What you need to know! - MacKenzie and Partners Inc. - Packing Films, Systems and Solutions

Stretch wrappers are as varied as the companies that use them. When you are investigating the purchase of a stretch wrapper look at the following and base your purchase on your need now and in the future. Talk to a professional.

1) How many pallets do you wrap per day on average?

The answer you give will suggest the level of proficiency that is required in your operation. You may only need a manual machine if you are wrapping 5 or 6 pallets a day. Or a semi-automatic based on 10 to 20 pallets, a portable automatic if wrapping 50 pallets per day. Perhaps a fully automated inline system attached to an inline palletizer if wrapping more than 100 pallets per day.

2) Do you use, pallet jacks, powered walkies or forklifts?

Machines come in a variety of formats that will match your transportation systems. The most common machines purchased are low profile; that means they can be used with pallet jacks provided the load is light enough for a person to push it up an incline of about three inches over six feet. These machines can also be loaded with a forklift provided the forklift does not ride onto the turntable. A heavier duty ramp can be ordered if a powered walkie is to be used. Some plants only use forklift trucks, therefore a platform machine with a turntable about 12” off the ground is desirable. If a load is specifically unstable or if space is a limitation you may look at a rotary arm machine that can be used with all modes of conveyance.

3) What skill level is needed operate the equipment?

Most stretch wrappers are easily operated after a short training period. It is most important that the safety features of the machine be introduced at the onset. How to load the pallet on the turntable, loading the film, how to attach the film prior to machine startup and stabilize the film at the end of the wrap cycle are easily understood after a brief training session. The startup procedure is usually incorporated in the price of the machine.

4) What is a prestretch system?

A prestretch system is a devise that is incorporated into the machine that allows the roll of film to be stretched upwards to 300%. The pre stretching of film allows for greater yields = greater savings in film costs and also allows the film to be fed onto the pallet with very little pull being required by the pallet load itself. This is very advantageous if loads are light – less than 800 pounds or the products to be wrapped require protection from crushing. On the contrary conventional breaking systems that use the load to pull the film off the roll and use a clutch, as a breaking mechanism may be cheaper to purchase initially but the savings will be negated in increased film costs over time.

5) What about service and parts?

When purchasing any equipment always buy from a professional who specialize in the field. Companies selling soup to nuts, toilet paper to straws may discount the machine or the consumable film, however you may not be dealing with a supplier that will look after your after sales warranty and needs in a professional or timely manner. Get your maintenance people involved in the purchase – the best machines are the ones that provide you with non-proprietary parts that can be sourced locally. Make sure you understand the warranty period and the level of expertise you can expect from your provider if something needs to be repaired.

Deal only with a professional.

MacKenzie and Partners Inc. - Packing Films, Systems and Solutions