FA7 Automatic Pallet Wrapping Machine Installation for Food Manufacturing

Case Study

Food and Beverage

FROMM Packaging Australia has installed a customised FA7 automatic inline rotary arm wrapping machine for a food manufacturer in Victoria. Designed for pallets weighing up to 1000 kg and up to 1650 mm high, the system combines automatic stretch wrapping with features tailored to the their production line and load requirements.

This installation included top platen, a central roller conveyor with pallet lifter, automatic cut and clamp with film welding against a contrast plate, and a low film alert. These features support fast, efficient and secure wrapping to meet the demands of a busy food manufacturing facility.

Meeting the demands of food manufacturing

For food manufacturers, pallet stretch wrapping needs to keep pace with production while securing products for handling and transport. The wrapping system must suit the pallet dimensions, load weights and conveyor layout, while providing consistent film application.

For this application, the specified production line capacity was 45 loads per hour. The solution needed to accommodate Australian standard sized pallets, and connect with existing conveyor equipment.

An FA7 configured for the production line

The FROMM FA7 uses a rotary arm to apply stretch film around a stationary pallet. Keeping the load stationary during wrapping avoids the rotational movement associated with a turntable, making this design suitable for applications where load stability is a priority.

The customised system includes a CA6 single motor film powered pre-stretch film carriage set at a 200% pre-stretch ratio.

Top platen to stabilise the load

A top platen provides support from above while the rotary arm applies film around the pallet. This assists in keeping the stacked products stable during the wrapping cycle and supports consistent film application around the load. For this food manufacturing application, the platen adds another level of load control alongside the stationary pallet wrapping design.

Pallet lifting for securing the wrap at the base

FROMM supplied a central roller conveyor with a pallet lifter, connecting the wrapping station to the surrounding conveyors.

The lifter raises the pallet 100 mm within the wrapping station, providing access for film application around the pallet base. This supports the connection between the load and pallet, an important part of securing products for subsequent handling and transport. The conveyor section was at a specified height of 500 mm to integrate into the existing production line.

A clean film finish without loose tails

The automatic film cut and clamp system manages the film at the end of each wrapping cycle, preparing the machine for the next pallet without manual film cutting or attachment.

The contrast plate provides a surface against which the film end is secured, producing a neat finish without loose film dags or tails. This reduces the risk of trailing film catching on downstream equipment or during pallet handling.

Advance notice for film roll changes

A low film alert gives operators advance notice that the roll is approaching the end. This allows them to prepare a replacement roll and plan the changeover, reducing the likelihood of a longer unexpected interruption to the production line.

Controls and sensors for inline wrapping

The installation features an Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC and PanelView Plus 7 HMI. with a separate pedestal for the operator interface and buttons.

SICK photo eyes and sensors support pallet detection, while safety inputs and outputs provide connection to the external safety system.

From installation to everyday use

The project scope included installation, commissioning, operator training and handover by FROMM technicians. These services support the transition from equipment installation to day-to-day use, giving the team practical guidance on machine operation.

The FROMM FA7 is also supported by our standard two year equipment warranty and national service team.

A tailored wrapping solution for Australian Food Manufacturing

This installation demonstrates how the FA7 can be configured around a food manufacturer's pallet specifications and production requirements. The rotary arm design, top platen, pallet lifter and automatic film finishing system work together to support consistent load containment and efficient inline wrapping.

Looking for an automatic pallet wrapping solution for your business? Contact FROMM on 1800 940 356 or info@fromm-pack.com.au to discuss your application.

FAQs Automatic Wrapping for Food & Beverage Manufacturers

An automatic pallet wrapping machine applies stretch film around palletised products to secure them for handling, storage and transport. Inline systems, such as the FROMM FA7, connect with production line conveyors and automatically apply, cut and secure the film, reducing manual involvement in the wrapping process. The type of automatic wrapper that is best is determined by individual product specifications.

A rotary arm pallet wrapper keeps the pallet stationary while the film carriage rotates around it. This is suitable for food and beverage applications where rotating the load could affect stability, particularly with lightweight products, tall stacks or heavier pallet loads.

A top platen supports the load from above during the wrapping cycle, assisting in keeping stacked products in position as film is applied. On this FA7 installation, the top platen provides additional stability for food product pallets measuring up to 1650 mm high.

A pallet lifter raises the pallet within the wrapping station, allowing film to be applied around the pallet base. This supports a secure connection between the products and the pallet. This installation includes a 100 mm pallet lifter within a 3000 mm central roller conveyor.

The FA7 installation uses an automatic cut and clamp system with a contrast plate to secure the film end after wrapping. This produces a neat finish without loose film dags or tails, reducing the risk of trailing film catching on conveyors or other handling equipment.

Yes. The FROMM FA7 can be configured to connect with upstream and downstream conveyors. Conveyor dimensions, controls, sensors and safety connections are selected to suit the application. For this food manufacturing installation, FROMM supplied the central conveyor section with a pallet lifter to connect with surrounding conveyor equipment.

The required configuration depends on pallet dimensions, load weight, wrapping pattern and production speed. This customised FA7 installation was specified for 1000 kg pallets, a pallet height of up to 1650 mm and a production capacity of 45 pallets per hour. FROMM assesses each application to determine the appropriate machine configuration.

Powered pre-stretch extends the film before it is applied to the pallet, increasing the usable length obtained from each roll. This FA7 installation includes 200% powered pre-stretch film delivery. Actual film consumption depends on the film selected, load requirements and wrapping settings.

A low film alert notifies operators when the stretch film roll is approaching the end. This gives the team time to prepare a replacement and plan the roll change, reducing the likelihood of an unexpected interruption to pallet wrapping.