Demand
for shipping pallets is surging in response
to the recent dramatic growth in e-commerce.
Is your
business one of the many needing to handle more pallet shipments than in the
past? Are you looking for ways to improve your logistics?
Pallet
wrapping is a critical part of the shipping process. It secures your goods to
the pallet and prevents damage or loss during distribution. Efficient pallet
wrapping depends on using the right tools and the right techniques.
Learn
more here about the tools and supplies you'll need for pallet wrapping along
with tips for wrapping pallets the right way.
Types of Pallet Stretch Wrap
Pallet
wrap is one of the most important tools you'll need for efficient pallet
wrapping. Most stretch wrap is made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
You can
choose cast or blown wrap. You'll also need to select hand wrap or machine wrap
depending on how you wrap your pallets.
Cast Wrap
Cast
LLDPE film is the most common stretch wrap material. The production process is
quick and inexpensive. This means cast film is usually the most economical
option.
Cast
stretch wraps are suitable for light- to medium-duty applications. Cast film
stretches easily. It can stretch even after you apply it, though, which can
allow the load to shift.
If cast
film stretches too much, it will tear.
Blown Wrap
Blown
LLDPE film has a higher stretch and higher load capacity than cast film. It's
very tear-resistant and puncture-resistant. Blown stretch wrap is suitable for
medium- to heavy-duty applications.
Blown
stretch wrap has one-sided cling. Pallets won't stick to each other. Blown film
won't keep stretching after you apply it. It has better stretch memory.
However, it's harder to apply.
Blown
wrap also makes more noise when you use it. The production process for blown
film is more expensive, which makes the stretch wrap cost more.
Hand Wrap
Hand
stretch wrap is designed for manual pallet wrapping. It's available in cast or
blown wrap.
The
rolls are smaller and lighter than for machine wrap. Hand rolls are usually
1000-2000 ft long and 5-9 lbs in weight. The width is typically 10-18".
You can
choose different thicknesses and stretch rates. Thicker film is more resistant
to punctures, but it takes more force to apply it.
Hand
wraps typically have a stretch rate between 75% and 150%. The user has to keep
constant tension on the roll to maximize the stretch rate and the wrap usage.
Machine Wrap
Machine
stretch wrap rolls can be 20-80" wide. They can weigh more than 100 lbs. A
range of thicknesses is available.
You get a higher stretch rate with machine wrap. The machine maintains constant tension on the roll. Stretch rates of 200% to 250% are standard, but you can often exceed these rates. This can significantly reduce your wrap costs.
Stretch Wrap Gauge Guide
This is an approximate guide for choosing the correct stretch wrap for your needs.
- 60 Gauge for loads up to 1600 lbs.
- 70 Gauge for loads up to 2000 lbs.
- 80 Gauge for loads up to 2500 lbs.
- 90 Gauge for loads up to 3000 lbs.
- 120 Gauge for loads up to 4000 lbs.
Manual vs Machine Pallet Wrapping
You can
wrap pallets by hand or use a pallet wrapping machine.
Wrapping
pallets by hand is a feasible choice if you wrap a small volume of products.
Companies that wrap less than 50 pallets or so a day may choose to have their
employees manually wrap pallets. Following best practices is very important to
prevent employee injuries and avoid damaged goods.
Stretch
wrapping machines are more efficient for businesses that need to wrap a higher
volume of pallets. The most common types of stretch wrapping machines are
turntable stretch wrappers, overhead wrappers, and robotic stretch wrappers.
Turntable
wrappers and overhead wrappers are semi-automated. Robotic wrappers are fully
automated.
How to Wrap a Pallet
Whether
you wrap your pallets manually or using a machine, the basic steps are similar.
These techniques help ensure your load gets to its destination safely.
1. Prepare the Load
Choosing
the right pallet is the first step in pallet wrapping. The pallet should be the
right size for the load and in good condition. It needs to support the full
weight of the shipment.
When
possible, the load should be stacked uniformly from the bottom to the top.
Individual items should be as close together as possible. This makes the pallet
easier to wrap and helps prevent the load from shifting.
2. Choose Your Equipment
For
hand wrapping, a tool like a Nelson wrap dispenser makes pallet
wrapping easier and more ergonomic.
If you
need to ship large loads frequently, a pallet wrapping machine is probably a
better option. You can choose the type of machine based on the degree of
automation you want.
3. Attach the Stretch Wrap
Pull
out some stretch wrap from the roll and twist it into a rope shape. You can
weave it into the pallet slats or thread it through one corner and fold the
rest over it.
You
don't need to tie a knot. The film will stick to itself. Leaving the wrap
without a knot makes unpacking the pallet easier.
4. Wrap From Bottom to Top
Wrapping
starts at the bottom and spirals upward towards the top. You'll be doing a 360ยบ
wrap. Wrap the base several times to ensure the load is well-secured at the
bottom.
As you
move up the load, the stretch wrap should overlap itself by 50%. You can
program stretch wrapping machines for specific overlaps. If you're wrapping
manually, you'll need to estimate.
You
should wrap the top of the load twice to improve stability.
5. Keep the Right Wrap Tension
Tension
controls how tightly the stretch wrap compresses the load. It ensures the load
is packed as tightly as possible.
Fragile
products need a lighter tension to avoid crushing. Higher tension is important
for heavy and solid loads to improve stability.
6. Double-Wrap if Necessary
When
you get to the top of the load, you can either tie it off or spiral back down.
Double-wrapping
is a good idea if the load could use additional stability. You use more stretch
wrap, but you help prevent damaged products.
7. Tie off the Wrap
The
final step in good pallet wrapping is tying off the wrap. Once the load is
secure, you can cut the stretch wrap from the spool.
One
finishing option is to tie the end of the wrap to the load. This takes time
when preparing and unpacking the pallet.
Folding
the cut end of the wrap into a seam is more efficient. The film will stick to
itself. Compression from the seam will hold the end in place.
For
additional security, you can use pallet strapping. Tools like the StrapBandit make threading
the pallet easier.
Finding the Best Pallet Wrapping Tools and Supplies
Quality
tools and supplies make your pallet wrapping more efficient and more secure.
Pack
Secure has the stretch wrap, dispensers, and other tools you need to optimize
your warehouse logistics. We've been providing top brand products to our
customers for over 20 years.
Contact us today to start designing your
ideal pallet wrapping solution.
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