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A stretch wrapper is a great addition to your shipping operation, especially when you're handling more than 50 loads per day. The right stretch wrapper can save labor hours, provide a safer environment for your employees and properly wrap your pallets for safe and damage-free shipping to your customers.
Whether you've outgrown your current stretch wrapper or are considering one for the first time, it's important to weigh your options carefully to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
To get the most benefit from any stretch wrapping machine, you'll need to be sure it is rated to handle the number of loads you plan to stretch wrap each day. Some turntable stretch wrappers can only handle 20 loads per day and will quickly wear out if you push them beyond their recommended capacity.
It's best to buy a more robust stretch wrapper than you think you might need, to give your shipping operation room to grow. For example, if you currently wrap and ship 20 loads per day, opting for a machine that can handle double that capacity is a solid investment.
Also keep in mind that many stretch wrappers with added capacity may also provide additional features such as a ramp or built-in scale.
Most stretch wrappers have a difficult time wrapping irregularly shaped loads. These might include items that need to be placed on longer pallets, forged metals, oddly shaped fabricated parts and more.
The reason these items are so difficult to wrap is that they don't conform to the same dimensions as a typical pallet. Turntable or straddle stretch wrappers wrap the load around the perimeter of the pallet, so there's no way to secure oddly shaped items. It can also be difficult to stretch wrap objects that are short and flat.
If you plan to stretch wrap any of these items and don't want to handle the task by hand, consider an orbital stretch wrapper that wraps the load from top to bottom, securing elongated, short, flat or oddly shaped loads with ease.
Consider the typical weight of the products you ship. Are many of them either very light or very heavy?
The most common type of stretch wrapper uses a turntable that turns the pallet during the wrapping operation. Turntable stretch wrappers aren't typically a good choice for very light items, since the turning motion (typically 12 to 15 rpm) causes light loads to fall off the pallet.
A straddle stretch wrap machine that keeps the pallet stationary and applies the stretch wrap with a moving arm may be a better choice if you ship many light loads.
A turntable stretch wrapper is also a poor choice for loads that exceed lb., unless the machine is rated to handle the extra weight. Straddle style stretch wrappers and orbital wrappers are better suited to handle heavy loads. Be sure to check the weight capacity of any stretch wrapper you're considering, if you typically ship large or heavy items.
Most semi-automatic stretch wrappers require human intervention to begin the wrapping process. This means that a worker must first place the pallet on the turntable, and then manually configure the stretch wrap to begin the wrapping operation. Some models also require cutting the stretch wrap when wrapping is complete.
On the other hand, a stretch wrapper with full-automation requires much less human intervention. Usually, the worker does not need to exit the forklift and can activate the wrapping process with a remote switch. The only time it's necessary to handle the stretch wrapper is when the stretch wrap breaks or needs to be refilled.
So which should you choose?
That's going to depend on your needs and budget. Semi-automatic units are typically less expensive, but you need to weigh that cost savings against the extra time and effort your workers will expend getting the machine setup for each load.
For example, if you stretch wrap 400 loads per week, it will take an average of 20 hours with a semi-automatic stretch wrapper. You'll likely complete the same number of loads in just 10 hours with a full-automation model, a labor of savings of 50%.
Consider any mobility requirements you have for your stretch wrapper. Will you need to move it from one section of the warehouse to another or do you have a dedicated area where it is likely to stay?
Both turntable and orbital stretch wrappers can be moved quite easily from one place to another and either are a great choice if you require frequent mobility.
While straddle stretch wrappers offer many advantages to a shipping operation, they are stationary by nature, making them very difficult to move. Straddle stretch wrappers need to be bolted in place to function properly.
For more information, please visit paper roll wrapping machine.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right stretch wrapping machine for your shipping operation. To make sure your new machine is an asset you'll appreciate for years to come, carefully consider the number of loads you wrap each day, as well as the types of loads you'll need to wrap. Then factor in your needs for automation and portability to find a machine that offers the best balance of function and versatility.
When your business relies on moving good fast, effective supply chain management and the ability to efficiently and securely package products is crucial.
Pallet wrappers play an indispensable role in this process by ensuring that goods are securely wrapped for storage or transportation, which helps in minimising damage and loss.
The choice of the right pallet wrapper can significantly impact operational efficiency, product safety, and overall cost savings.
In this article, we're going to discuss the things you should think about when you're considering getting a pallet wrapper for your business, including the types of pallet wrappers available and the key features you need to know about.
Before diving into buying a pallet wrapper it's important to take a step back and think about why you actually need one and if you do, if there are any special considerations you need to consider. Here are some key things you should think about:
Analysing your current and future packaging needs is essential. If your business is growing, investing in a more advanced wrapper that can handle increased volume without significant upgrades may be prudent. If you're under pressure with your current load, is a new pallet wrapper going to solve that problem and/or potentially increase your capacity?
Being aware of the number of pallets you're wrapping on average in a day, week and/or month, can also offer guidance in terms of the type of machine that's right for your needs.
Consider the variety of products you handle. Different products may require different types of film, wrapping patterns, and tension settings. For instance, fragile items need a wrapper that can apply film gently yet securely, or oversized, awkwardly shaped, or sharp products may need a stronger film.
To help you further understand your wrapping needs, we have a list of questions we ask all of our customers to help find the right pallet wrapper for them. You can read these here.
There are different types of pallet wrappers that can suit various needs ' which is why it's important for you to have an idea of the volume of pallets you're wrapping and the types of goods. Here are the most common types of pallet wrappers:
Manual Wrappers: These are the most basic form, where the operator manually applies the stretch film around the pallet. Ideal for businesses with minimal wrapping needs or as a backup option.
Semi-Automatic Wrappers: These machines typically involve the operator placing the pallet and initiating the wrapping cycle. The machine then applies the film based on preset parameters. They are great for medium-volume packaging and offer a good balance between automation and cost.
Automatic Wrappers: Designed for high efficiency, these wrappers can automatically wrap pallets without operator intervention, once the pallet is placed on the turntable. They often come with advanced features like conveyor systems for pallet loading and unloading, and programmable wrapping patterns. These are ideal for operations with high-volume, repetitive wrapping needs.
In addition to different types of pallet wrappers, there are also a lot of different features that can enhance your wrapping capabilities and even save you money. Here are some of key features that can help improve efficiency and ensure you're running a safe and effective operation:
Like any machine, a pallet wrapper does require some maintenance to ensure it not only lasts a long time but actually maintains high performance too. When buying a pallet wrapper some things you should be aware of include:
Ease of Maintenance: Look for models that are known for their ease of maintenance. Quick access to parts and simple procedures for routine checks can reduce downtime.
Build Quality: The construction material (like steel frames), motor quality, and overall design contribute to the longevity of the machine.
Warranty and Support: A comprehensive warranty and reliable customer support are vital. Inquire about the availability of spare parts and the average response time for service calls.
Pallet wrappers can create efficiencies and make a significant difference in the volume of pallets that you can shift in a day, however, there are costs to consider. Some of the important factors to consider include:
Selecting the right pallet wrapper is a strategic decision that can affect multiple facets of your business, from operational efficiency to cost management and product integrity. So, it's important that you get your pallet wrapper and packaging materials from a team that knows what they are doing.
Here at Melbourne Packaging Supplies, we've been supplying pallet wrappers and packaging solutions to businesses of all sizes Australia-wide for more than 40 years. We can offer guidance, support and of course a range of the highest quality pallet wrappers in Australia. Get in touch with us today by calling 396 835.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Orbital Film Wrapping Systems.