Pallet Wrappers for Specialized Packaging

Pallet wrappers are the preferred method for unitizing loads for shipment on trucks and via rail, and are used in virtually every industry for packaging volumes that exceed the capacity of hand applied films. In most cases, film is applied to corrugated shipping containers that have been stacked on pallets in a fixed or variable configuration. These applications lends itself to a turntable machine with what is known as a spiral wrap design. A pallet is delivered to the turntable and begins rotating. As the unit rotates, the machine’s carriage delivers film to the load while completing its upward or upward-downward cycle. This wrapping style produces a securely unitized load, with a user controlled number of overlapping film layers applied to the pallet. Certain applications, however, are not suitable for spiral wrapping.

Machines for Specialized Requirements

In operations where unitizing volume is high but an in-line machine is not necessary or practical, dual turntable pallet wrappers are an attractive option. On these machines, one carriage supports two turntables, which wrap loads in alternating fashion. Time is gained because operators can present a unit to the second turntable as another unit is being wrapped on the first. For units that are heavy and stable, full web machines can be used to increase wrapping speed. Full web pallet wrappers employ a stationary carriage and accommodate wide web rolls of stretch wrap film, sometimes over 96" in width. Because the carriage is stationary rather than rotating up and down, pallets can be wrapped faster. For large appliances such as refrigerators, and large pieces of furniture, a full web wrap may be more than adequate. Care should be taken, however, since these machines are not capable of as much stretch as spiral machines. As a result, holding force on the load is not as great. We recommend field testing of this equipment before purchasing. When these options are not suitable, companies can look to manufacturers for customization of standard spiral equipment models. Many manufacturers offer carriage height extensions, heavy duty turntables and platforms, and slow start and stop options to handle high, wide, heavy, and exceptionally light units.

Orbital Pallet Wrappers

Orbital machines, which are often referred to as horizontal or ring wrappers, are specifically designed for materials and products that are extremely heavy and /or too large to rest on a stationary platform or turntable unit. Orbitals normally run in line, as a conveyor moves the product through a ring mounted with a film carriage that rotates, wrapping the load as it passes through the ring. Construction products, textiles, manufacturer rolls of carpeting, PVC tubing, and extruded aluminum are some of the many products that benefit from this wrapping approach. Orbitals are an outstanding replacement for steel strapping, shrink heatable bags, and wood crate assemblies, as they save packaging time, improve ergonomics, and reduce the risk of injury in storage, transit and receiving.

If you need assistance in developing a Pallet Wrappers solution for your organization please contact Heritage Pioneer, or visit our main page for other packaging solutions.