*Updated 05-18-18*
Goto Eopac Machinery to know more.
Choosing Stretch Wrapping Equipment
When it comes to stretch wrapping equipment, make sure you don't lose sight of the most important reason why you're wrapping in the first place; to get your load from its origin to its destination in the same condition in which it left. Stretch wrappers do the job better than people, but they are not capable of making decisions as they work. You'll need to understand a few things about what you want the machine to be able to do, so you can make the right choice. Lucky for you, we're going to list them out.
It's time to upgrade to machine grade stretch wrap, the hand film you've been using won't work with stretch wrapping equipment. You've got to consider the gauge, the pre-stretch ability, and the material of the film.
How much load containment force do you need?
The top, middle, and bottom layers of your load all need to have the correct amount of containment force. The right amount of containment force depends on the type of load you're wrapping. Heavy loads may require more containment force and lighter loads may require less. With stretch wrappers, you'll get the right containment force needed for each load.
Containment force- The wrap force multiplied by the number of film layers.
How will you wrap the pallets and how many wraps will be necessary?
The way the load is wrapped depends on your settings. You need to choose the number of top and bottom counts. You must also decide the wrap force setting and how much overwrap you want applied on the top of the load.
Stretch wrappers are justified with a positive ROI if you're wrapping 15 or more loads per day.Stretch wrappers are justified with a positive ROI if you're wrapping 15 or more loads per day.
What will you do to limit breakage?
Breaks are more than just an annoyance. They're the biggest problem in stretch wrapping. Often, they lead to a chain of disastrous consequences. To limit your risk for breaks, there are a few things you can do.
How much load containment force do you need?
Do you need additional reinforcements?
You may need to secure partial layers with the roping technique or you may need to band. Sometimes your load may even call for steel or polyester strapping. Stretch wrap can't solve all your potential issues, especially if your load is heavy and/or unstable.
What type of stretch wrappers are best suited for your specific application?
Think about the size, weight, and variability of the loads you will be wrapping. Highly variable loads would benefit from certain types of machinery, such as orbital, horizontal wrappers that secure the load most securely to the pallet. Stable, light-weight loads of consumer goods would do well with a turntable style wrapper, while unstable or heavy loads would do better with a rotary arm machine.
What kind of production speed to you require?
If you're moving from a hand wrap application to simple automation, a semi-automatic stretch wrapper may be all that is required. Although stretch wrappers still require a person to manually attach the film to the load at the beginning of the wrap cycle and cut the film at the end of the cycle, they can achieve rates as high as 35 loads per hour.
READY FOR MORE?
See also:
Want more information on paper roll wrapping machine? Feel free to contact us.
*Editors note. This post was originally published on March 13, and has been updated with the most up to date content.
Follow our Knowledge Base for the latest blogs on packaging supplies, equipment, case studies, and more ways to save money.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook and click those share buttons below if this post helped you.
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 Industrial Paper Roll Wrapping Machine.