Warehouse wrapper

Types of Warehouse Wrapper

Packaging is an essential part of logistics and supply chain management. The packaging needs to be done in a way to ensure that the products remain intact when they reach their final destination. This is where a warehouse wrapper comes into play. A warehouse wrapper is used to stretch-wrap products onto pallets to secure and stabilize them. Stretch wrapping not only secures the product but also presents an opportunity for retail to see the product through transparent wrapping.

Wrapping products are done manually using handheld warehouse wrappers or automatically using a pallet-wrapping machine. Manual warehouse wrappers are suitable for fewer quantities of products that need to be wrapped, while automatic wrappers are ideal for high-volume packaging. Automatic wrappers are also safer than manual warehouse wrappers because they keep the wrapper away from the operator while wrapping the product.

Warehouse wrappers come in two main types: top frame warehouse wrappers and turntable warehouse wrappers. A top frame warehouse wrapper is made with a top shelf and a vertical column with a motor and adjustable film holder. The product is placed on the bottom shelf, and as the shelves turn, the warehouse wrapper is moved up and down to stretch and wrap the film around the product. In a turntable warehouse wrapper, the product is wrapped in a circular motion. The product is placed on a circular platform that turns while the warehouse wrapper moves up and down to stretch and wrap the film around the product.

Both types of wrappers have the same goal: to wrap and secure products onto pallets using stretch film. Aside from top frame and turntable warehouse wrappers, other automatic and semi-automatic warehouse wrappers are available, such as:

• Rotary Arm Automatic Warehouse Wrapper: A rotary arm warehouse wrapper has wrap-on-demand technology, which means the wrapping starts when the product is placed within the wrapping zone. To wrap the product, the wrapper’s arm rotates the stretch film around the product in an upward motion and then back down in a downward motion to complete the wrapping.
• Fully Enclosed Automatic Warehouse Wrapper: Wrapped packages can be fully enclosed in sheets, hoods, and side sheets to provide top and side protection for the product. This type of wrapper offers full protection for the product from dirt, dust, and moisture.
• Intermittent Motion Automatic Warehouse Wrapper: An intermittent motion automatic warehouse wrapper will wrap the product at a constant speed. This wrapper is ideal for bundles with non-uniform dimensions.

Specifications and maintenance of warehouse wrappers

Maintenance

Regular maintenance techniques are necessary for ensuring the stable performance and long-lasting use of the automatic pallet warehouse wrapper.

• Regular inspection

  Users should perform routine inspections of the pallet wrapper to check the film holder, belts, wrapping arms, and other components for signs of wear, damage, or loss. Any issues should be addressed in a timely manner to avoid potential risks.

• Cleaning

  Cleaning the pallet warehouse wrappers regularly is vital. The surfaces of the machines, as well as the wrapping film holder, tracks, and other parts, should be cleaned in order to remove dirt, dust, and film residues. Only mild detergents and non-abrasive cleaning tools should be used to avoid damaging the equipment.

• Lubrication

  Appropriate lubrication should be provided for the moving parts of the pallet warehouse wrappers, such as bearings, gears, and chains, etc. Lubricants of quality should be used to reduce friction and wear, thus prolonging the service life of the equipment.

• Adjustment

  Users can adjust and fine-tune the parameters and wrapping speeds of the pallet wrappers according to their specific wrapping needs, as well as the stability and efficiency of the equipment. Regular adjustments and optimizations can help the equipment operate better and more stably.

• Maintain a clean environment

  It is critical in protecting the longevity of the warehouse wrapping machines to maintain a clean environment around them. The areas surrounding the equipment should be kept free of flammable and explosive substances, as well as dust and garbage, to reduce the impact on the equipment and the risk of failure.

Usage scenarios for warehouse wrappers

The following industries have benefited from installing warehouse wrappers on their premises:

• Manufacturing industry

  Warehouse wrappers are commonly used in the manufacturing industry to secure and wrap large, heavy, and bulky products for transportation. They are often used to wrap goods on pallets, such as furniture, sports facilities, home renovation materials, and other equipment. Warehouse wrappers help stabilize and secure multiple stacked items on pallets, preventing movement and damage during transit, especially for fragile products like glass and ceramics. Warehouse wrappers are also used to wrap and secure heavy machinery and equipment to protect them from damage and ensure safe handling.

• Logistics and warehousing

  In the logistics and warehousing industry, warehouse pallet wrappers play a vital role in securing and packaging goods for storage and transportation. They are widely used to wrap and palletize products, boxes, and containers for shipment, ensuring stability, security, and protection during transit. Stretch film wrappers, for example, help optimize storage space by securely wrapping and stacking items on pallets, maximizing warehouse storage efficiency. Warehouse wrappers are also used to wrap and secure individual packages and parcels for distribution, labeling, and tracking purposes.

• Retail and e-commerce

  Warehouse wrappers are also widely used in the retail and e-commerce industry to secure and package products for sale and distribution. They are commonly used to wrap and palletize merchandise, inventory, and goods for retail stores and distribution centers, ensuring product integrity and presentation. Warehouse wrappers are also used to wrap and secure individual orders and packages for e-commerce fulfillment and shipping, protecting the products and maintaining order accuracy. Additionally, warehouse wrappers can be used to wrap and secure display units, promotional stands, and seasonal merchandise for retail spaces and trade shows.

• Food and beverage

  Warehouse wrappers find applications in the food and beverage industry for securing and packaging food products and beverages. They are commonly used to wrap and palletize bottled beverages, canned goods, and packaged food items for transportation and distribution, ensuring product safety and quality. Warehouse wrappers are also used in food processing facilities to secure and stabilize equipment, utensils, and ingredients during transportation between production areas. Moreover, warehouse wrappers can be used in the cold chain industry to wrap and secure temperature-sensitive products, such as frozen and refrigerated items, for cold storage and transportation.

How to choose a warehouse wrapper

Consider the following factors when purchasing a warehouse package:

• Size Range of Packages

  Different wrappers have varying size capacities, which may affect their efficiency in wrapping consistently and tightly for all types of packages.

• Flexibility in Wrap Types

  With many different types of wraps available, ranging from shrink film to stretch film with varying levels of adhesive, it's important to consider the wrapper's ability to accommodate different wrap types.

• Packaging Speed and Volume

  Determine your required packaging speed and volume to ensure that the chosen package is not a bottleneck in your production line. This may depend upon your average daily/weekly/monthly packaging requirements.

• Wrap Quality and Consistency

  Consider the quality and consistency of the wrap provided by different wrappers, as it can affect the protection, presentation, and customer satisfaction of your packaged products.

• Power Requirements and Capacity

  Different warehouse wrappers have different power requirements, such as operating on a standard AC power supply or battery, and capacity. Choose one whose power source and capacity can meet your wrapping demands.

Warehouse wrapper FAQ

Q1: Are warehouse wrappers safe to use?

A1: Yes, warehouse wrappers are safe to use. However, the users' safety will greatly depend on the wrapping machine type and how it is operated. To enhance safety, choose a wrapper that comes with safety features and as obeyed by the safety standards.

Q2: Can warehouse wrappers be customized?

A2: Yes, many warehouse wrappers can be customized to colors, sizes, or features. This is especially for the ones used for branding.

Q3: How long can someone use a warehouse wrapper?

A3: There is no specific duration for using a warehouse wrapper. Some may use for a few months while others for several years. Basically, the duration will depend on the quality of the wrapper, how it is used, and how well it is maintained.

Q4: What maintenance does a warehouse wrapper need?

A4: Warehouse wrappers don't demand much maintenance. Most just need regular cleaning and periodic inspections to check for damages. Lubricating moving parts is also advisable, especially those in wrapping machines with rollers.