Pallet Wrapper Packaging Automation

Pallet wrapper systems are used to automate the consolidation of palletized loads of boxes, bags, or free standing products for shipment. Stretch wrapping machines are made in a wide variety of styles and designed for both low and high volume palletizing environments. Machines are generally differentiated by the type of braking system they employ to stretch the film before or while it is applied to the load. The simplest braking system is referred to as a core brake, which is inexpensive but produces low percentages of stretch. Stepping up from there is the standard pre-stretch brake, which stretches film between two rollers before application to the load. Finally, there are powered pre-stretch systems, which turn rollers at higher and differentiated speed, producing the greatest amount of stretch possible. In high volume operations, the cost of sophisticated braking systems is more than offset by the savings in film.

Applications

Almost any operation that consolidates loads for shipment on truck or rail can use a pallet wrapper. Alternative methods of load consolidation, such as steel strapping and plastic banding, are more expensive and time consuming to apply. Stretch equipment is designed for all types of shipping area requirements. Low profile machines have a ramp, allowing pallets to be presented with a hand jack. Turntable machines are designed to accept pallets from a standard forklift truck. One popular, labor saving variation of this style is the dual turntable machine, where a load is placed on one turntable while a second load is being wrapped. Most low profile and turntable models are spiral type, where a 20" or 30" wide roll of film moves up and down a carriage as the table rotates. Some pallet wrapper systems, called full web,use wide rolls of film and employ a stationary carriage. Overhead models, which consist of a rotating arm mounted to a wall or a free standing frame, are ideal when space is at a premium or loads must be wrapped in line, on a conveyor. Horizontal machines, sometimes referred to as ring wrappers, are used for products that are extremely long and awkward to handle, such as carpet rolls or PVC tubing.

How to Select a Pallet Wrapper

System selection is driven primarily by the number of loads being wrapped, the type of load or loads being wrapped, the weight and configuration of the complete load, the type of load handling equipment available, and the layout of the end of line packaging area. The value of the product being wrapped, along with the stress loads will undergo in shipment and in handling, should also be evaluated. More sophisticated braking systems produce more film stretch, which in turn exerts greater holding force on the load. If an operation is shipping high value products or hazardous products, a powered pre-stretch unit may be the right choice even if wrapping volume is relatively low. Link back to the top of this Pallet Wrapper page.

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