Stretch Wrap and Pallet Wrapping Machines

Posted by GLOBAL PACKAGING on April 17th, 2021

Write down the same paragraph 20 times on paper. Do you think it would have the same impact
every single time? Maybe not. There is a high probability that the handwriting, errors while
copying down the information, cancellations, among other inconsistencies, will impact the way
the content comes across. However, if a printer (automation) is used in such a case, not only
does one end up ensuring consistency and standardisation, but also cut down on time, labour
and the overall cost.

Stretch Wrap and Pallet Wrapping Machines

Some of the most laborious tasks of packaging are now mechanized with the help of suitable
tools and equipment. The task of pallet wrapping, which previously included the tedious process
of hand wrapping, is now automated with the advent of a pallet wrapping machine. The process
of pallet involves placing small items on aptly chosen pallets. The pallets are later wrapped
together to secure them tightly for transit.

Operation

A stretch wrap is a low-density polyethylene sheet which is wrapped around the pallets. The
elastic may be stretched up to thrice its original size, thereby maintaining a strong hold on the
pallets. A stretch wrapping machine performs the entire operation by keeping sufficient tension
around the pallets, to keep the objects tied up. There are many variations in the designs of a
stretch wrapping machine, one of which entails a turntable wrapper, where pallets are placed on a
spinning platform. The platform rotates and allows the film to be stretched and secured around
the pallet. On the other hand, a straddle wrapper includes a stretch delivery system that revolves
around the pallet. An orbital stretch wrapper is another such variation which covers the pallets
from top to bottom, to add an extra layer of protection. All the above designs serve specific
packaging requirements and give numerous advantages over conventional methods of stretch
wrapping.

Advantages
Containment Force

Pallet wrapping machines create uniform and sufficiently high tension to provide a
cushioning effect for the loads, while keeping it tightly stacked. The desired amount of
containment pressure cannot be achieved with hand wrapping methods.

Efficiency

The fully automatic stretch wrapping machines handle a given operation from the time
the product is placed on the conveyor belt, right until the point it is wrapped. The
efficient mechanism can deal with bulk packaging and complete it in less time as
compared to manually wrapping every product. The labour and time efficiency thus
achieved, can be directed towards other operations.

Resource Management

Pallet wrapping machines use less stretch wrap than manual wrapping. The automatic
machines are equipped with power stretch rollers that pre-stretch the wrap before using it,
thus cutting down on the amount of wrapping material used. Even if a business must
perform pallet wrapping with a small volume of goods, the total saving can be quite a lot.
The stretch wrapping machines are estimated to decrease the expenditure on stretch film
purchasing by 10-40%.

Versatility

There may be tall stacks of pallets measuring up to 6-8 feet in height. While It is
challenging to stretch wrap those efficiently with manual operation, the stretch wrappingmachines have versatile designs suitable for wrapping small as well as big loads.

Safety

The manual wrapping operations are known to cause many injuries and accidents,
especially while wrapping bigger loads. The stretch wrapping machines overcome these
drawbacks and provide a safe, operational process.

Features

These machines have an ability to wrap as many as 25 pallets per hour. The heavy pallets
of up to 2000 kg can be managed easily. Customers can choose the parameters, speed
control, stretchability and wrapping cycles to suit their desired outcome. An easy
insertion of the forklift is ensured by the presence of a horseshoe turntable, which makes
the operation convenient.

Conclusion

In keeping with the features and advantages of a pallet wrapping machine, it is quite easy to
ascertain that the pros of using a machine in such a case outnumber those of manually wrapping
every item. Once you have invested in a reliable and guaranteed machine, with regular care and
servicing, it is no doubt that the pallet wrapping machine can do wonders for a packaging
business.