Why you need a stretch wrapper?
The primary function of a stretch wrapper machine is to apply stretch film around a pallet in order to secure the products on it and prevent damage during transportation or storage. The stretch film provides support and stability to the products on the pallet, reducing the risk of tipping, spilling, or damage.
These are some of the key benefits of using a stretch film machine over hand wrapping. With a stretch film machine, you can achieve consistent and secure wrapping, faster wrapping speed, lower labor and material costs, improved employee safety, reduced damage during transportation, and increased efficiency as the operator can perform other tasks while the pallet is wrapping. These benefits can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for your business.
By carefully reviewing your current costs, you can assess the potential savings and benefits that a stretch wrapper can provide for your business. Even if you only wrap a relatively small number of pallets each day, you can still achieve a fast return on investment due to the increased efficiency, lower labor and material costs, and improved quality that a stretch wrapper can offer. The key is to carefully consider your specific needs and choose a stretch wrapper that is well-suited to your operations and budget.
Different types
Stretch wrapper machines are widely used in a variety of industries and operations, including distribution centers, manufacturing companies, fulfillment operations, printing operations, and any company that is shipping products on pallets. The different styles and levels of automation in stretch wrappers allow companies to choose the best machine to meet their specific needs. Whether you are using a simple or highly automated stretch wrap machine, it is likely to be an improvement over the manual hand wrapping method in terms of consistency, safety, and labor efficiency.
Automated stretch wrapper can be divided into two main categories: rotary turntables and rotary arms. In a rotary turntable system, the pallet load is placed on a rotating platform and the stretch film is carried up and down a tower on a film carriage. This type of stretch wrapper is available in either a low profile or high profile configuration. With rotary arm stretch wrappers, the pallet is placed on the floor and the arm rotates around the load, dispensing the film as it circles the pallet. Both types of automated stretch wrappers offer advantages depending on your specific packaging needs, so it is important to carefully consider your requirements before choosing the best system for your operation.
Stretch wrap machines are available in a range of automation levels, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic (operatorless) systems. Manual stretch wrap machines are completely controlled by the operator, who must attach the film to the load, control the release of the film, and manually manage the up-and-down movement of the film carriage. Semi-automatic and fully automatic systems have varying levels of automation, with some tasks performed by the machine and others still requiring operator intervention. Semi-automatic stretch wrappers require an operator to start the wrapping process by attaching the film to the pallet load, but then the machine takes over and wraps the load automatically. With fully automatic stretch wrappers, there is no need for operator control. The machine is responsible for everything from attaching the film to the load to wrapping the pallet and cutting the film at the end of the process. Depending on the specific machine, an operator may still be required to transfer the loads onto and off of the table, or the pallets can be fed automatically into the wrapper from a conveyor system.
Each style of stretch wrap machine, whether manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, can perform the function of wrapping pallets with stretch film. However, each style offers its own specific benefits and may be better suited for certain types of applications or work environments.
Low Profile Turntable
This machine has a low-to-the-ground turntable which allows for easy loading/unloading of pallets using a pallet jack, electric walkie jack, or forklift truck. A heavy-duty ramp and ramp extension are necessary for using an electric power walkie due to its heavier weight and longer forks.The sides without the ramp can be loaded/unloaded with a forklift truck without interference, and low profile machines can be set into a pit for floor level access without the need for a ramp.
High Profile Turntable
The high profile machine has a raised turntable (11″ – 12” from the floor) that can only be loaded using a forklift truck. A high profile machine cannot be loaded with a pallet jack but can be connected to a pallet conveyor line for direct loading onto the turntable. The turntable is also available for roller conveyor design.
Rotary Arm Machine–
The rotary arm stretch wrap machine is designed to wrap pallets directly on the floor. The pallet stays stationary while the arm rotates around it, dispensing the stretch film as it goes. This type of machine is often used for wrapping very heavy or bulky loads that cannot be easily moved onto a turntable. The rotary arm machine is also well-suited for applications where space is limited and a turntable machine would not fit. However, since the pallet does not rotate, the wrapping may not be as uniform as with a turntable machine, and the operator may need to manually adjust the wrapping to ensure full coverage. By eliminating the need to push the pallet up a ramp, the rotary arm stretch wrap machine can reduce the risk of injury for operators who would otherwise be handling heavy or unstable loads by hand. Additionally, the rotary arm design allows for better access to the sides and corners of irregularly shaped loads, which can result in a more secure wrap. This design can also help to reduce the amount of manual labor required to wrap pallets, which can increase efficiency and lower labor costs.
The three levels of automation for stretch film wrapping equipment are manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic.
Manual
The manual wrapper is a type of machine used for wrapping pallets with stretch film. It requires the presence of an operator during the entire wrapping process who is responsible for attaching the film, activating the turntable, and moving the dispensing carriage up and down to cover the load. Despite being the least expensive option, it requires the most manual labor. However, it provides a tighter and more consistent wrap compared to hand wrapping, and also eliminates most of the ergonomic issues associated with hand wrapping.
Semi-Automatic
The semi-automatic wrapper just requires the operator to attach the film to the pallet and press a button, and the pallet is then automatically wrapped to the specifications that are preset on the PLC controller. Most machines have adjustable settings for wrap up or wrap down, number of top and bottom wraps, reinforced area wrap, top cover pause, vertical carriage speed, and turntable speed. The operator is able to perform other tasks while the pallet is wrapping and returns to cut the film, readying the machine for the next cycle.
Fully Automatic
The fully automatic machine is designed to wrap pallets without an operator present. This is usually accomplished in two ways. The wrapping cycle can be activated with a pull cord or remote control from the forklift driver or pallet jack operator. Or, the machine can be fully integrated into a run of pallet conveyor to feed pallets, wrap them, and discharge them automatically. The machine is equipped with a film clamp and automatic cut-off mechanism. The clamp holds the film at the base of the pallet, releasing after the wrapping process begins. Then, when the wrapping process is complete, the clamp grabs the film and the film is cut from the wrapped pallet. The pallet is ready to be removed and replaced to begin the cycle again.
Typical options
These are some typical options for Stretch Film Wrapping Equipment:
Pre-Stretch Film Carriage: Pre-stretches film from 50% to 300% before application, resulting in tighter wraps with less film.
Ramp: Used to load product on a low profile machine with a hand pallet jack truck.
Ramp Extension: Required for longer electric power jacks and extended fork length.
Scale Package: Integration of a scale increases throughput.
Dual Turntable: Two turntables for increased speed and efficiency during peak periods.
Auto Film Cutter: Automatically cuts film after wrapping.
Increased Tower Height: Enables wrapping of higher pallets.
Base Extension: Required for wrapping very large pallets to prevent load from hitting film carriage tower.
30” Film Carriage: Changes standard film roll post from 20″ to 30″, allowing use of 30″ film for increased production speeds or additional wrap coverage.
Top Platen: Used to hold cartons or products together during pallet rotation.
Consult with a sales representative for specific application questions.
