Tips For Using Your Pallet Wrapping Machine — Gateway Packaging
Did you know that you could be wasting both money and resources when it comes to your pallet wrapping machine?
In this blog, we have listed our top 7 tips for using your pallet wrapping machine more effectively!
We are all for helping our customers save time, money and work more efficiently!
So let’s dive into how exactly you can do that with your stretch wrap film.
1. Ensure the stretch film is the right type for your requirements.
Without trying to confuse the issue, there are many types of stretch wrap film for different applications. Making sure you are using the right type is critical to ensuring the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the wrap.
Cast stretch films are generally clear and glossy, they have high tear resistance, and unwind quietly with consistent cling and consistent film thickness.
Blown stretch film is not as transparent as cast film. It has excellent puncture resistance, is noisier to apply and unwind and has a higher retention force on the load.
Hand Stretch Film is designed to be applied manually and is typically used in lower volume packaging operations. When you need to wrap something on the spot, or you do not have a wrapping machine then hand stretch film is the answer. In order for you to dispense hand film easily, special plastic dispensers can also be supplied when you purchase.
Machine stretch film has good stretchability and high cling characteristics.  This is a perfect combination for wrapping pallets ensuring superior load retention.  It has high puncture resistance and toughness enabling faster application. The product’s superior stretch capability allows you to achieve an increase in the number of pallets you can wrap, thus saving you money.
Perforated or ventilated film, as it is also known as, is perfect for transporting loads that need fast cooling or freezing, or products threatened by humidity, rust, mold or condensation. It allows for airflow between the product being wrapped and the outside environment.
2. Ensure you are using a high-quality stretch wrap film.
A cheaper product can often be more alluring due to that exact fact, it’s cheaper.
However, cheaper is often not the better option. Generally, a cheaper stretch wrap is of much lesser quality which means it is more likely to tear, not have sufficient strength, require more volume to complete the job and leave more residue on machine wrappers. This all adds up to a poor user experience, and you will most likely be ‘out of pocket’ over time.
Paying a little more for a higher quality product will achieve a more efficient result thus creating savings in product protection.
3. Manage the amount of overlap the machine is applying.
Between 25 – 50% overlap is what you should be aiming for.
Less than this and the wrap will be weak and unstable. More than 50% overlap is excess and a waste of wrap.
Having your operations department keep a close eye on these measurements is pivotal in maximising the efficiency of your stretch film and minimising wastage.
4. Check the tension levels
Ensure that the tension levels are calibrated to ensure that you applying the wrap that the most efficient rate.
A lack of tension will mean that your wrap is applied too loose and this lack of tension will result in load instability and insecurity. Too much tension means that the stretch will be weak and potentially break or shift the load on the pallet.
5. Check the rollers are clean and stretch wrap is threaded correctly
It is always wise to ensure that preventative and scheduled maintenance is conducted on your equipment to keep it in top working condition.
The rollers on machine wrappers can become dirty and sticky due to a residue left over from large amounts of wrap being used.
Keeping the rollers clean will ensure that the wrap is passing through the rollers in the most efficient way.
Also make sure that the stretch wrap film is correctly threaded through the rollers.
Generally, there will be a diagram to follow on the individual machine or in the user manual.
6. Use a top sheet to effectively protect the pallet and increase the ease of wrapping.
Top Sheets are placed over the top of pallets that are being wrapped so as to enclose the pallet. They are designed to protect the top of the pallet from dust or water during transit or storage.
Top Sheets come on a perforated roll for easy tear-off application and are available in clear or black. Using a top sheet also prevents time-consuming, awkward attempts at wrapping over the top edge of a pallet.
7. Check-in with the machine operator/s to ensure everything is in good working order.
Making sure that you are communicating with those operating the machine and handling the wrap is an important step. They are the ones that will be able to alert you to any issues that need addressing or maintenance that is due.
We hope that these 7 tips will enable you to maximise your stretch wrap efficiencies within your business!
You can find out more about our extensive range of high-quality Paxum stretch wrap film here.
To find out more about our range of pallet wrapping machines, click here.
What are your tips when it comes to pallet wrapping?
Do you do it by hand or using a pallet wrapping machine?
We would love to get your feedback in the comments below!
