Pallet wrapper

What are pallet wrappers divided intosdifferentiated?

Pallet wrappers basically all fulfill the same purpose - they wrap pallets with stretch film. The main differences between pallet wrappers lie in the degree of automation. A distinction is made between exclusively manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic pallet wrappers. There is also a distinction between mobile pallet wrappers, stationary pallet wrappers and pallet wrappers integrated into packaging lines, which are designed for different applications and storage situations.

Although these pallets are also used for wrapping, hand dispensers for stretch film are not generally classed as pallet wrappers, as they make the wrapping work easier for the packer, but do not take it away. Where flexibility and mobility are particularly important, ergonomic hand dispensers for stretch film can be used for pallet wrapping.

Fully automatedspallet wrapper

Fully automatic pallet wrappers are the highest level of stretch wrapping technology. These systems, which are fully integrated into the packaging line, do not require an operator. The pallets are transported into the wrapper via a conveyor system, where they are automatically wrapped according to preset programs and then transported onwards for loading or storage. The only manual work involved with fully automatic wrappers is setting the wrapping programs and replacing the film rolls.

In fully automatic stretch wrapping systems, a distinction is also made between arm and ring wrappers. In an arm wrapper, the film roll is located on an arm that moves around the pallet for wrapping. In a ring wrapper, one or two rolls of stretch film are attached to a ring and move around the pallet on this. The latter allows a higher speed and therefore more efficient wrapping overall .

The biggest differentiating factor between fully automatic stretch wrapping machines is the setting options. Basically, the more parameters that can be changed, the better and more optimal the wrapping. Modern and highly developed fully automatic machines have a very wide range of setting and programming options and thus offer the packaging optimizer the greatest possible potential for optimization.

Fully automatic machines are the best and most efficient solution for storage and production facilities with high volumes and pallet quantities.

Semi-automaticspallet wrappers

Semi-automatic pallet wrappers are also known as plate or turntable wrappers. In contrast to fully automatic stretch wrappers, they are not integrated into fixed packaging lines with conveyor systems, but are loaded with pallets by the operator. The pallet is driven onto the plate of the wrapper and wrapped by rotating the plate while the roll moves up and down the column of the wrapper. This makes semi-automatic pallet wrappers more compact and space-saving than fully automatic pallet wrappers, but they cannot match them in terms of speed and efficiency. They are therefore primarily suitable for applications with manageable volumes and situations where there is no fixed packaging line with conveyor technology.

In terms of the pure wrapping result, it is not possible to say definitively whether a fully or semi-automatic machine is "better". The pallet stability achieved depends on which settings can be made on the wrapper and whether the parameters have been professionally adjusted to the goods and film. Excellent load unit securing can be achieved with both fully automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrappers.

Stretch robot

The so-called stretch robots have a special position. In contrast to conventional pallet wrappers, which are permanently installed in one place, these innovative robots are characterized by the fact that they can operate in a mobile and extremely space-saving manner. Thanks to their compact design and their ability to move autonomously, they are suitable for use in confined storage spaces or in areas where there is no fixed space for wrapping pallets. It is often not worth installing a fixed pallet wrapper in every place where wrapping takes place, which is why stretch robots can be an interesting solution.

Manual pallet wrappers

Manual pallet wrappers are the simplest form of pallet wrapper and do not require electricity. Externally, they resemble stretch robots, but do not move independently around the pallet, but must be pushed by an operator. The roll is moved up and down mechanically. Like the manual stretch film unwinders, manual pallet wrappers are classified as wrapping aids rather than actual pallet wrappers, as they do not wrap pallets independently.

Manual pallet wrappers are therefore suitable for applications with only a few pallets to be wrapped and represent an ergonomic relief for the packer. In contrast to ergonomic manual unwinders, however, they require more space, are slower to use and more expensive to purchase.

Conclusion

Not all pallet wrappers are the same - because the range of types of devices and systems is as varied as the areas of application. But whether fully or semi-automatic, the most important thing is always to use the right film in combination with the right wrapper settings to achieve good pallet stability. Because the goal is the same for every type of wrapping: the goods should reach their destination intact.