Pallet Wrappers
for New Zealand businesses

How do Pallet Wrapper Machines Work?

Wrapping Pallets for delivery can be made more efficient, with Automatic or Semi-Automatic Wrapping Machines. Pallet Wrappers greatly reduce the time spent by staff to safely prepare pallets for delivery/shipment. Additionally, there is less shrink film waste by automating the wrapping process via a machine wrapper.  Pallet wrapping machines protect the delivery pallet, holding the stock tight for easy delivery and safety.

There are 3 Main Types of Pallet Wrapping Methods: Pallet Wrapping Machines, Turntable Stretch Wrappers and Robotic Pallet Wrapping Machines which can prepare pallets on site.

Stretch Wrapping Machines rotate the pallet on a turntable, utilising an automated film delivery system. The arm on the mast of the Pallet Wrapper uses sensors to ensure the package is bound tightly, covering all corners for a consistent and fast wrapping process.

Pallet Turntables spin the pallet while an operator applies the stretch film manually, using a hand-held stretch wrap applicator. 

Robotic Pallet Wrapping is a mobile wrapping machine that can go anywhere (wrap anything, they have all of the sophisticated programs of the of the static turn table). They mitigate the necessity of moving unwrapped pallets through the factory to the static pallet wrapper. Robotic Pallet Wrappers can operate either fully automatic or via remote control.

The three methods of wrapping pallets

There are some things you must consider before purchasing a stretch wrapper; a straddle stretch wrapper takes up more floor space than turntable machines due to their rotating arm and supporting frame, but they have a high throughput. What’s more, straddle wrappers must be anchored to the floor. Turntable wrappers are smaller in stature than straddle machines. Work has to be taken to them. They
are ideal when businesses need to wrap in a variety of loads because of their multi wrapping programs or if there is a limited amount of floor space.

Types of Pallet Wrapping Machines

1. Semi- Automatic Pallet Wrappers

Are suitable for companies that wrap low to high volumes, semi-automatic machinery tends to be more suitable for their needs. These types of wrappers are a safe and quick method of wrapping loads. An operator is required to place the load on the machine secure the film to pallet and begin the cycle. Once started, it wraps the load.

2. Automatic Pallet Wrappers:

This type of wrapping machine requires no operator intervention whatsoever. The pallets are feed to the wrapper via a conveyor and the wrapping height of each pallet is calculated by a sensor in the machine to ensure the load is wrapped efficiently and neatly. The
film is cut and the tab secured to the load then the conveyor belt releases for loading and begin the cycle again.

3. Robotic Pallet Wrapping Machines:

These Pallet Wrappers operates by going self-propelled around the pallet to apply the film. It can travel to where the load needs to be wrapped. This eliminates the necessity of moving unwrapped pallets through the factory to the static wrapper.

How to Properly use a Pallet Wrapping Machine

1. Use Quality Pallets: Before you start, ensure you choose a pallet that is not damaged and meets safety standards. Ensure that the pallet itself is the correct size for the goods you are preparing for delivery.

2. Stack your Goods Securely: As you fill up your pallet with goods/items to wrap, make sure they are packed tightly together. Make sure there are as little gaps (if any). If cartons or goods move around during transite, they wrap will loosen and can create a safety hazard and increase the chance of damaging goods. Use anti-slip layer sheets between stacked pallets and layers of goods themselves, to prevent movement. 

Place larger, heavier items at the bottom of the pallet and lighter/smaller products stacked on top. Goods must be wrapped to within the boundaries of the pallet, to avoid damage or harm during transit.

3. Attach the wrap: Make sure you start wrapping from the base, working your way up tightly. Peel a couple of feet of pallet wrap film off the roll or pallet wrapper. Tie the end of the shrink wrap to the bottom corner of your pallet. Wrap from the bottom up, then work your way down again with consistent tightness. Make sure you cover all edges and corners of the package tightly.Make sure you wrap it securely enough to ensure stability and to avoid anything falling off. We suggest wrapping at least 4 times around the base, keeping the wrap especially tight around the corners.

4. Secure the wrapping around the Pallet: Once you have completed wrapping the pallet (either manually or with an automatic pallet wrapping machine), you can cut or rip the shrink wrap film and stick it/tie it to the pallet corners at the base.

5. Test the load stability of your Wrapped Pallet: Take time to thoroughly check the load stability of each pallet once wrapped, to ensure that the package is sturdy and the goods won’t shift in transit. If you push the upper items on the pallet and they are loose, you will need to re-secure the package until stable.