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The Top 8: Selecting the Perfect Pallet Wrapping Machine

21/7/23
HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT PALLET WRAPPING MACHINE FOR YOUR NEEDS. TOP 8 QUESTIONS TO ASK.

Selecting a pallet wrapping machine is an important decision. Given the huge range of machines available, all with specific features relevant to different circumstances, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is designed to help explain some of the key questions to ask when you’re choosing the right pallet wrapping solution.

If your business already needs to wrap pallets for transportation, two key goals to work towards are:
1. Make savings in pallet wrap film plastic reduction
2. Increase pallet wrapping efficiency. And if you’re just starting on pallet wrapping, these questions will help you determine what pallet wrapper would suit your requirements:

 1. How many pallets do you wrap per day?
Current and projected production levels are very important in helping to determine the appropriate machine. Different wrapping machines offer different top end revolutions per minute. Revolutions per minute and total wraps required per load will factor the maximum production levels of a machine.

 2. What are the largest pallet dimensions to be wrapped?
It is important to purchase a pallet wrapper to accommodate the largest pallet being wrapped. This will require a length, width, and height measurement. Tall pallets may require an extended mast machine, while wider and longer pallets may require a larger base. Pallet wrapping machines have different weight capacities. The weight of pallet loads also determines what type of pallet wrapping machine you require.

3. Does each pallet need to be weighed?
Built-in scales in the turntable of a pallet wrapper allow you to weigh the pallet while wrapping to avoid double handling. Choosing a machine with a scale is much more affordable than choosing to add a scale after the machine is received. Other questions that should be considered include, what is the maximum weight needed for the scale; and, if a printed weight receipt is required.

4. Do you want a pre-stretch head to reduce stretch film usage?
Power Pre-stretch refers to the process of stretching the pallet wrapping film before it is applied to a pallet load. We recommend purchasing a pallet wrapper with a pre-stretch head to save on film costs. However, we suggest the use of a machine without a pre-stretched head if a pre-stretched film is to be used on the machine.

5. Where will the machine be located for operation?
The external environment around the machine can affect performance. Machines placed in cold room storage can often require different lubricants. Machines placed in areas of high dust can sometimes require additional covers and protection. High humidity can require more frequent maintenance. Be sure to identify the type of environment before selecting a pallet wrapping machine.

 6. Will the pallet be loaded onto the pallet wrapping machine turntable with a pallet truck or forklift?
If you load your pallets on the turntable with a pallet truck, the low profile Plana pallet wrapper is a good solution, as its turntable is only 18mm high. It also has a 270° access ring to the turntable. It can save space as it eliminates the need to have 3m long steep inclined ramps you will need with standard machines. If you load your pallets on the turntable with a forklift, regular wrapping machines with an 86mm high turntable will suit.




 7. What machine features do you need to maximize wrapping efficiency?
There are a range of extra machine features available to increase the level of automation, including:
  • The ‘Cut and Seal’ feature, unique to the Superplus machines. Film is automatically applied to the pallet at the beginning of the cycle. At the end of the wrapping cycle, the film is cut and heat sealed. This eliminates the need to manually attach and cut the film.
  • Motus Fix, Superplus and Inline pallet wrapping machines are available with a remote control feature. This allows you to operate the machine without the need to leave the forklift.






8. What colour of stretch film should be used?
It is important to determine if the film being used will be clear or coloured, or black or clear. This determines the type of photo-eye needed on the pallet wrapping machine. Dark coloured loads and black stretch wrap can throw off a standard photo-eye. Some stretch wrappers may need a black photo-eye or a laser sensor to properly wrap loads.
 
This guide is designed to help with understanding the sorts of considerations to examine when you are looking to invest in, or upgrade your pallet wrapping machine. Making the right choices can have a significant effect on your costs and plastic use.

Get in touch with one of our pallet wrapping specialists today to find out more and book a FREE no obligation 14 day onsite pallet wrapping machine trial.

The Top 8: Selecting the Perfect Pallet Wrapping Machine

21/7/23
HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT PALLET WRAPPING MACHINE FOR YOUR NEEDS. TOP 8 QUESTIONS TO ASK.

Selecting a pallet wrapping machine is an important decision. Given the huge range of machines available, all with specific features relevant to different circumstances, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is designed to help explain some of the key questions to ask when you’re choosing the right pallet wrapping solution.

If your business already needs to wrap pallets for transportation, two key goals to work towards are:
1. Make savings in pallet wrap film plastic reduction
2. Increase pallet wrapping efficiency. And if you’re just starting on pallet wrapping, these questions will help you determine what pallet wrapper would suit your requirements:

 1. How many pallets do you wrap per day?
Current and projected production levels are very important in helping to determine the appropriate machine. Different wrapping machines offer different top end revolutions per minute. Revolutions per minute and total wraps required per load will factor the maximum production levels of a machine.

 2. What are the largest pallet dimensions to be wrapped?
It is important to purchase a pallet wrapper to accommodate the largest pallet being wrapped. This will require a length, width, and height measurement. Tall pallets may require an extended mast machine, while wider and longer pallets may require a larger base. Pallet wrapping machines have different weight capacities. The weight of pallet loads also determines what type of pallet wrapping machine you require.

3. Does each pallet need to be weighed?
Built-in scales in the turntable of a pallet wrapper allow you to weigh the pallet while wrapping to avoid double handling. Choosing a machine with a scale is much more affordable than choosing to add a scale after the machine is received. Other questions that should be considered include, what is the maximum weight needed for the scale; and, if a printed weight receipt is required.

4. Do you want a pre-stretch head to reduce stretch film usage?
Power Pre-stretch refers to the process of stretching the pallet wrapping film before it is applied to a pallet load. We recommend purchasing a pallet wrapper with a pre-stretch head to save on film costs. However, we suggest the use of a machine without a pre-stretched head if a pre-stretched film is to be used on the machine.

5. Where will the machine be located for operation?
The external environment around the machine can affect performance. Machines placed in cold room storage can often require different lubricants. Machines placed in areas of high dust can sometimes require additional covers and protection. High humidity can require more frequent maintenance. Be sure to identify the type of environment before selecting a pallet wrapping machine.

 6. Will the pallet be loaded onto the pallet wrapping machine turntable with a pallet truck or forklift?
If you load your pallets on the turntable with a pallet truck, the low profile Plana pallet wrapper is a good solution, as its turntable is only 18mm high. It also has a 270° access ring to the turntable. It can save space as it eliminates the need to have 3m long steep inclined ramps you will need with standard machines. If you load your pallets on the turntable with a forklift, regular wrapping machines with an 86mm high turntable will suit.




 7. What machine features do you need to maximize wrapping efficiency?
There are a range of extra machine features available to increase the level of automation, including:
  • The ‘Cut and Seal’ feature, unique to the Superplus machines. Film is automatically applied to the pallet at the beginning of the cycle. At the end of the wrapping cycle, the film is cut and heat sealed. This eliminates the need to manually attach and cut the film.
  • Motus Fix, Superplus and Inline pallet wrapping machines are available with a remote control feature. This allows you to operate the machine without the need to leave the forklift.






8. What colour of stretch film should be used?
It is important to determine if the film being used will be clear or coloured, or black or clear. This determines the type of photo-eye needed on the pallet wrapping machine. Dark coloured loads and black stretch wrap can throw off a standard photo-eye. Some stretch wrappers may need a black photo-eye or a laser sensor to properly wrap loads.
 
This guide is designed to help with understanding the sorts of considerations to examine when you are looking to invest in, or upgrade your pallet wrapping machine. Making the right choices can have a significant effect on your costs and plastic use.

Get in touch with one of our pallet wrapping specialists today to find out more and book a FREE no obligation 14 day onsite pallet wrapping machine trial.
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