Determining when or how one should automate stretch wrapping can be a somewhat tedious task, but by answeringthe five questionsbelow,we hope to better guide you through that process.
Question |
Situation(s) |
Solution(s) |
Is there a centralized packaging area? |
Yes |
Consider using wrapping equipment |
No |
Likely candidate for hand wrapping for added mobility and ease of product application |
What is the production volume? |
Producing less than 30 pallets/8 hours a day |
Hand applied film |
Producing 30-100 pallets/8 hours a day |
Semi-automatic machine applied film |
Producing more than 100 pallets/8 hours a day |
Automatic film application |
What is the load weight? |
Load weighs less than 1200 lbs. |
60 gauge or below hand or machine applied stretch film |
Load weighs between 1200-2000 lbs. |
63-80 gauge hand or machine stretch film |
Load weighs over 2000 lbs. |
90 gauge or above hand or machine applied stretch film |
What is the load type? |
Type "A" Load - Regular shaped pallet with products uniformly packed |
60 gauge or below hand stretch film or machine applied stretch film |
Type "B" Load - Slightly irregular load - corners and/or product fitting within 3 inches on sides |
63-80 gauge hand stretch film or machine stretch film |
Type "C" Load - Wrapping irregular loads with inconsistent lengths and product types |
90 gauge or above hand stretch film or machine stretch film |
What is the speed of the stretch film application? |
Low (hand stretch film or <15 RPM) |
Any hand stretch wrap or machine grade stretch film |
Medium (machine stretch film applied 16-25 RPM) |
Any machine grade stretch film |
High (machine pallet wrap applied above 25 RPM) |
Any heavier gauge or high performance machine grade stretch films |