Aug. 04, 2025
Fully automatic pallet wrapping machines are an indispensable tool for modern logistics and warehouse operations. They simplify the process of securing goods for transport, ensuring safety and efficiency. However, many potential users have questions about how these machines work, their benefits, and how to select the right model. Here, we address the top questions about fully automatic pallet wrapping machines.
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A fully automatic pallet wrapping machine is an advanced device designed to wrap stretch film around pallets or loads without requiring manual intervention. Unlike semi-automatic models, fully automatic machines handle the entire process, including film application, wrapping, and cutting. This hands-free operation makes them ideal for high-volume operations.
The machine operates using a programmed system that automates every step of the wrapping process:
Loading: The pallet is placed on the machine's turntable or conveyor, either manually or via a forklift.
Film Application: The machine secures the film to the pallet automatically.
Wrapping: The turntable rotates, or the film carriage moves, wrapping the load in stretch film according to preset parameters.
Cutting and Sealing: After wrapping, the machine cuts and seals the film, ensuring a neat and secure finish.
Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine
These machines offer several advantages, including:
Time Savings: They significantly reduce the time needed to wrap pallets compared to manual methods.
Cost Efficiency: By optimizing film usage and minimizing waste, they reduce packaging costs.
Consistency: Fully automatic machines ensure uniform wrapping for all pallets, enhancing stability and load security.
Labor Savings: They free up workers for other tasks, improving overall productivity.
Safety: Automated systems reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual wrapping.
Fully automatic pallet wrapping machines come in various configurations to suit different needs:
Turntable Wrappers: The pallet is placed on a rotating turntable while the film carriage moves up and down.
Rotary Arm Wrappers: The wrapping arm rotates around the stationary pallet, making them suitable for heavier or unstable loads.
Ring Wrappers: These machines have a ring-shaped carriage that moves around the pallet, offering high-speed wrapping.
Inline Wrappers: Designed for integration with conveyor systems, these are ideal for fully automated production lines.
When selecting a fully automatic pallet wrapping machine, consider the following features:
Capacity: Ensure the machine can handle the size, weight, and number of pallets you need to wrap daily.
Film Pre-Stretch: Pre-stretch mechanisms reduce film usage and improve load stability.
Control System: Look for user-friendly controls and programmable settings for different wrapping patterns.
Safety Features: Ensure the machine includes emergency stop buttons, safety guards, and sensors to protect operators.
Integration: For high-volume operations, choose a model that integrates with conveyor systems or other automated equipment.
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliability of your machine. Follow these tips:
Regular Cleaning: Keep the machine free from dust, dirt, and debris.
Inspect Components: Regularly check rollers, motors, and sensors for wear or damage.
Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Software Updates: Update the control system software to maintain optimal performance.
Professional Servicing: Schedule periodic servicing by certified technicians to address potential issues.
Yes, these machines are versatile and used in a wide range of industries, including:
Logistics and Warehousing: For securing goods during storage and transport.
Manufacturing: To wrap products on production lines efficiently.
Food and Beverage: For wrapping pallets of perishable or non-perishable goods.
Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring the safe transport of medical supplies and equipment.
Retail: Wrapping goods for distribution to stores.
Maximize your return on investment by:
Choosing the Right Model: Select a machine that matches your operational needs and budget.
Training Staff: Ensure operators are trained to use the machine efficiently and safely.
Routine Maintenance: Perform regular checks to prevent downtime and costly repairs.
Monitoring Usage: Track film consumption and adjust settings for optimal efficiency.
Fully automatic pallet wrapping machines are a game-changer for businesses aiming to improve packaging efficiency and reduce costs. By understanding how these machines work, their benefits, and the factors to consider when choosing one, you can make an informed decision that enhances your operations. Regular maintenance and proper usage will ensure your investment pays off in the long run.
Topics we will cover:
- How an automatic turntable stretch wrapper operates
- Why production facilities choose this machine
- Terminology for the machine
- Where they are placed in the production line
- What to know when you are buying or selling
How an automatic stretch wrapper operates:
Automatic turntable stretch wrappers are a type of stretch wrapper that uses a turntable to spin a product as the stretch film is applied. The film carriage moves up and down the mast to cover the full height of the product. Once on the turntable, which is also a conveyor, the pallet is rotated, pulling the film around itself keeping the product secure. Finally, the outfeed conveyor pushes the wrapped pallet onto the next stage of production.
One of the best perks of this machine is that conveyorized automatic turntable stretch wrappers eliminate the need for a forklift operator.
Why do facilities choose this machine?
Facilities are often utilizing these machines as a reliable way for their production to secure a palletized load and affix the load to the pallet. The automatic turntable stretch wrapper can help increase the speed, consistency, and efficiency of a production line.
Terminology:
- Containment force: the total force applied to load at a given point. The amount of Containment Force can mean the difference between a load that is safe to ship and a disaster waiting to happen
For more Turntable Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machineinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
- Locked to Pallet: Film wraps part of the pallet as well as product so the load is secured to the pallet
- Film tail: start piece applied to start pallet/load; also end piece created when cutting the film at the end of the wrapping cycle
(Image Source: https://www.lantech.com/blog/three-ways-to-reduce-failed-stretch-wrapping/)
Where do Automatic Turntable Stretch Wrappers go in a production line:
(Image Source: https://www.ulmapackaging.com/en/news/ulma-at-interpack-with-fully-automated-packaging-systems)
In a production facility, the automatic turntable stretch wrapper is found at the end of the production line. Because the product has already been packaged, it is typically the last step. Additionally, labelers or smaller pieces of equipment may follow the automatic turntable stretch wrapper. Additional warehouse equipment may also follow, like a forklift.
How it works:
Because the automatic turntable stretch wrapper is so versatile, it’s important to know the inner workings of the machine. The product is loaded, usually from a conveyor, and placed on the turntable. Using a photo-eye, the turntable will then begin to spin and dispense the stretch film. Depending on the programmed height of the packed product, the film will raise and lower with the film carriage along the mast until the equipment is fully wrapped, securing the load. The photo-eye will then trigger the machine to stop and the film will be cut. It is then pushed to the exit conveyor where a fork truck will come along and pull the pallet off the line and onto its next destination.
These are for stable loads known as “A” loads. Because the machine is spinning on a turntable, there is the centrifugal force being placed on the load and can cause it to spin out and fall. If you don’t have a stable load, then we recommend an overhead wrap bar, which you can find here. These machines also offer a soft-start to help bring the load stable and wrap them safely. Ensuring no product is damaged.
We recommend these machines for those who know their product can be stacked as well as ensuring you know your pack pattern. These machines work best in an interlocking pattern and are not recommended for column-stack pack patterns.
When to move from a semi-automatic to an automatic:
Anything more than 40 loads per hour would require using an automatic stretch wrapper for production.. Anything less than that, a semi-automatic would work. Most semi-automatic stretch wrappers are 10 loads/minute because they will require someone to get on and off of a forklift. An automatic stretch wrapper will remove that piece and allow you to move at a faster pace.
Why is the layout important:
The layout of these machines is extremely important to consider when you are thinking about purchasing an automatic turntable stretch wrapper.
Because these machines have a larger footprint, they are often bolted into the floor of a production facility, which means moving them and configuring them can be difficult and once they are in place, are not often moved. If they are, the reconfiguration is often time-consuming and difficult.
If the machine is not properly oriented, it can slow down production or even halt it if the machine is not oriented correctly. If the degree of the machine is off, it can mean that the machine is not going to fit into the production line the way you need it to. If there is a mistake, the automatic turntable stretch wrapper can be reconfigured, but it is time-consuming and costly.
The “hand” of the unit is also important, meaning is it “left-handed” or “right-handed” and this is determined by its orientation. Reversing a machine is possible but requires a lot of programming and configuring.
It’s also important to note where the additional options are located as that will impact the orientation of the machine. For example, the wipe arm is also important to know which way it is oriented because that will determine if you are able to change the orientation.
We recommend that when purchasing these machines you add an engineering project with us to ensure that the wiring, orientation, and programming will meet your needs. If not, then we encourage you to get with a technician from the OEM to ensure your machine will reach your desired capabilities.
Preferred Manufacturers:
It's the manufacturers that we recommend:
- Lantech
- Orion
- Wulftec
Industries that use this piece of equipment
Automatic turntable stretch wrappers can be used in pretty much any industry that is high producing. These are some of the industries we assist but this list is not comprehensive: Beverage Dairy Pet food Fruits and vegetables Chemical and industrial Snack foods Bakery Paper/printing Meat, seafood, poultry
Additional Features to Consider
When you are looking for additional features here are a few to consider:
- Wipe arm
- Photo-eye
- Hot-wire film cutter
- Film sealer
Upstream and Downstream Equipment
If an automatic turntable stretch wrapper is not the only piece of equipment you are adding to your production line we recommend adding these to your upstream and downstream: Case erectors Palletizers Labeler Warehouse equipment
All of these pieces are dependent on your floorplan and where you are at in your companies automation. Your product also may not need these pieces of equipment, so before starting a project, talk to your dedicated sales representative to help recommend the right equipment for you. We also offer a full suite of shop and integration services to help tie all of these pieces together.
Shipping an Automatic Turntable Stretch Wrapper
When you are looking to ship equipment or have equipment shipped to you, you’ll want to make sure you secure the counterbalance.
Depending on your mast height, you’ll want to consider how you will ship the equipment. One of the most important pieces to consider when shipping is the mast, and how you are going to lay down the mast and secure it as well. Because these machines are so large, we recommend utilizing our logistics team to transport your equipment safely and securely. To contact them directly, click here:
Questions to ask yourself before purchasing:
Being knowledgeable is crucial when making a large purchase, so we wanted to provide you with additional questions to consider and ask before purchasing:
- What is the maximum wrap height?
- What is the diameter of the turntable?
- What is the width of the stretch film?
- What is the pre-stretch percentage of the film?
- Do you need/have a photo-eye?
- What is the cycle count?
- Is the fill clamp assembly electric or pneumatic?
- What are the minimum and maximum load dimensions and weight?
- Is the control panel manual or touch screen?
- What type of conveyor will you need? Roller, belt, or chain?
- What are the dimensions of the conveyor you will need?
- How many loads per hour?
- Do you need any additional options? Such as adjustable turntable, extended base, extended mast, cold temperature packaging, etc.
Conclusion:
To utilize the automatic turntable stretch wrapper in your facility, reach out to our educated and experienced staff with the button below and our team will be ready and excited to assist you!
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Rotary Arm Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine.
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