Does your warehouse need a reliable end-of-line packaging solution? If so, you need to consider turntable stretch wrappers. They’re specifically designed for operations that wrap less than 35 loads per hour.
The technology works by rotating the pallet load on a turntable. Simultaneously, a roll of stretch film on a roll carriage automatically travels up and down the load covering the load until it becomes completely wrapped.
That speeds up the packaging process, making the machine a lifesaver for shipping deadlines. If you want to improve your efficiency, turntable stretch wrappers are the way to go.
There are two different types of stretch wrap turntables—semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading as we explore semi- vs. fully automatic turntable stretch wrappers.
Semi-Automatic Turntables
A semi-automatic turntable requires an operator to share the workload. The machine will wrap the package automatically. But an operator must load the pallet on the turntable by pallet jack or forklift. The operator also needs to tie the film to the pallet. Then, they must press a start button on the machine or use a remote control for the machine’s wrap cycle to begin.
At the end of the wrap cycle, the operator cuts the film. The semi-automatic stretch wrapper may include an automatic film cutting device. In some cases, the machine will have a cutting and clamping unit that will cut the film and secure it into the clamping unit for the next pallet load. Approximately 50 percent of businesses are still wrapping loads by hand. Wrapping packages by hand is very time-consuming, leads to increased product damage, and only gets 60- to 80-percent pre-stretch of the film. This is costly, as many machine films can pre-stretch film 200 to 400 percent, which makes your film investment go further and saves your organization significant money over time.
If your warehouse is wrapping stable loads at a rate of up to 30 loads per hour, a semi-automatic turntable is ideal. It will improve your load containment. This will reduce product damage and save you money on stretch film.
Fully Automatic Turntables
As the name implies, this type of turntable stretch wrapper does not require an operator. As soon as the machine senses a load, the load will move into the wrap zone and begin the wrapping cycle. The stretch wrapper will automatically cut and secure the film into the clamp at the end of the wrap cycle. In some cases, all operators need to do is push a button. From there, the machine does everything else.
If your warehouse has a higher volume to deal with each day, you’ll want to go fully automatic. Fully automatic turntable stretch wrappers can wrap 40 or more loads per hour. Bear in mind that fully automatic turntables tend to cost more than semi-automatic.
The Verdict
After reviewing this article on semi- vs. fully automatic turntable stretch wrappers, you can hopefully decide which one is best for you. Ultimately, your decision will depend on the size of your operation and the volume of your pallet loads. A semi-automatic turntable will work out great if you have a lower demand. If your warehouse has more stringent demands, you’ll need a fully automatic turntable. Either way, these machines will drastically speed up your packaging process.
