Pallet Wrapping Machines: What They Are & How They Work

07 Jun 2022

Stretch Wrapping Machines

Over the past few decades, technology has reshaped the way companies package and ship their products. Gone are the days of slow, labour-intensive methods. Before pallet wrapping technologies emerged, businesses relied on manual processes that were both time-consuming and prone to inconsistency.

Now, pallet wrapping machines have revolutionised the packaging industry. These specialised machines make wrapping faster, more precise, and significantly easier to manage. With their ability to streamline operations, they not only improve efficiency but also provide enhanced protection for goods during transit.

Curious about the different types of pallet wrap available? Check out our pallet wrap guide for more information.

What Is A Pallet Wrapping Machine?

A pallet wrapping machine automates your packaging process with precision and care. This sophisticated system wraps pallets securely with stretch film, transforming loose loads into stable, well-protected units ready for storage or transport. By handling goods in bulk with consistent tension and coverage, these machines significantly reduce the risk of product damage while ensuring your shipments arrive at their destination exactly as they left your facility.

Manually wrapping pallets is always an option, but it comes with limitations. A pallet wrapping machine offers significant advantages: faster wrapping, consistent results, and greater reliability. By applying the right amount of containment force, these machines ensure your goods are wrapped efficiently. This not only saves time but also reduces material waste, making them an essential tool for businesses managing high volumes of shipments.

What Are The Different Types of Pallet Wrapping Machines?

All pallet wrapping machines are built with one key purpose: to secure goods with stretch film, ensuring safe transport and reliable storage. While their goal remains the same, their designs and features can vary significantly. Whether you need an automatic or semi-automatic machine, there’s a solution perfectly suited to your specific requirements.

Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machines

Automatic pallet wrapping machines streamline your entire packaging process. Watch as your pallets glide smoothly into the wrap zone on roller conveyors, where precise mechanisms apply stretch film with perfect tension every time. The system then efficiently delivers your wrapped pallets to the end of the line, ready for immediate transport. For high-volume operations where consistent speed matters, these machines deliver exceptional performance without compromising on wrap quality or load security.

Semi-Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machines

Semi-automatic pallet wrapping machines strike the perfect balance in pallet wrapping technology. Your operator loads the pallet and makes precise adjustments, while the machine handles the critical wrapping process with consistent, reliable results. These versatile systems adapt easily to different packaging requirements, making them an excellent choice for businesses with moderate production volumes. The combination of human oversight and mechanical precision ensures both flexibility and efficiency in your daily operations.

Orbital Wrapping Machines

Orbital wrapping machines are designed for irregularly shaped or oversized items. They apply stretch film horizontally, making them ideal for long items like pipes or panels. To explore this solution, check out our page on orbital wrapping machines.

Stretch Hood Machines

Stretch hood machines secure loads by applying a hood of stretch film, offering exceptional stability and protection. These are perfect for high-volume operations requiring maximum load security. Learn more about stretch hood machines.

What Is Pallet Wrap?

Pallet wrap is a game-changer in modern logistics. This highly stretchable plastic film has revolutionised the way businesses secure goods for storage and transport. Designed for maximum stability, it keeps your valuable cargo safe at every stage of handling, reducing the risk of damage.

What is Pallet Wrap Made Of?

Most commonly, pallet wrap is crafted from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a material known for its strength and flexibility. This makes it both cost-effective and incredibly reliable.

The manufacturing process is just as impressive. Resin pellets are heated and compressed at precise temperatures to create a material that balances stretch and durability. It’s this combination of flexibility and robustness that makes pallet wrap a trusted choice for businesses across industries. Whether you're protecting goods in storage or ensuring safe transport, pallet wrap gets the job done.

Shrink Film vs Stretch Film: Which is Better?

Choosing between shrink film and stretch film demands careful consideration of your unique packaging requirements. Both films excel at securing goods, but they serve distinctly different purposes in the packaging world. While equally popular in their respective applications, these materials differ significantly in their appearance, practical uses, and product compatibility.

Shrink Film

Appearance: Forms a tight, glossy wrap around products when heat is applied.
Applications: Commonly used for retail packaging and food products.
Best Suited For: Small, lightweight items or individually packaged goods.

Stretch Film

Appearance: Clear and elastic, it wraps tightly around items without requiring heat.
Applications: Ideal for palletised loads, offering stability and protection.

Best Suited For: Bulk items or irregularly shaped goods in industrial setting

So, why should you use a stretch wrapping machine?

Switching from manual wrapping to a pallet wrapping machine can transform your packaging operations. These machines provide a range of benefits that go beyond simply saving time:

Increased protection of goods

Ensures secure wrapping to reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Consistently applies the correct containment force, keeping your shipments stable and intact.

Reduces workload and labour associated costs

Minimises manual effort, allowing your team to focus on other critical tasks.
Reduces physical strain and repetitive motion injuries often caused by hand-wrapping.

Minimised waste

Uses the precise amount of stretch film, cutting down on material costs.
Improves efficiency by maximising the stretch capacity of each film roll—up to 300% with machines compared to 10–20% manually.

Enhanced Efficiency

Automates the wrapping process, saving time and increasing throughput.
Handles high volumes of pallets seamlessly, making it ideal for fast-paced operations.

Cost Savings

Reduces overall expenses by optimising film usage and minimising waste.
Lowers long-term costs by investing in durable, reliable wrapping technology.

Consistent Results

Guarantees uniform wrapping every time, ensuring loads are safely secured.
Eliminates errors caused by inconsistent hand-wrapping techniques.

Improved Workplace Safety

Reduces risks associated with manual handling and repetitive tasks.
Enhances safety standards in your warehouse or packaging area.

Environmentally Friendly Practices

Minimises film waste, supporting sustainability goals.
Efficient use of materials reduces your overall environmental impact.

Partner With FROMM Packaging Australia for Reliable Pallet Wrapping Machines

FROMM Packaging Australia stands ready as your trusted partner for pallet wrapping solutions. Whether you're looking to purchase or explore options for pallet wrapping machine hire, we deliver innovative options tailored to your unique operational requirements. From state-of-the-art automatic systems to versatile semi-automatic machines, we meet diverse industry needs with uncompromising quality.

Ready to transform your packaging operations? Explore our comprehensive range of pallet wrapping machines, or contact us today. We're here to help your business achieve new levels of efficiency and reliability in your packaging processes.