Using a pallet wrapper is essential for industrial and distribution companies. Do you want to know the criteria for choosing one? Here are the most important ones!
Criteria for Choosing a Pallet Wrapper
Choosing one pallet wrapper over another depends on certain factors. It should be noted that not all companies have the same needs, although automation, as a general rule, is a positive factor.
Today, you can find pallet wrappers for numerous sectors. There are wrappers for food, agriculture, beverages, construction, logistics and distribution, stationery, and chemicals, among others. Here, and as a general rule, you will need to purchase a wrapper tailored to the needs of your sector.
And for that reason, it is very important that you take the following aspects into account. Take note, this will help you make wise purchases:
Wrapper Speed
Wrapper speed is key because it helps you do your job more efficiently. Generally, revolutions per minute (rpm) and the number of pallets wrapped per hour are the two benchmark criteria. A wrapper with more than 80 pallets per hour is considered high-performance, but there are some that reach 160, like the Saturn S8.
Of course, you’ll have to consider your company’s size and needs. Sometimes, wrappers with 45 pallets per hour are sufficient, as your needs are smaller and the price is lower. The rule, therefore, is to match the speed to your activity.
Load Stability
Load stability is another essential aspect. The reason? Wrappers are designed so that the film ensures the stability of the goods. There are wrappers that, thanks to their bottom-up operation, keep the load in perfect condition. Rotary ring wrappers maintain stability because they move up and down according to the wrapping cycle. It is therefore worth opting for this technology because it provides the greatest stability.
Load Presentation
Load presentation is another decisive element, because the goods must pass the gauge controls; otherwise, they may be rejected. Furthermore, it is also a matter of image for the company. To achieve this, the operation of the pallet wrapper is essential. A quality wrapper achieves a tightly wrapped package and, therefore, improves the image. Remember that a well-made closure is important for quality controls, but presence can also influence the quality.
Automation
Automation is extremely important, and it’s a factor you need to understand. The reason? It allows for more efficient operation. And automation is used for the entire palletizing process, from start to finish. Therefore, opting for a wrapper that handles the process is advisable. There are several reasons for this:
- The human error factor is exponentially reduced. Not surprisingly, when working automated, errors are reduced. You have to remember that the operation is already designed from the beginning.
- Merchandise breakage or loss is reduced. This makes automation a desirable work philosophy. Precisely, one of the problems with improper wrapping is this, whether due to improper handling of the load or because the goods are not accepted at destination.
- The labor cost will be reduced. Obviously, when you work with machines, you need less labor to perform the same activity. And, what’s more, your staff can focus on activities directly related to adding value.
When choosing one wrapper or another, you should check how many functions it can perform. And the more autonomous it is, the better. This way, it will be easier to work on a daily basis.
Material Pre-Stretch
The material’s pre-stretch capacity is another point you should be aware of. First, because you’ll be making rational use of your resources. Second, because an adjusted pre-stretch will result in a higher-quality result. A general principle to look for, then, is adjustment. There are machines, for example, that can stretch up to 4 meters for every meter of material, ensuring a better fit and stability.
To achieve this, there must be a good film attachment system, minimizing waste. For this reason, it is recommended to operate with a rotating ring. This way, the process will be much simpler and will offer good results.
Costs
Costs are a factor that must be understood in terms of the machine’s price and operation. On the one hand, the price of the machinery must be taken into account in relation to models with similar features. Furthermore, the automatic operation of the wrapper can save you material or electricity. Consequently, and in relation to the useful lifespan, you can choose one model or another.
Cost, however, can be a relative factor. To avoid mistakes, it’s best to make a prior projection of the machine’s expected performance. Do so realistically, using other models on the market as a reference.
Customer Service
Customer service is another factor to consider when purchasing an automatic pallet wrapper. There are good foreign manufacturers, but you may encounter the problem that they may not have the part you need in your country in the event of an incident, or it may take longer to respond. In this sense, having good customer service is key to solving any problem.
Time is money, and the less you waste, the better. Consider, for example, that every day a machine is down, you’re losing money. This, therefore, requires you to first review who can offer you quality domestically manufactured machinery with ongoing customer service.
Conclusion
Choosing a quality automatic rotary ring pallet wrapper that helps you do your job efficiently is essential for better performance. At Motivec, we have quality domestically manufactured wrapping machines to achieve excellent results. We have models for all types of companies, depending on their size, speed requirements, and sector of activity. Contact us to learn more!