Stretch Wrap Machines and Strapping Machines

Compare STRETCH WRAP MACHINES and STRAPPING MACHINES that are at the end of manufacturing lines or distribution centers. The Stretch Wrap Machine is the final step for some products while Strapping Machines or Pallet Strappers are the final step for other products prior to warehousing or shipping. Stretch wrap machines come in three types:

1. Turn table stretch wrappers. These are the most common and least expensive of the stretch wrapping machines. Here, the pallet is placed on the turn table. The plastic film is attached to the pallet at the bottom of the load. This can be done manually or automatically. The turn table rotates while the film dispenser moves upward covering the load with film. The film tension is very tight, stretching the film. This in turn, holds the load very tight. At the top of the load, the film is cut and tucked under the previous layer of film
2. Overhead stretch wrapper, rotary arm or straddle stretch wrapper. Here the plastic film dispenser is supported by 3 or 4 legs which hold the film overhead. The load is placed underneath. The film is attached to the pallet and the film dispenser rotates around the load upward until the whole load is wrapped. This method is of advantage for very heavy loads, because the load can be set on the ground. Also, this is of advantage for unstable loads because the pallet stands still.

Horizontal stretch wrapper. While the turn table and overhead machines are mostly standard machines, the horizontal wrappers are custom machines. They are designed for long loads that are fed horizontally through a ring wrapping