Automatic Stretch Wrappers

Automatic stretch wrappers are machines that wrap loaded pallets with stretch film uniformly and securely without needing manual labor. These machines hold, rotate, wrap, cut, and apply tension to the stretch film to cover products on a pallet load swiftly and reliably every time.

Here’s an overview of what true automatic stretch wrappers must do:

• Hold – Automatic stretch wrappers securely hold the pallet in place so it can spin to apply wrap evenly across all sides.
• Rotate -The machine slowly rotates the pallet while precision applicators wrap layer after layer of stretch wrap around the products.
• Wrap – Stretch film dispensers mounted on the equipment precisely wrap stretch film horizontally around the pallet load as it turns.
• Cut – Cutters slice the stretch film when the desired number of layers have been applied.
• Apply – The equipment pulls with consistent tension to apply the stretch film tightly to stabilize products.

This automated HOLD-WRAP-CUT-APPLY process ensures your pallet loads are wrapped efficiently, uniformly, and securely every single time.

The 6 Key Benefits of Automatic Stretch Wrappers

There are many advantages automatic stretch wrapping systems have over manual wrapping. Here are 6 of the major benefits:

1. Save Time and Energy

You can spend countless hours manually wrapping pallets with a traditional hand wrapper. Automatic equipment does the hard work for you, freeing up employees for more important tasks and projects. These machines wrap up to 60 pallets per hour without staff having to lift a finger!

2. Streamline Consistency

While manual techniques rely on employees’ judgment, automatic stretch wrappers apply the ideal amount of wrap the exact same way without fail to every single pallet. This leads to uniform stability and protection across all outbound products.

3. Protect Your Products

Consistent stretch wrapping prevents load shifting in transit so products don’t collide or fall over leading to damage. Tight-encompassing wrap also protects goods from moisture or dust during storage and shipping.

4. Lower Costs

The machines may require an upfront investment, but save money over time through electricity and film savings, higher throughput, eliminating product waste from damage, and lower labor costs. Proper stretch wrapping also helps you avoid unexpected fees from distributors or retailers for subpar wrapping practices.

5. Boost Productivity

Your team can handle important tasks instead of spending the majority of their shift on back-breaking stretch wrapping by hand. Automatic equipment can wrap up to 100 times faster than manual wrapping!

6. Improve Workplace Ergonomics & Safety

Let the equipment do the hard wrapping work to reduce workplace injuries related to lifting, bending, pulling, and twisting. Automatic machines create a safer work environment and lead to less worker exhaustion and discomfort.

As you can see, the benefits of automating your stretch wrapping process with high-quality automatic equipment are immense!

Types of Automatic Equipment

Now that you know why automatic stretch wrappers are so great, let’s go over the main types available. The two primary categories are turntable wrappers and orbital wrappers.

Turntable Stretch Wrappers

Turntable stretch wrappers are the simpler and more affordable option suitable for most operations. As you may have guessed from the name, these systems have a rotating turntable the pallet load sits directly on top of to spin products 360 degrees during wrapping.

The pallet is rotated on top of the turntable so the stretch film can be applied to the sides and top as dispensers mounted to the frame arch over it. Turntable machines take up minimal floor space and many have adjustable parameters to handle various pallet sizes.

Orbital Stretch Wrappers

Orbital, rotary arm, or rotating arm stretch wrappers are the advanced options designed for high throughput facilities.
In orbital wrappers, the stretch film dispenser is mounted on a large rotational arm that circles a static pallet, wrapping film horizontally as it moves.
The pallet stays still while the film applicator revolves around it to wrap it from all angles. Orbital machines take up sizable floor space but wrap extremely quickly!

Some orbital models like the Lantech Q-300 can wrap up to 130 pallets per hour! These high-speed fully-automatic stretch wrappers are ideal for distribution centers and manufacturing plants focused on maximum throughput.

Getting a Custom Stretch Wrappers

Beyond standard turntable and orbital stretch wrappers, customized equipment tailored to your exact products, throughput needs, space constraints, and budget, is an option you can explore.

Customization options for custom stretch wrappers can include:

• Specialized film carriages and dispensers
• Pallet handling equipment like conveyors or lifts
• Wrapping patterns for stabilizing unusual shapes
• Integrated labeling, inkjet printing, or weighing stations
• Exact dimensions to fit your facility
• Specific rates to match your volume
• Features for easy operator control
• Choices of manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic

However, before purchasing any automatic stretch wrapper, you must figure out your production requirements and space limitations. And then reach out about getting a machine customized exactly for your needs! This ensures you get the right solution rather than trying to make do with an ill-fitting standard option.

Getting Started with Automated Stretch Wrapping

By now you have a solid overview of what automatic stretch wrappers are, why the automation is beneficial, your type and customization options, and tips for choosing equipment!

Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• Automatic stretch wrapping machines efficiently swaddle pallet loads by holding, spinning, wrapping, cutting, and applying stretch film without any manual effort.
• Benefits include major time and labor savings, product protection, workplace safety improvements, and cost reductions.
• The main categories are affordable turntable wrappers and max-speed orbital wrappers.
• Custom machines tailored to your exact pallet sizes, throughput, space constraints, and budget are available.
• Carefully assessing your operation’s unique needs before selecting equipment, is the secret key to getting the perfect automatic stretch wrappers that revolutionize production lines and offer attractive ROIs.