When your business relies on moving good fast, effective supply chain management and the ability to efficiently and securely package products is crucial.
Pallet wrappers play an indispensable role in this process by ensuring that goods are securely wrapped for storage or transportation, which helps in minimising damage and loss.
The choice of the right pallet wrapper can significantly impact operational efficiency, product safety, and overall cost savings.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the things you should think about when you’re considering getting a pallet wrapper for your business, including the types of pallet wrappers available and the key features you need to know about.
Understand your wrapping needs
Before diving into buying a pallet wrapper it’s important to take a step back and think about why you actually need one and if you do, if there are any special considerations you need to consider. Here are some key things you should think about:
Volume of Packaging
Analysing your current and future packaging needs is essential. If your business is growing, investing in a more advanced wrapper that can handle increased volume without significant upgrades may be prudent. If you’re under pressure with your current load, is a new pallet wrapper going to solve that problem and/or potentially increase your capacity?
Being aware of the number of pallets you’re wrapping on average in a day, week and/or month, can also offer guidance in terms of the type of machine that’s right for your needs.
Product Characteristics
Consider the variety of products you handle. Different products may require different types of film, wrapping patterns, and tension settings. For instance, fragile items need a wrapper that can apply film gently yet securely, or oversized, awkwardly shaped, or sharp products may need a stronger film.
To help you further understand your wrapping needs, we have a list of questions we ask all of our customers to help find the right pallet wrapper for them. You can read these here.
What are the different types of pallet wrappers?
There are different types of pallet wrappers that can suit various needs – which is why it’s important for you to have an idea of the volume of pallets you’re wrapping and the types of goods. Here are the most common types of pallet wrappers:
Manual Wrappers: These are the most basic form, where the operator manually applies the stretch film around the pallet. Ideal for businesses with minimal wrapping needs or as a backup option.
Semi-Automatic Wrappers: These machines typically involve the operator placing the pallet and initiating the wrapping cycle. The machine then applies the film based on preset parameters. They are great for medium-volume packaging and offer a good balance between automation and cost.
Automatic Wrappers: Designed for high efficiency, these wrappers can automatically wrap pallets without operator intervention, once the pallet is placed on the turntable. They often come with advanced features like conveyor systems for pallet loading and unloading, and programmable wrapping patterns. These are ideal for operations with high-volume, repetitive wrapping needs.
Key Features to Consider
In addition to different types of pallet wrappers, there are also a lot of different features that can enhance your wrapping capabilities and even save you money. Here are some of key features that can help improve efficiency and ensure you’re running a safe and effective operation:
- Pre-Stretch Capability: Machines with a higher pre-stretch rate (up to 200% or more) can significantly reduce film usage. This not only cuts down on material costs but also is better for the environment.
- Control Options: Consider wrappers with programmable control panels that can store multiple wrapping recipes. This is especially useful if you handle a variety of products with different wrapping requirements.
- Load Capacity and Turntable Size: Ensure the turntable can accommodate the size and weight of your largest pallets. Overloading a pallet wrapper can lead to breakdowns and safety hazards.
- Adjustable Speeds and Film Tension: These features allow for customisation according to the specific load – heavier loads might require tighter wraps at a slower pace, for instance.
- Safety Features: Comprehensive safety features, like emergency stop, enabling buttons, warning alarms, and on larger machines, safety fencing are essential to protect operators and other workers.
- Footprint and Layout Compatibility: Assess the space in your facility. Some wrappers can be quite large, so it’s crucial to choose a model that fits comfortably in your available space without disrupting other operations.
Maintenance and Durability of Your Wrapper
Like any machine, a pallet wrapper does require some maintenance to ensure it not only lasts a long time but actually maintains high performance too. When buying a pallet wrapper some things you should be aware of include:
Ease of Maintenance: Look for models that are known for their ease of maintenance. Quick access to parts and simple procedures for routine checks can reduce downtime.
Build Quality: The construction material (like steel frames), motor quality, and overall design contribute to the longevity of the machine.
Warranty and Support: A comprehensive warranty and reliable customer support are vital. Inquire about the availability of spare parts and the average response time for service calls.
Financial Factors and Budget Considerations
Pallet wrappers can create efficiencies and make a significant difference in the volume of pallets that you can shift in a day, however, there are costs to consider. Some of the important factors to consider include:
- Initial Purchase vs. Operational Costs: While the initial purchase price is a significant factor, also consider operational costs like film, energy usage, and maintenance. A more expensive model might offer efficiencies that reduce these ongoing costs.
- ROI Analysis: Conduct a return on investment analysis to understand how the pallet wrapper will contribute to cost savings over time.
Are you looking for high quality pallet wrappers in Australia?
Selecting the right pallet wrapper is a strategic decision that can affect multiple facets of your business, from operational efficiency to cost management and product integrity. So, it’s important that you get your pallet wrapper and packaging materials from a team that knows what they are doing.
Here at Melbourne Packaging Supplies, we’ve been supplying pallet wrappers and packaging solutions to businesses of all sizes Australia-wide for more than 40 years. We can offer guidance, support and of course a range of the highest quality pallet wrappers in Australia. Get in touch with us today by calling 1300 396 835.
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