Pallet wrappers

About pallet wrappers

In the sections below, we answer common questions about why you need a pallet wrapper, the price range for pallet wrapping machines, how a pallet wrapper can increase productivity and speed up your packing process, and the main advantages of pallet wrappers.

Pallet wrapper price

The price of a pallet wrapper depends on several factors, but you can expect a return on investment within months due to time savings and increased output. Prices for pallet wrappers range from about 1,300 EUR to around 25,000 EUR, depending on the level of automation. The cost varies based on whether the machine is fully automatic or semi-automatic. Another important factor is whether the pallet wrapper features intelligent touch control, a human-machine interface, a comprehensive safety system, IoT module, and more.

How does a pallet wrapper work?

Stretch wrapping starts with loading the pallet

Before stretch wrapping can begin, the load must be placed on a pallet. Once the load is on the pallet, the entire unit (pallet and load) is wrapped together.

Properly assembling the load on the pallet is crucial. The load should not hang over the edges or be more than four inches inside the pallet. The pallet itself should also be in good condition.

Three ways to apply pallet wrap

There are three main ways to apply pallet wrap to a palletized load:

1. Manual
2. Semi-automatic pallet wrapper
3. High-speed automatic pallet wrapper

Manual wrapping requires an operator to secure the film to the pallet and walk the film around the load by hand.

Pulling a heavy roll of film around a pallet is physically demanding—especially when done properly. Imagine feeling dizzy in a hot warehouse. Manual wrapping usually has the highest material cost because film usage is inconsistent and there is little to no pre-stretch. It is also challenging to consistently wrap a safe-to-ship load.

Semi-automatic pallet wrappers are available in two main designs: turntable and straddle. The load is placed in the wrapping zone, and the film is applied. Turntable models rotate the load, while straddle-style wrappers move the arm around the load to apply the film.

High-speed automatic pallet wrappers work similarly to semi-automatic models, but they usually include infeed and outfeed roller conveyors to automatically move loads through the machine.

The key is containment force

No matter which type of pallet wrapper you use, getting the containment force right is critical. Containment force determines whether a load arrives safely or is damaged in transit. But what is containment force?

Containment force is what keeps the load secure. It is calculated as the wrap force multiplied by the number of film layers. Wrap force measures how tightly each layer is applied, while film layers refer to the number of wraps at a specific point.

Benefits of using pallet wrappers

Pallet wrappers are a smart investment for anyone who uses film to secure and protect pallets. They are used in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and by anyone shipping full pallets. The main benefit of a new pallet wrapper is that it eliminates the need for manual wrapping, increasing productivity and reducing labor costs. The latest pallet wrappers are made from highly durable materials, are resistant to external factors, and offer a long service life. They are ergonomic, reliable, and stable. Another advantage of modern pallet wrappers is the comprehensive safety system, which includes fall prevention, no film and film break alarms, safety film threading, bottom pressure, and injury prevention devices. This allows you to automate pallet wrapping with confidence.

Automatic or semi-automatic pallet wrapper

Automatic pallet wrapper

The automatic pallet wrapper operates without the need for an operator to attach the film at the start or remove it at the end. The pallet is delivered to the pallet wrapper by a roller conveyor, which positions it in the center of the platform. The pallet wrapper then wraps the pallet according to the pre-set program. Once the cycle is complete, the pallet is automatically removed from the machine.

There are several types of automatic pallet wrappers. These machines are categorized based on the wrapping technology they use:

• Turntable pallet wrapping machines
• Rotary arm wrapper machines

Semi-automatic pallet wrapping machine

With a semi-automatic pallet wrapper, the operator is involved in the wrapping process. The worker must position the pallet and attach the film by hand. The machine then completes the programmed wrapping cycle. At the end, the operator cuts the film and removes the pallet from the pallet wrapper.

Semi-automatic pallet wrappers are further divided by their design and operation into:

• Rotating turntable pallet wrappers
• Rotary arm pallet wrappers
• Mobile pallet wrapping machines

Semi-automatic pallet wrappers apply a stretch film around the pallet to protect it during transport, stabilize the load, and keep it secure in storage. These machines use a stretchable plastic film that allows for stable wrapping of pallets, reducing the risk of tipping or movement during handling.

Film application on semi-automatic pallet wrappers must be supervised by an operator. Since these machines are semi-automatic, an employee is responsible for placing the pallet on the turntable and securing the film. The machine then completes the programmed wrapping cycle. Afterward, the operator cuts the film and removes the pallet from the pallet wrapper to finish the process.

Benefits of Using a Pallet Wrapping Machine

A pallet wrapping machine is used to wrap pallets, large boxes, containers, or other products that need to be stored or shipped. Using stretch wrapping for your products offers several key benefits, including:

1. Protection of Goods from Damage, Scratches, Dust, and Moisture

The right pallet wrapping machine ensures your products are securely wrapped, helping prevent damage from dirt, dust, or moisture.

2. Improved Safety for Employees

A stretch wrapping system allows operators to stay on the forklift, which improves safety. A recent survey found that 20 percent of forklift accidents involve people walking on the warehouse floor. Keeping operators on the forklift reduces this risk. Manual wrapping can also cause repetitive strain injuries, so switching to an automatic pallet wrapper helps protect your staff.

Automatic pallet wrappers require minimal operator involvement. Operators can start the wrapping process from the forklift, and the machine wraps the pallet consistently and safely for transport. Manually wrapped pallets are more likely to tip over, which can damage goods and injure workers.

3. Time Savings

Using a pallet wrapper saves significant time compared to manual wrapping of pallets, boxes, and other products. Automatic pallet wrappers speed up the process, freeing up your staff for other important tasks.

4. Reduced Film Costs

Both semi-automatic and automatic pallet wrappers help lower film costs compared to hand wrapping. Automatic pallet wrappers use two film thread rollers, with the second roller spinning faster to stretch the film. This increases the film’s strength and reduces overall costs. Rotary arm wrapper machines are especially efficient.

5. Faster Packaging Process

An automatic pallet wrapper with PLC controls can speed up your packaging process and help you meet high-volume packaging needs. This is more efficient than using a basic machine with standard features.

6. Consistent Wrapping Quality

A stretch wrapping system ensures your products are wrapped consistently and efficiently, which is difficult to achieve with manual wrapping. Automatic pallet wrappers provide uniform stretch and secure packaging for boxes, pallets, and other items.

7. Higher Productivity

Automatic pallet wrappers help your business get more done in less time. Operators do not need to wait for each wrapping cycle to start or stop. Placing a pallet on a conveyor or pulling a cord starts and stops the wrapping automatically.

8. Better Inventory Management

Wrapping similar products together makes inventory management easier and reduces the risk of items getting separated. Clear, consistent stretch wraps also allow for easy scanning if you use a scanning system.

A stretch wrapping system brings consistency and safety to your production line, no matter your warehouse size or location. If you want to learn more about the benefits of a pallet wrapping machine, explore our full range of automatic pallet wrappers or contact our product specialists.