This 'Products' | 'Selection Guide' page provides generic information on the most common pallet wrapping processes and wrapping equipment available, including features, advantages, disadvantages, comments, and links to applicable machine models of each type.
Hand Wrapping
A fully manual process in which an operator uses specially formulated "hand wrap" (plastic wrap | film) to manually wrap and secure the load for transport.
Procedure:
- Operator attaches the hand wrap film to the load by tucking the leading edge between boxes, tying it to the pallets (skid), or attaching it to the load by whatever means is suitable.
- Operator walks around the load multiple times, increasing or decreasing the height at which the hand wrap film is applied to the load until all of the load is sufficiently wrapped.
- Operator cuts (or tears) the film between the load and the roll, applying the trailing edge of the film to the load (by wiping it down or tucking it between layers).
Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments
Advantages:
- Unconventional wrap patterns are possible
- No loading issues
- Can accommodate unusually long or wide loads
- Very inexpensive hardware cost
- Addresses some ergonomic and safety concerns
- Negligible installation costs
Disadvantages:
- Requires operator full time
- Ergonomic and safety concerns (Operator fatigue and physical discomfort)
- Increased manpower costs
- Increased transportation costs from improperly secured loads
- Cannot accommodate unusually high loads
- Without pre-stretch, packaging costs are relatively high
Comments:
- Suitable for very low volume wrapping needs
- Recommended for back up if wrapping machine is down
Turntable
Turntable Manual
A manual machine that assists the operator to hand wrap by rotating the load on a powered turntable.
Procedure:
- The operator places the load on the turntable and attaches the plastic film to the load.
- The operator stands in position beside the load and steps on the foot switch pedal control to rotate the load on the turntable.
- The operator increases or decreases the height at which the hand wrap film is applied to the load until the load is sufficiently wrapped.
- Once the load is sufficiently wrapped the operator steps off the foot switch control, waits for the turntable to stop rotating, cuts the film and attaches the film tail to the load.
- The load is now ready to be removed from the wrapping machine turntable by the operator.
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.
High profile turntable - Robust turntable support accommodates forklift truck loading and unloading.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Forklift truck portable (front and rear)
- Uses standard 120 VAC power plug
- Controlled by manual foot switch
- 5,000 lbs capacity.
Advantages:
- Negates the need for the operator to repeatedly walk around the load to apply the hand wrap
- Low profile turntable increases wrap height capacity
- High profile turntable makes it easier for the operator to reach the bottom of the pallet load
- Improves ergonomic and safety concerns, i.e. operator fatigue and physical discomfort (vs non-machine hand wrapping)
- Unconventional wrap patterns are possible
- Can accommodate unusually long or wide loads
- Forklift portable - move machine and plug in wherever is convenient
- Negligible installation costs
Disadvantages:
- Manual wrapping process still requires operator throughout wrapping process
- Other ergonomic and safety concerns remain, i.e. operator fatigue and physical discomfort (vs. machine wrapping)
- Potential for increased transportation costs from load containment failure (vs. automated machines)
- 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):
Turntable Semi-automatic
A semi-automatic machine that fully automates the wrapping portion of the cycle.
Procedure:
- The operator places the load on the turntable and attaches the plastic film to the load.
- The operator pushes the START button.
- The wrapping machine then automatically wraps the load without operator supervision or intervention.
- 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 by the operator.
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.
High profile turntable - Robust turntable support accommodates forklift truck loading and unloading.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Forklift truck portable
- Uses standard 120 VAC power plug
- 4,000 or 5,000 lbs capacity
- 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
Advantages:
- Once the machine is loaded and started, 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
- Eliminates ergonomic and safety concerns of operator walking around the loads and manually applying hand wrap
- 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)
Disadvantages:
- Still requires the operator to manually load the turntable, attach the film to the load, and start the wrap cycle
- Once the wrapping is completed, still requires the operator to cut and seal the film, and remove the load from the turntable
- Need optional ramp to load with pump trucks, 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):
Turntable Portable Automatic
An automatic wrapping machine that does not require an operator to attach the film to the load, supervise or attend to the wrapping of the load, nor cut and seal the film tail to the load. Only the loading and loading of the machine requires an operator.
Procedure:
- The operator places the load on the turntable and pushes the START button (or, with REMOTE START option, can be done 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, automatically wraps the load, and cuts and seals the film tail to the load at the end of the 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.
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):
Turntable Conveyorized Automatic
A fully automatic wrapping machine that does not require an operator on a load to load basis. Loads are automatically conveyed into and out of the wrapper on a fully automatic conveyor system.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Automatic detection of depleted machine film roll triggers a controlled stop and notifies the operator. Upon operator installation of a new machine film roll the fully automatic operation of the machine is resumed
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversized loads, alternate pass-heights, customer component specifications, and more
- Other options allow you to streamline production processes and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Advantages:
- Fully automated operation does not require an operator (loads are accepted from and discharged to automated conveyor)
- Minimal floor space requirement (compared to other fully automatic systems)
- Automated film clamp, cutter, and wipe down seal
- Optional film sealer (some models) securely heat bonds the film tail to the previous layers of wrapped stretch film, significantly reducing the incidence of "leading film tails"
Disadvantages:
- Conventional design cut and seal occurs at the base of the load, mandating a full "wrap up / wrap down" cycle that increases the cost of packaging per load and limits throughput rates
- Permanent installation (i.e. not portable)
- Requires air (pneumatic power) and higher electrical requirements (voltage and current)
- Significant installation costs
- May not be suitable for unstable loads which cannot accommodate rotation
Comments:
- Suitable for medium to high volume wrapping needs
Model(s):
Rotary Arm
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
- Achieves greater reliability and reduced maintenance costs due to the non-load bearing wrapping component design
- 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):
Rotary Arm 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 3 or 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)
- Automatic detection of depleted machine film roll triggers a controlled stop and notifies the operator. Upon operator installation of a new machine film roll the fully automatic operation of the machine is resumed
- 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
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
- Achieves greater reliability and reduced maintenance costs due to the non-load bearing wrapping component design
- 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):
Rotary Arm Conveyorized Automatic
A fully automatic wrapping machine that does not require an operator on a load to load basis. Loads are automatically conveyed into and out of the wrapper on a fully automatic conveyor system.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Automatic detection of depleted machine film roll triggers a controlled stop and notifies the operator. Upon operator installation of a new machine film roll the fully automatic operation of the machine is resumed
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversized loads, alternate pass-heights, customer component specifications, and more
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Advantages:
- Fully automated operation does not require an operator (loads are accepted from and discharged to automated conveyor)
- Suitable for un-stable loads (load remains stationary during wrap cycle)
- Unlimited load weight capacity (limited only by conveying system capability)
- Achieves greater reliability and reduced maintenance costs due to the non-load bearing wrapping component design
- Free standing design negates need for supporting structure (most models)
- Most models accommodate options for oversized loads
- Automated film clamp, cutter, and wipe down seal
- Optional film sealer (some models) securely heat bonds the film tail to the previous layers of wrapped stretch film, significantly reducing the incidence of "leading film tails"
Disadvantages:
- Conventional design cut and seal occurs at the base of the load, mandating a full "wrap up / wrap down" cycle that increases the cost of packaging per load and limits throughput rates
- Requires air (pneumatic power) and higher electrical requirements (voltage and current)
- Permanent installation (i.e. not portable)
- Significant installation costs
Comments:
- Suitable for medium to high volume wrapping needs
Model(s):
Rotary Ring
Rotary Ring Conveyorized Automatic
A fully automatic wrapping machine that does not require an operator on a load to load basis. Loads are automatically conveyed into and out of the wrapper on a fully automatic conveyor system.
Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Comments | Models
Features:
- Automatic detection of depleted machine film roll triggers a controlled stop and notifies the operator. Upon operator installation of a new machine film roll the fully automatic operation of the machine is resumed
- Standard equipment options allow you to adapt the machine for oversized loads, alternate pass-heights, customer component specifications, and more
- Other options allow you to streamline production process and increase efficiency
- Custom options and modifications are available to meet specific needs
Advantages:
- Load remains stationary during wrap cycle (suitable for unstable loads)
- Unlimited load weight capacity (limited only by conveying system capability)
- Cut and seal can occur anywhere on load (at the top, anywhere in the middle, or at the bottom) and facilitates wrapping double stacked loads
- Available one way wrap significantly reduces the cost of packaging per load and facilitates very fast throughput rates
- Minimizes (or eliminates) the film tail
- Higher end models accommodate an array of machine options not possible with other wrappers (integrated top sheet dispenser, corner post applicators, integrated top cap applicator, and many more ...)
Disadvantages:
- Permanent installation (i.e. not portable)
- Requires air (pneumatic power) and higher electrical requirements (voltage and current)
- Significant installation costs
Comments:
- Suitable for medium to very high volume wrapping needs
Model(s):