Pallet wrappers are machines that cover and wrap the load on a pallet. They do this with a stretchable, transparent film, and are available for any type of pallet, regardless of its size or weight. Furthermore, they operate automatically, which eliminates the need for manual wrapping to secure and protect the loads. Therefore, they are a highly useful tool for all types of companies involved in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and distribution of all kinds of products.
However, not all pallet wrappers are the same. There are different types, as we will see below. Pallet wrappers can be classified into two distinct types. Then, each of these types can be further subdivided based on their mode of operation.
Pallet Wrappers: Main Types
As mentioned, pallet wrappers can be of two types. These types categorize them based on their level of automation during operation. They are as follows:
1. Semi-automatic Pallet Wrappers
Semi-automatic pallet wrappers require an operator to place the stretch film, which is used to wrap the pallet load. However, once the machine and film are ready and positioned to start the process, the operator does not need to do anything further. The machine will wrap everything automatically.
However, the operator must also set the tension level of the film. If the load is light or fragile, it is not advisable to apply too much tension to the wrapping. This could cause the load to break or suffer damage. It is better to wrap with less pressure and increase it for heavier and more resistant loads.
Once the process is finished, the operator needs to remove the fully wrapped pallet from the platform. These machines allow the operator to choose the number of turns the machine will make to wrap the pallet, based on various variables, including the load’s weight. It also allows the operator to choose where on the pallet to apply additional reinforcement to the wrapping. There are three categories within these:
- Rotary Platform Pallet Wrappers: This machine has a platform on which the operator must place the pallet with the load. Then, the operator needs to position the transparent film and ensure that one end is attached to the load and pallet. Once done, the operator simply needs to press the button to start the wrapping process. These machines have a height of between two and four meters, meaning they can wrap pallets up to about three and a half meters high regularly.
- Rotary Robotic Pallet Wrapping Machines: These can be used to wrap loads of any shape and size, and they are designed to prevent loads from being wrapped in a way that causes them to move. Unlike other pallet wrappers where the pallets rotate until they are fully wrapped, the wrapper rotates around the load while wrapping it. These can wrap loads up to a maximum height of two and a half meters. However, they are not recommended for light loads, as the movement of the robot would cause the load to shift.
- Rotary Arm Pallet Wrappers: Used for heavy loads and pallets, this machine consists of a main structure with a fixed arm and another mobile arm. The main structure is mounted on the ceiling of the space where it is installed, and the mobile arm rotates around the pallet to wrap it.
2. Automatic Pallet Wrappers
Unlike semi-automatic pallet wrappers, automatic machines do not require an operator to adjust the stretch film used to wrap the pallet load. These machines do everything automatically, and it’s sufficient to press one or more buttons for the wrapping process to begin. There are four categories of automatic pallet wrappers:
- Automatic Pallet Wrappers with Rotary Arm: These are usually installed at the end of the production line of a product in a factory. The production lines they are installed on usually have a high level of task automation. However, they can also be used independently, in which case they require auxiliary tools, such as conveyors to pick up the pallet and place it in the wrapping position, as well as others designed to remove the pallet once it is wrapped. They are used in medium to high-production lines and are compatible with unstable loads of various sizes and dimensions.
- Automatic Rotary Ring Wrappers: This type of machine has a tubular main structure, generally made of steel. This structure is known for its robustness and includes four telescopic legs, with reinforcements at the feet and points where the maximum tension is supported.
- Automatic Orbital Wrappers: These wrappers are designed and manufactured to be integrated into a pallet wrapping system equipped with pallet conveyors. The process works like this: the loads to be wrapped, along with their pallets, enter the system.
To move forward, they are pushed by a system of several drag belts powered by motors. These belts drive the pallets to a circular point where they rotate on themselves. When the machine starts rotating with the pallet and its load, it begins to wrap the pallet’s load as they spin together.
- Ring Wrappers: This type of pallet wrapper consists of a rotating ring around the load, going up and down, wrapping the load with stretch film. The film is mounted on the ring, which wraps the pallet and its load while the ring rotates. The load remains still throughout the process. This system allows higher rotation speeds, exceeding 40 RPM, placing these pallet wrappers among the fastest available.
This is one of the reasons why these wrappers are considered the best in their class. Another reason is that, due to their operating mechanism, they allow conveyor heights below 400 mm. They are perfect for high-production lines and can wrap more than 150 pallets in an hour. Additionally, they have less wear and require less maintenance than machines using other technologies.
They also provide the best control of film tension when wrapping the load. They offer the option to perform any type of wrapping: ascending, descending, or mixed. Moreover, they even allow pallets to be stacked with independent wraps, providing rain protection by making the wrapping waterproof.
These are the main types of pallet wrappers available for you to choose from if you want to install one or more for your business. Once you’ve made your decision, install the ones that best suit your needs to prepare your pallets for product transportation!