To potters and ceramic artists, it is very important to ensure that their clay is moist enough to maintain its workability and quality. When clay is left out to dry for long it turns hard, brittle and cannot be easily wedged or carved on when using the wheel. Nevertheless, exposure of clay to moisture results in bacterial as well as fungal contamination of the sealed clay. To that extend, it is essential to find that perfect balance when storing clay for the short term as well as during long transportation. That is where pallet stretch film comes in handy.
What is Pallet Stretch Film?
Pallet stretch film or pallet stretch wrap is a low gauge polyethylene film applied on pallets for the purpose of stabilizing products for storage and transportation. Du to the flexibility offered by the film, it adapts quickly to surface and holds objects in place. Not only can pallet stretch film prevent fruit and vegetable loads from becoming unstable, it can also preserve moisture. It creates a plastic layer in which ambient humidity is entombed thereby delaying the loss of water. This makes it suitable for making pottery clay moist.
As with many back-end storage structures, QFS has several advantages over other storage methods.
Covering clay in pallet stretch film has advantages over other storage techniques when it comes to maintaining moisture levels:
- Better than plastic bags: Clay wrapped in a plastic always absorbs moisture, but it gives up a little of it through edges or small microscopic gaps in the plastic lining. Shrink wrap covers the pallets completely in order to retain the trays of clay in a better way.
- Better airflow than rigid lids: When well sealed with a lid, clay buckets retain moisture, though they can harbor condensation. A little air will ensure there is reduced buildup of water and eventual deterioration of clay. A thin pallet wrap gives a porous barrier.
- Space-saving: Wrapping the pallet highs also protects large loads of clay or Clays that may require long time in transport as compared to having to use many smaller bags, or rigid containers occupying a lot of space on the vehicle.
Shrink wrapping is one form of packaging which has gained popularity in recent years, and as we prepare clay for shrink wrapping we have to ensure that it undergoes the following preparations.
To make the most of pallet stretch film’s moisture preservation, it helps to properly configure clay before wrapping:
- Remove original manufacturer’s plastic: Many times the clay supplied comes pre-packed in plastic containers. This is an original plastic seal you have to apply pallet wrap overlay and thereby you need to remove this seal first.
- Let clay acclimate: New clay should also be allowed to self-condition for 1-2 days in current ambient humidity before sealing in a new wrapping. This opened up the bottom part of the wrap if there is a huge temperature humidity difference to avoid moisture accumulation on the colder part.
- Wrap pallets, not individual boxes: You’re better off having a high wrinkle-per-pallet density rather than a high wrinkle-per-box density. Ensure that boxes are very well positioned on the pallet.
- Add moisture probes: Place one moisture sensor probe in test box in center of pallet in order not to unwrap for the purpose of measuring shift in humidity levels during storage/transit.
Wrapping Technique Matters
Using the right technique is vital for creating an effective moisture barrier with pallet stretch film:
- Wrap tightly from bottom up: The idea of placing the layers of the film over one another from the bottom compresses it for the other layers to fit tightly on top of one another. This is because going only top down means the bottom remains loose to cause problems in organization decline.
- Overlap ~50%: The overlap of each pass of film by about half the previous layer gives a tough and multiple thickness seal. Less overlap risks gaps.
- Go around corners: This should be done all on one pallet to protect it completely Wrap the film at least few inches around all 4 corners or edges of the pallet.
- Reinforce weak spots: There should be small gaps such as at corners of the boxes coming out or at the pallet bottom and edges. Add more layers in areas with less thickness though making sure they are quite thin.
- Label clearly: Marked with tape of type/amount of clay plus date to indicate age of pallet. Include supplier info.
Check and Redress If Required
Depending on storage conditions and duration, stretch wrap may need replacement every 1-2 months as film degrades:
- During storage they must check the film’s integrity by eye as well as by monitoring the moisture probe. If film develops tears/holes wash it and reel it in as early as possible.
- Unfortunately you must replace wrap faster in hot and humid environment as the film deteriorates more quickly. It is also important to note that in the cold/dry condition, the wrap may last longer.
Is to plan to rewrap pallets for long distance shipment or when storage time is more than two months. till residual moisture evaporates through film action clays can become unworkable no matter the initial moisture content.
If the appropriate preparation of pallets and wrapping material is used alongside proper stretching technique, and film change as often as needed, pallet stretch wrap proves to be efficient and easy on cost in making sure the moisture content of clay does not change during storage in the warehouse as well as during multiple uses of transport. Maintaining the pliability of the clay for extended hours has many benefits for the craftsperson fabricating ceramics. Reducing the portions of clay that turn out to be unfit for use once set and improving the general quality of ceramics is made possible through keeping the material workable for as long as necessary.