Packaging equipment and machinery

Stretch wrappers

 

There are two major benefits to using stretch wrappers:

1. Substantial film savings

Stretch wrap machines can stretch films to their maximum performance level (e.g., 200%, 225%, 250%, etc.), effectively reducing film usage.

Hand-stretched films can typically elongate 10% to a maximum of 25%, whereas these machines can stretch every foot of film up to 4 feet, representing potential savings of nearly 70%! Numbers like that can mean fast, sizable returns on investment, and that’s without counting any labour savings.

2. More secure pallet loads

When stretched, the film tries to return to its original pre-stretched form, like an elastic band, and in the process applies a much greater load-holding force compared to manual wrapping, regardless of how much tension the operator applies.


Working with the right film

The use of high-performance films is a must with these powerful stretch wrappers, especially since a standard film stretched to 250% will lose its physical characteristics and perform poorly. In fact, once stretched, the molecular chains break down and the film loses its elastic recovery capacity and, as a result, its load-holding force. The film can even break during the stretching process, resulting in production delays and unhappy operators. The superior stretch capability of high-performance films can effectively avoid these problems and generate greater cost savings.

 

You prefer manual equipment? Check out our line of stretch film dispensers.

 

There are two types of stretch wrapping machines:

  • Semi-automatic

    Semi-automatic stretch wrappers apply the film and wrap the pallet load. The operator must perform some operations manually.

  • Automatic

    This type of equipment requires the load to be placed on the infeed conveyor either directly from a fully-automated production line or with a forklift or pallet truck. The machine does the rest and moves the load to the exit conveyor for pickup.