The 7 Best Pallet Wrapping Techniques and Tools You'll ...

The demand for shipping pallets has soared due to the recent exponential rise in e-commerce activities.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from SMART WASP.

Is your company one of those that increased pallet shipments? Are you searching for ways to enhance your logistics process?

Pallet wrapping is an essential aspect of shipping. It secures your products to the pallet, protecting them from damage or loss during transit. Implementing effective pallet wrapping relies on selecting the appropriate tools and techniques.

Here, discover the necessary tools and materials for pallet wrapping along with helpful tips to perform it correctly.

Different Types of Pallet Stretch Wrap

Pallet wrap is a fundamental tool for effective pallet wrapping. Most stretch wraps are composed of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

You can choose between cast or blown wrap, as well as between hand wrap or machine wrap based on how you intend to wrap your pallets.

Cast Wrap

Cast LLDPE film is the most frequently used stretch wrap material. Its production is swift and cost-effective, making cast film an economical choice.

Cast stretch wraps are ideal for light- to medium-duty tasks. This wrap is flexible but can stretch too much after application, risking a shift in load.

Over-stretching of cast film could lead to tearing.

Blown Wrap

Blown LLDPE film boasts superior stretch and load capacity compared to cast film. It's notably resistant to tears and punctures, making it suitable for medium- to heavy-duty applications.

This type of stretch wrap has a one-sided cling feature preventing pallets from sticking to each other, and it retains its stretch after application. However, it can be trickier to apply and produces more noise during use. The production costs for blown film are also higher, which reflects in its price.

Hand Wrap

Hand stretch wraps are specifically designed for manual pallet wrapping and are available in both cast and blown varieties.

These rolls are lighter and smaller compared to machine wraps. Typically, hand rolls are about - ft long and weigh between 5-9 lbs, with widths ranging from 10-18 inches.

You can pick various thicknesses and stretch rates. A thicker film can resist punctures better but requires more force to apply.

Machine Wrap

Machine stretch wrap rolls can vary in width from 20-80 inches and can weigh more than 100 lbs. They are available in different thicknesses.

Machine wrap provides a higher stretch rate. The machine maintains a steady tension on the roll, achieving stretch rates of 200% to 250% or more, significantly leading to decreased wrapping costs.

Stretch Wrap Gauge Guide

Here’s a basic guideline for selecting the correct stretch wrap based on loads:

• 60 Gauge for loads up to lbs.

• 70 Gauge for loads up to lbs.

• 80 Gauge for loads up to lbs.

• 90 Gauge for loads up to lbs.

• 120 Gauge for loads up to lbs.

Choosing Between Manual and Machine Pallet Wrapping

You have the option to either wrap pallets by hand or utilize a wrapping machine.

Hand wrapping could be reasonable if your volume is low, with fewer than 50 pallets being wrapped a day. It is crucial to adhere to best practices to avoid injuries and loss of packaged goods.

For businesses wrapping larger quantities, stretch wrapping machines prove to be more efficient. Common types of machines include turntable wrappers, overhead wrappers, and robotic stretch wrappers.

While turntable and overhead wrappers are semi-automated, robotic wrappers function fully automatically.

Steps to Properly Wrap a Pallet

Regardless of whether you're wrapping manually or using a machine, the fundamental steps remain similar. These techniques will help guarantee your cargo arrives at its destination intact.

1. Prepare the Load

Selecting the appropriate pallet is the initial step. Ensure the pallet is the correct size and in good condition to support the entire weight of the shipment.

Ideally, stack your load uniformly from the bottom upwards, keeping items close together to facilitate easier wrapping and reduce shifting.

2. Select Your Equipment

Using a tool like a Nelson wrap dispenser can simplify manual pallet wrapping.

For frequent large shipments, investing in a pallet wrapping machine would be more beneficial. Choose a machine that suits your desired level of automation.

3. Attach the Stretch Wrap

Begin by pulling out some film and twisting it into a rope shape. You can weave it through the pallet slats or thread it through a corner, folding the remaining wrap over.

There's no need for knots since the film adheres to itself, making unpacking easier.

4. Wrap from Bottom to Top

Start wrapping from the base and spiral upwards, ensuring to wrap the base multiple times for added security.

As you ascend, allow the stretch wrap to overlap by about 50%. Program machines to achieve the desired overlap, while manual wrapping might require some estimation.

Wrap the top of the load multiple times for enhanced stability.

5. Maintain Proper Wrap Tension

Tension ensures the load is tightly packed. Use lighter tension for fragile items and higher tension for heavier loads to promote stability.

6. Double-Wrap if Needed

Upon reaching the top of the load, either tie it off or spiral back down.

Consider double-wrapping for additional stability, even though it may require more material.

7. Secure the Wrap

The final step in efficient pallet wrapping is securing the wrap. Once the load is solid, you may cut the film from the roll.

The company is the world’s best Hand and Machine Pallet Wrap supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

A practical finishing option involves tying the wrap's end to the load, although this can be time-consuming.

Alternatively, tucking the cut end into a seam enhances efficiency. The film bonds to itself, and the compression from the seam provides added security.

For extra stability, consider using pallet strapping, and tools like the StrapBandit can simplify this process.

Finding Quality Pallet Wrapping Tools and Supplies

Utilizing quality tools and materials enhances your pallet wrapping efficiency and security.

Pack Secure offers stretch wraps, dispensers, and other necessary tools to optimize your logistics. With over two decades of providing top-brand products, we are here to assist.

Contact us today and let’s design your ideal pallet wrapping solution.