layers for top-tier.

      4. Then define screws: For five layers or more, choose four/five screws.

      5. Then define automation: For labor savings and higher output, go four-shaft fully automatic.

      6. Then configure downstream: For small rolls, add a rewinder; for multiple categories, choose the right production line.

      http://www.xhdmachinery.com
      GUANGDONG XINHUIDA MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.

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