Wrapping a pallet efficiently and securely in the world of modern logistics and warehousing is a task that must be completed properly. A pallet-wrapping machine can be an excellent investment and an absolute game changer, particularly if you have many pallets to wrap. Using a machine, known for its ability to wrap pallets with precision and accuracy, will ensure that your pallets are wrapped correctly and quickly, saving valuable time and manpower. In fact, a pallet wrap machine will wrap the same amount of pallets in one hour as three people could by hand. This is a huge time saver.
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We understand that before you invest in a big piece of machinery, there are several key factors that you need to consider. In this article, we will delve into the essential elements that should guide your decision-making process and help you make a choice that is aligned with your needs, objectives and budget.
There are different types of pallet wrapping machines to choose from depending on your needs but each one ensures a fast, efficient service to ensure that pallets are wrapped securely and with complete uniformity. Not only does this ensure that your loads reach their destination in excellent condition, but it also gives a good impression of your company when your pallets are wrapped securely and neatly.
There are two main types of stretch wrap machines available to suit your needs and each one has its advantages. These include:
This works by positioning the loaded pallet on top of the turntable provided. The turntable then rotates to dispense the stretch film, attached to a vertical mast which can move up and down if required. This is an ideal machine for standard pallet loads and accounts for 8 out of 10 pallet wrap machines sold.
This pallet wrap machine does not require the pallet to be moved before it is wrapped and is designed for demanding applications. If you regularly wrap awkwardly sized or fragile loads that are difficult to move before the load has been secured, a rotary arm wrapping machine may be the right choice for you. It utilises an overhead arm that rotates around the load to apply the stretch film.
Read about the differences between blown and cast stretch wrap and its uses.
There are some key features that either come as standard or can be added to your pallet wrapping machine. These include:
Both are similar but there are some differences that could sway your decision depending on your working conditions.
Most semi-automatic stretch wrapping machines will require an operator to ensure their proper and safe operation. Such tasks might include initiating the wrapping cycle by pressing a start button or cutting the film at the end of the process.
This type of stretch wrapping machine is particularly well-suited for warehouses with lower output volumes.
Automatic stretch wrapping machines are ideally suited for packaging operations with high volumes, in warehouses that operate at high speeds. Fully automatic stretch wrapping machines handle the entire wrapping process from beginning to end with no intervention needed.
If you are considering purchasing a pallet wrapping machine, you may be wondering what the benefits of using one are. They include:
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As well as the features of your pallet wrapping machine, you also need to consider factors surrounding your business and budget to decide whether a pallet wrapping machine is right for you. Some things to consider include:
The cost of pallet wrapping machines varies depending on which one you are looking to purchase. A semi-automatic pallet wrapping machine varies from approximately £4,000 to £6,000, whilst a fully automatic one ranges from approximately £6,000-£9,000.
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In the last article we discussed whether an automatic pallet wrap machine is worth the investment, and it really is, and it's time for you to make the switch to machine packaging.
But before you buy a pallet wrap machine, you should understand the key cost drivers behind the stretch wrapping. Once you have that, you have the key to finding the right machine. And over time, you can have a machine that costs less and performs well.
Here are the factors you need to consider before you buy a stretch wrap machine.
pallet wrapping machine
The cost of product damage is a hidden cost and one that most people don't notice. In-transit damage due to improper stretch wrapping is actually the biggest cost driver in stretch wrapping. Therefore, wrapping your goods effectively is the best thing anyone can do to reduce the risk of product damage during transit.
Compared to labor, the cost of machines is cheap. In particular, the more automated a stretch wrapping machine is, the less time it takes to operate the machine and the more products the machine wraps in the same amount of time. In the long run, labor costs are greatly reduced.
Pre-stretching reduces the costs associated with the film. Film conveying systems with powered pre-stretching can reduce film costs by at least 50% compared to manual winding or using older machines. The potential cost savings by switching to a higher pre-stretch depends on the volume of loads you wrap. If you are a large company that packages hundreds of shipments per day, the savings can be staggering.
Most wrappers require very little maintenance in the first few years. In those years, you may have to pay about 2% of the machine's cost. But just like a car, if it is not maintained, the cost of maintenance and repairs will increase as the machine ages. Even a good stretch wrapper needs regular preventive maintenance over its lifetime. This helps minimize any breakdowns and repair costs and keeps the machine running as properly as possible.
When people go to buy a new machine, the first thing they tend to look at is the price tag. But at the end of the day, the price tag isn't that important. In fact, the price has the least impact. When you spread the cost of an automatic stretch wrapper over the thousands of items it packs during its economic life, the machine cost per packaged item is low.
In summary, product damage, labor, and material costs are the biggest costs of pallet wrapping. A machine with features that can ease the burden of the top three cost drivers may cost more initially, but it will likely pay for itself in a relatively short period of time and cost much less to own and operate.