Semi and fully-automatic stretch wrappers allow your workers to quickly and safely wrap your skids for shipment. They significantly cut down on manual labor and improve overall efficiencies.
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However, determining which type best suits your needs can be challenging. Throughput, load uniformity, space constraints, and budget are just a few considerations that you'll need to evaluate.
Read on to learn more about semi and fully-automatic pallet wrappers and how to decide which one is right for you.
Semi-automatic wrappers require a human operator to drive the pallet onto the turntable and secure the film to the load.
Once the worker pushes the 'Start' button, the machine wraps the pallet according to the pre-selected wrap program.
Several semi-automatic stretch wrapper models can be ideal for low-to-medium operations that need to wrap anywhere from 20 to 300 loads daily.
For example, the Model UL Ultra-Low enables loading pallets without using a long ramp, thereby saving precious floor space.
Some machines, such as the Handle It® Model 850PS, come with a 250% power pre-stretch film carriage. This feature provides efficient film usage and can save thousands of dollars annually.
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Semi-automatic wrappers range in price from $5,000 ' $15,000, plus add-on accessories.
Check out our semi-automatic stretch wrap machine comparison table to see which model suits your packaging operation.
Automatic pallet wrapping machines offer increased performance and improved efficiency. They're ideal for packaging operations that need to wrap many loads daily. As their name implies, fully automatic wrappers require little human intervention.
The forklift operator drives the pallet onto the turntable, backs away, and then presses a button on the remote control.
The wrap machine will size up the load via an onboard photo-eye, select the ideal wrapping program, and then secure the start of the wrap.
Once the process is completed, the machine cuts the film and secures the tail end. This makes it a completely seamless operation and allows the operator to stay on their forklift for the entire cycle.
Fully automatic and rotary arm stretch wrappers range in price from $50,000 and up, depending on the project requirements This type of equipment eliminates all of the labor associated with the wrapping process. Check out our automatic stretch wrapper comparison table to see which model is right for your packaging operation.
Semi-automatic and automatic stretch wrappers each have different advantages. For example, semi-automatics provide flexibility for irregular loads and varying pallet sizes with operator oversight. Alternatively, automatics streamline high volumes of uniform-sized pallets.
Semi-automatics require manual loading but enable customizing settings per pallet. Automatics work continuously with no oversight but only suit consistent, standardized pallets.
Consider your throughput, load consistency, and labor goals when choosing between the two types of stretch wrappers.
FeatureSemi-AutomaticAutomaticThroughputUp to 100 pallets/day100+ pallets/dayPallet UniformityVarying sizes and shapesFixed standard sizeLoad TypeIrregular loads possibleUniform A-type loads onlyOperationManual pallet loading. The operator starts the wrapping cycleContinuous automatic operationAdjustmentsSettings adjusted per palletPreset settings are harder to changeLabor NeedsOperator loading/unloadingLittle direct oversight neededTrainingBasic trainingTraining for the technician for maintenance is advisedCostLower initial investmentUp to 5x initial investmentFlexibilityAdaptable to varying palletsOptimized for consistent palletsPallet FlowIndividual palletsInline conveyor systemLoad StabilityCan wrap irregular loadsBoxes falling risks total line stoppageCustomizationSettings fully adjustableLimited between presetsIn summary, automatic wrappers provide fully unattended operation at high speeds but require a more considerable capital investment. Semi-automatic machines have a lower upfront cost but involve operator labor that can limit throughput.
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The main difference between full and semi-automatic pallet wrappers is the manual effort required to operate the machine. However, depending on the model, they both share several benefits, such as:
Semi-automatic machines provide more flexibility because they are not in line with a conveyor. Automatic machines are more limited in terms of pallet width and depth, and they're typically better for wrapping A-load pallets.
Automatic stretch wrappers operate without human interaction. If unstable B or C loads shift, they can cause full line stoppages. Alternatively, a semi-automatic pallet wrapper allows the forklift driver to stop and rewrap a shifting B or C load without causing a stoppage.
Several other considerations can help you determine which model stretch wrapper will work best for your packaging operations:
Loads Per Day'How many pallets do you need to wrap daily? Each model varies in how many loads they can wrap per hour or day.
Film Savings'Is saving film a concern? If so, consider models with a power pre-stretch feature to ensure maximum film savings.
Warehouse Space'How much floor space can you allot to a stretch wrapping machine? If available space is a concern, consider the Model UL. It offers a unique frame design that's ideal for smaller areas.
Pallet Jacks or Forklifts'Using manual or electric pallet jacks for loading? We have several ramp options to improve safety and efficiency.
Film Flexibility'Semi-automatic wrappers are ideal for accommodating multiple film types, like colored or printed rolls for seasonal packaging. The operator can switch film types between pallets while automatics are optimized for consistent film.
Integration'Automatic stretch wrappers integrate well at the end of the line, and with conveyor systems, matching high throughput operations. Semi-automatics create a start-and-stop workflow between pallets rather than continuous operation. Consider how wrapping fits your overall automation ecosystem.
Fully automatic and semi-automatic pallet wrappers offer many advantages, such as increased efficiency, faster wrapping speeds, and quick ROI. The ideal stretch wrapper should closely meet your workflow, speed, load type, and labor availability needs.
Check out our semi-automatic and fully automatic stretch wrappers below to discover the right stretch wrapper for your facility.
Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines
Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines
BACKLEONARDO ' It's truly a unique solution encompassing the latest innovations and technology. Leonardo can solve virtually any requirement in the wrapping of palletized and not-palletized forklift loads. This self-moving robot has compact overall dimensions and reduced weight in order to navigate tight space confines. Leonardo also offers complex Rotation System around the pallet with a Touching Wheeler, therefore it can work in a small working area that is smaller than the other pallet-wrapping robots. Its film carriage with built-in motorized power-pre stretch system is a major advantage over lesser competitors.
LEONARDO SP ' It's not easy to improve upon the best stretch-wrapping robot on the market, but that's exactly what we did in launching Leonardo SP. Leonardo SP is fast, efficient and extremely easy to operate. When you need a machine that goes to the pallet and not vice versa, your choice must be Leonardo SP. It has a maximum pallet-wrapping height of mm or use an extended mast option to mm.
ROBOT LEO ' The most compact and genial robotic pallet wrapper in the world is Robot Leo. It operates in a restricted working area due to its compact overall dimensions and electric maneuvering system. Leo has a fixed mass for pallet loads up to mm in height, and a semi automatic stretch capability. This is the best system when you're on a budget but still need the benefits of automation.
COSMO ' Cosmo is the only pallet wrapping robot circling the load without a direct contact. It is the only suitable solution for loads with overhanging parts, with an irregular base (due to either to the pallet conformation or the characteristics of the products loaded on it) which may block the detecting wheel in the 'traditional' robotic pallet wrapper. Cosmo is considered a semi automatic stretch wrapper.
HERCULES ' For smaller pallet wrapping requirements Hercules may be the answer. This unit is a manual but still yields two systems for the price of one. Hercules is both a lifter and a stretch wrapper. Thanks to the 'TRANSFORMER' device, the lifter handles the stacking of the pallet, while Hercules can be immediately converted into a stretch-film wrapper, without parts to be mounted or removed.
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