How Do Pallet Wrapping Machines Work?

A pallet wrapping machine, also known as a stretch wrapping machine, is a piece of equipment that is used to wrap palletized goods with stretch film. The machine is designed to automate the process of wrapping pallets, which is typically done manually.

There are two main types of pallet wrapping machines: semi-automatic and automatic.

Semi-Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine:

A semi-automatic pallet wrapping machine requires an operator to manually attach the film to the pallet and start the wrapping process. Once the wrapping process is complete, the operator must manually cut the film and remove the wrapped pallet from the machine. These machines are typically less expensive than automatic machines and are suitable for smaller warehouses or facilities with lower volume.

Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine:

An automatic pallet wrapping machine is fully automated and does not require an operator to manually attach the film or cut the film. These machines are typically more expensive than semi-automatic machines but are ideal for larger facilities with higher volumes. They can wrap multiple pallets at once and can also include features such as automatic film changing and top sheet dispensers.

X1000 Rotary Arm Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine

There are various types of pallet wrapping machines available in the market, but the basic principle of operation is the same. The machine works by dispensing a roll of stretch film, wrapping it around the pallet, and cutting the film when the wrapping is complete. The following is a step-by-step explanation of how a pallet wrapping machine works:

Step 1: Loading the Pallet

The first step in the process is to load the pallet onto the machine. This is usually done manually by the operator. The pallet is placed onto the turntable of the machine, which is the part that rotates to wrap the film around the pallet. The turntable is usually powered by an electric motor.

Step 2: Setting the Wrapping Parameters

Before the wrapping process begins, the operator must set the wrapping parameters on the machine. These parameters include the number of revolutions of the turntable, the tension of the film, and the overlap of the film. The number of revolutions determines how many times the turntable will rotate around the pallet to wrap the film. The tension of the film determines how tight the film will be wrapped around the pallet. The overlap of the film determines how much of the previous layer of film will be covered by the next layer.

Step 3: Dispensing the Film

Once the wrapping parameters are set, the machine will begin to dispense the film. The film is usually held on a roll at the top of the machine. The film is fed through a film carriage, which stretches the film as it is wrapped around the pallet. The stretching of the film helps to ensure that the film is tight around the pallet.

 X1000 Rotary Arm Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine

Step 4: Wrapping the Pallet

As the film is being dispensed, the turntable begins to rotate. The rotation of the turntable causes the film to be wrapped around the pallet. The film is wrapped around the pallet in a spiral pattern, with each layer of film overlapping the previous layer. The number of revolutions of the turntable determines how many layers of film are wrapped around the pallet.

Step 5: Cutting the Film

Once the wrapping is complete, the machine will cut the film. The cutting mechanism is usually located near the film carriage. The machine will cut the film using a hot wire or a knife. The hot wire melts the film, while the knife cuts through it. The cutting mechanism is designed to cut the film cleanly, without leaving any loose ends.

Step 6: Unloading the Pallet

Once the film is cut, the machine will stop rotating. The pallet is now wrapped in stretch film and is ready to be unloaded. The operator can now remove the wrapped pallet from the machine and move it to its intended location.