Stretch Wrapper Packaging Automation

A stretch wrapper is the most popular way to secure products together for unitized shipment, whether in boxes, paper or plastic bags, or unpackaged. The near universal use of these systems is the result of many factors. The machinery is easy to use and maintain in comparison to most other types of palletizing automation, and secures loads faster and in many cases more securely than other practical options. In addition, pallet wrapping equipment comes in a wide range of styles and sophistication, so it is almost always possible to find a unit to fit any application or budget. Pallet wrap film does an excellent job of holding loads in place, at a very low cost per unit. Film also provides moisture protection, visibility for product identification, and with some grades, protection against UV light.

Types of Equipment

Most medium and high volume operations that utilize pallets for truck and rail shipment use a turntable stretch wrapper. Pallets are placed on a turntable, which rotates as film is applied from a carriage that rotates up and down as it completes its wrapping cycle. The number of wraps at the bottom and top of the pallet can normally be preset, as well as the speed at which the carriage moves up and down. The ability to control and vary the amount of film applied to the load assures that loads are properly unitized at the lowest possible cost. For operations that do not employ forklift trucks, low profile models with ramps allow pallets to be presented to the machine with a hand lift truck. In terms of wrapping performance, there is no difference between comparable low profile and regular turntable stretch wrapper models. For more specialized operations, different styles of equipment must be used. Rotary arm, or overhead, machines are designed for use on a conveyor line where pallets must wrapped in line. Their cycle time is much faster than a turntable machine, and they can be mounted on a wall or within a customized frame. Rotary arm machines are also used off line, in applications where space limitations exclude the use of turntable equipment, or when loads are extremely heavy, light, or irregularly shaped.

The Stretch Wrapper and Film

It is very important to properly match the grade of stretch film to the machine being used. Because formulations vary widely, some films are capable of a high percentages of stretch, while others are not. Using a high performance film on an entry level, core brake style machine will result in wasted dollars on film purchases. In contrast, using an economy grade film on a high performance, powered pre-stretch style machine will result in much more film being applied to each pallet than is necessary. When production levels are high, even small differences in per pallet film application can result in thousands of dollars of additional cost. Link back to the beginning of this Stretch Wrapper page.

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