The main purpose of a pallet wrapping machine is to prepare the load for shipment. All the stretch wrapper do is apply stretch film to a pallet load of items.
There are different types of stretch wrappers on the markets. Some machines rotate the load on a turntable while others rotate an arm around the load.
The most difficult thing is to get the right amount of pallet stretch film with the right amount of tension, spread everywhere on the load. This process can be more complicated than you may think.
It’s very important users get the right amount of containment force everywhere on the load to minimize waste on time and money.
Loads need to be stretch wrapped effectively to avoid any unnecessary risks of falling apart during shipment.
Companies should find the right machine for their application. In fact, choices are aplenty.
Here are the four types of common stretch wrappers on the market. Users just need to choose the one according to their needs.
Hand Wrappers
Today, many companies are still using hand wrapping, which is less efficient but effective for pallet wrapping.
Hand wrapping usually involves one or two people with a wrapping gun, who walk around the pallet or rotate it on a carousel, and dispense the stretch film over the items.
Hand wrapping is an intensive labor activity and there is a high risk of injury. Besides, it requires more time, effort and cost than using pallet wrapping machines.
Other downside include containment force. In general, hand wrapping is not consistent and is a hard and tedious work.
Automatic versus Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrappers
It’s recommended to understand the difference between automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrappers machines.
Automatic Stretch Wrappers take the first pallet of the line, and automatically move it into the wrap zone where the item is wrapped according to the settings.
Once the item is wrapped and finished, it is moved to the end of line while a new pallet is moved into the wrap zone.
A semi-automatic stretch wrapper machine requires a person to load and unload the machine.
To start the wrap cycle, this person is also in charge of doing appropriate adjustments to make sure the load is wrapped effectively.
Turntable Wrappers
The most simple form to wrap, is to place the pallet on a turntable that rotates while a pallet stretch film is delivered around the load.
This system started at the bottom of the load, wraps it to the top, and then wraps back down to the bottom.
Turntable wrappers are very effective in many types of works, and they are used for a wide variety of applications.
They are the most prevalent type of stretch wrappers.
Arm Wrapper
With arm wrapper machines, the load remains steady while stretch film is delivered around the load.
This type of machines are great for unstable, light and heavy loads; they can also wrap from low to high volume.
Orbital Wrappers
Orbital wrappers wrap a pallet over and under. In here, the load move on a conveyor through the machine.
This type of wrapper machines are mostly used for flattened or unwieldy loads, like doors, pipes, carpet rolls, coffins, etc.
Ring Wrappers
If you want speed, this type of wrapper machine is what you need as it can handle up to 180 loads per hour. Industries such as, tissue, paper towel, and beverage use Ring Wrapper Machines.
This type of machines are highly specialized and not many companies are using them.
Choose the One For Your Needs
As you can see, these four types of stretch wrapper machines have different features that expand their use, capabilities and flexibility.
To find the right pallet wrapping machine, remember to consider the following: size of load, stability and weight of load, speed, savings and results.
If you have more questions regarding the types of stretch wrappers, please feel free to contact us.
