Selection Guide
This 'Products' | 'Selection Guide' page provides generic information on the most common pallet wrapping processes and wrapping equipment available, including advantages and disadvantages of each.
Turntable
Manual
Rotating platform simplifies wrapping of pallets by rotating the product, allowing operators to stand beside the product load and hand wrap without having to walk around the load.
Low profile turntable - Turntable is close to the ground to accommodate a loading ramp. Allows loading and unloading with not only a forklift truck, but also a hand pump truck, pallet jack, or powered-walkie.
Increases wrap height capacity.
High profile turntable - Robust turntable support accommodates forklift truck loading and unloading.
Easier for the operator to wrap the bottom of the pallet load.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Forklift truck portable (front and rear)
- Uses standard 120 VAC power
- Controlled by manual foot switch
- 5,000 lbs capacity.
Advantages:
- Unconventional wrap patterns are possible
- Can accommodate unusually long or wide loads
- Eases ergonomic and safety concerns of operator walking around loads
- Forklift portable - move machine and plug in wherever is convenient
- Negligible installation costs
Disadvantages:
- Manual wrapping process requires operator throughout wrapping process
- Ergonomic and safety concerns (operator fatigue and physical discomfort)
- Potential for increased transportation costs from load containment failure (vs. machines with pre-stretch)
- Cannot accommodate unusually high loads
- Higher packaging costs (vs. machine with pre-stretch)
- Load supporting turntable has maximum load weight limitations
- May not be suitable for unstable loads which cannot accommodate rotation
Comments:
- Suitable for low volume applications
Model(s):
Semi-automatic
The operator places the load on the turntable, attaches the plastic film to the load, and pushes the START button. The wrapping machine then automatically wraps the load without operator supervision, freeing the operator to perform other duties while the machine does the work. Upon completion of the wrap cycle, the operator returns, cuts the film and attaches the film tail to the load. The load is now ready to be removed from the wrapping machine turntable.
Low profile turntable - Turntable is close to the ground to accommodate a loading ramp. Allows loading and unloading with not only a forklift truck, but also a hand pump truck, pallet jack, or powered-walkie.
On some models the wrap height capacity is increased.
High profile turntable - Robust turntable support accommodates forklift truck loading and unloading.
Non-prestretch film dispenser - Uses hand-wrap, machine wrap, pre-stretched films, or netting.
Powered pre-stretch film dispenser - Significantly reduces packaging materials cost. Produces superior shipping package.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Forklift truck portable
- Uses standard 120 VAC power
- 4,000 or 5,000 lbs capacity.
Advantages:
- Eliminates ergonomic and safety concerns of operator walking around loads
- Semi-automatic operation does not require the active participation of the operator throughout the whole wrap cycle, allowing him/her to work productively elsewhere while the load is wrapped automatically
- Non-prestetch film dispenser uses hand-wrap, machine wrap, pre-stretched films, or netting
- Pre-stretch film dispenser uses industry standard machine film
- Pre-stretch film dispenser maximizes the stretching of the film, significantly reducing the cost of packaging per load
- Pre-stretch produces superior shipping package reducing transport damage
- Low profile turntable naturally increases wrap height capacity at no extra cost (some models only)
- Low profile turntable accommodates a loading ramp
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversize and heavier loads
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
- Negligible installation costs
Disadvantages:
- Still requires operator to manually load the turntable, attach the film to the load, start the wrap cycle, and once the wrapping is completed, cut and seal the film, and remove the load from the turntable
- Need ramp to load with pallet trucks or powered-walkies
- Load supporting turntable has maximum load weight limitations
- Turntable components require periodic maintenance
- May not be suitable for unstable loads which cannot accommodate rotation
Comments:
- Suitable for low to medium volume applications
Model(s):
Portable Automatic
The operator places the load on the turntable, then activates the REMOTE START without needing to get off his fork lift truck or powered-walkie. The wrapping machine automatically attaches the film to the load at the beginning of the wrap cycle and cuts and seals the film tail to the load at the end of the wrap cycle. The load is now ready to be removed from the wrapping machine turntable without needing the operator to get off his fork lift truck or powered-walkie.
Low profile turntable - Turntable is close to the ground to accommodate a loading ramp. Allows loading and unloading with not only a forklift truck, but also a hand pump truck, pallet jack, or powered-walkie.
On some models the wrap height capacity is increased.
High profile turntable - Robust turntable support accommodates forklift truck loading and unloading.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Portable-automatic machine, does not require the active participation of the operator throughout the whole wrap cycle, allowing him/her to work productively elsewhere while the load is wrapped automatically
- Remote start options enable the operator to start the wrap cycle without approaching the panel (i.e. fork truck or walkie operators do not need to dis-mount)
Advantages:
- Useful in high production rate environments where minimizing operational steps is important to increase efficiencies
- Pre-stretch film dispenser uses industry standard machine film
- Pre-stretch film dispenser maximizes the stretching of the film, significantly reducing the cost of packaging per load
- Pre-stretch produces superior shipping package reducing transport damage
- Low profile turntable naturally increases wrap height capacity at no extra cost (some models only)
- Low profile turntable accommodates a loading ramp
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversize and heavier loads
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Disadvantages:
- Still requires the operator to manually load and unload the product from the turntable
- Most models require air (pneumatic power)
- Some models have a higher voltage requirement
- Increased installation costs (professional installation recommended)
- Need ramp to load with hand pump truck, pallet jacks or powered-walkies
- Load supporting turntable has maximum load weight limitations
- Turntable components require periodic maintenance
- May not be suitable for unstable loads which cannot accommodate rotation
Comments:
- Suitable for medium volume applications
Model(s):
Conveyorized Automatic
Rotary Arm
Semi-automatic
The operator places the load under the wrapper, attaches the plastic film to the load, and pushes the START button. The wrapping machine then automatically wraps the load without operator supervision, freeing the operator to perform other duties while the machine does the work. Upon completion of the wrap cycle, the operator returns, cuts the film and attaches the film tail to the load. The load is now ready to be removed from under the wrapping machine.
Wall / column mount - Machine is attached to and supported by an existing structural wall or support column.
Cantilevered Frame - Free-standing design is supported by a suitably robust floor.
Tripod - Free-standing design with central column and two supporting 'wings'.
Gantry - Free-standing 4-legged design support structure.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- No ramp required; load with forklift truck, hand pump truck, pallet jack, or powered-walkie
- Unlimited load weight capacity
- Uses standard 120 VAC power
Advantages:
- Suitable for unstable loads that cannot accommodate rotation
- Floor level loading / unloading (no ramps required)
- Semi-automatic operation does not require the active participation of the operator throughout the whole wrap cycle, allowing him/her to work productively elsewhere while the load is wrapped automatically
- Pre-stretch film dispenser uses industry standard machine film
- Pre-stretch film dispenser maximizes the stretching of the film, significantly reducing the cost of packaging per load
- Pre-stretch produces a superior shipping package, reducing transport damage
- No load bearing components results in higher reliability and less maintenance
- Wall / column mount
- Least costly option
- Minimal floor space requirement (when not operating)
- Cantilered frame
- Free standing design negates need for supporting structure
- Minimal floor space requirement (when not operating)
- Tripod
- Free-standing design requires no structural building supports or special floor requirements
- Portable (although not as easy to move as the turntable models)
- Gantry
- Free-standing design requires no structural building supports or special floor requirements
- Portable (although not easy to move as the turntable models)
- Options to accommodate full range of over sized loads
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversized loads
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Disadvantages:
- Still requires operator to manually load the machine, attach the film to the load, start the wrap cycle, cut and seal the film, and remove the load from the machine
- Larger floor space requirement (when operating; compared to turntable models)
- Not as portable (some models require permanent installation)
- Higher initial equipment cost (compared to turntable models)
- Safety requirements in some jurisdictions require safety fencing and intrusion detection systems that increase the overall equipment cost
- Higher installation costs (professional installation recommended for some models)
- Wall / column mount
- Requires installation onto a suitably robust structural wall or column
- Not portable
- Limited options for oversized loads
- Cantilevered frame
- Requires installation on a suitably robust floor with special anchors
- Not portable
- Limited options for oversized loads
- Tripod
- Increased floor space requirement (when not operating)
- Limited options for oversized loads
- Gantry
- Most costly option
- Larger floor space requirement (when operating or not)
Comments:
- Suitable for low to medium volume wrapping needs
Model(s):
Portable Automatic
The operator places the load under the wrapper, then activates the REMOTE START without needing to get off his fork lift truck or powered-walkie. The wrapping machine automatically attaches the film to the load at the beginning of the wrap cycle and cuts and seals the film tail to the load at the end of the wrap cycle. The load is now ready to be removed from the wrapping turntable without needing the operator to get off his fork lift truck or powered-walkie.
Wall / column mount - Machine is attached to and supported by an existing structural wall or support column.
Gantry - Free-standing 4-legged design support structure.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Useful in high production rate environments where minimizing operational steps is important to increase efficiencies
- Portable-automatic machine, does not require the active participation of the operator throughout the whole wrap cycle, allowing him/her to work productively elsewhere while the load is wrapped automatically
- Remote start options enable the operator to start the wrap cycle without approaching the panel (i.e. fork truck or walkie operators do not need to dis-mount)
Advantages:
- Floor level loading / unloading; no ramp required; load with forklift truck, hand pump truck, pallet jack, or powered-walkie
- Unlimited load weight capacity
- Suitable for unstable loads that cannot accommodate rotation
- Pre-stretch film dispenser uses industry standard machine film
- Pre-stretch film dispenser maximizes the stretching of the film, significantly reducing the cost of packaging per load
- Pre-stretch produces a superior shipping package, reducing transport damage
- No load bearing components results in higher reliability and less maintenance
- Wall / column mount
- Least costly option
- Minimal floor space requirement (when not operating)
- Gantry
- Free-standing design requires no structural building supports or special floor requirements
- Options to accommodate full range of over sized loads
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversized loads
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Disadvantages:
- Larger floor space requirement (when operating; compared to turntable models)
- Some models have a higher voltage requirement
- Most models require air (pneumatic power)
- Not portable (requires permanent installation)
- Increased installation costs (professional installation recommended)
- Higher initial equipment cost (compared to turntable models)
- Safety requirements in some jurisdictions require safety fencing and intrusion detection systems that increase the overall equipment cost
- Wall / column mount
- Requires installation onto a suitably robust structural wall or column
- Limited options for oversized loads
- Gantry
- Most costly option
- Larger floor space requirement (when operating or not)
Comments:
- Suitable for medium production volume needs
Model(s):
Conveyorized Automatic
Rotary Ring
Conveyorized Automatic
Learn More
| Type | Description | Sample Image(s) | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comment |
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| Rotary Ring Automatic | Gantry, Conveyorized, Pre-stretch, Cut and Seal |
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Horizontal
Manpower
Learn More
| Type | Description | Sample Image(s) | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comment |
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| Manpower |
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| Handwrapper |  |
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Learn More
| Type | Description | Sample Image(s) | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comment |
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| Rotary Arm Automatic | Wall / column mount, Conveyor-less, Pre-stretch, Cut and Wipe-down |   |
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| Cantilevered Frame, Conveyor-less, Pre-stretch, Cut and Wipe-down |
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| Gantry, Conveyor-less, Pre-stretch, Cut and Wipe-down |  |
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| Gantry, Conveyor-less, Pre-stretch, Cut and seal |  |
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| Gantry, Conveyorized, Pre-stretch, Cut and Wipedown |   |
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| Gantry, Conveyorized, Pre-stretch, Cut and Seal | |
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