30/05/2022 What are the best pallet wrapping techniques?

Ensuring you are implementing the finest wrapping techniques is the first step to making sure your pallet load is stable. This will ensure that the products that are being transported will be protected throughout their journey.  

So, what are the best pallet wrapping techniques? To ease your stress, FROMM Wrapping Machines has come up with a step-by-step guide:  

Step 1: Pick the Pallet  

It is critical that you choose the proper pallet that is suited for the size of the load. They should be made with the right materials and be in good condition. Proper pallets are capable of supporting the indented weight.  

Step 2: Choose Stretch Equipment  

We cannot stress enough the importance of choosing the right stretch wrapping equipment. The size of your business, and the amount of pallets you are packaging per day, will determine which equipment you will need. At FROMM, we understand that smaller businesses just want a basic and affordable pallet wrapping machine without all the bells and whistles, this is where our  
FSW10 Pallet Wrapping Machine comes in handy. For larger companies that are packing more than 10 pallets a day, they may opt for a semi-automated wrapping machine such as our Wulftec SML150 Pallet Wrapping Machine, which is a strong and reliable low profile stretch wrapping machine.  

Step 3: Secure the Film to The Pallet  

Wrapping commences at the bottom and spirals upward to the top of the pallet. It is important to fix the leading end of the stretch film to the base of the pallet prior to wrapping. Most stretch wrapping technicians start by twisting the film onto a ‘rope-shape’, they then weave this into the pallet slats to provide grip.  

Step 4: Wrap the Products 

To wrap the product, start a 360-degree wrap beginning with a fill coverage of the product load to the base of the pallet. Wrapping machines will make two or more circles around the base to ensure that there is sufficient grip securing the load to the pallet frame. The next technique involves making 50-percent material overlaps as the wrap is moved upward. If you are hand wrapping the pallets, you need to measure this yourself. Automated stretch wrapping machines can be programmed for specific overlap coverage, and the operator has complete control over how much wrapping they use on a specific pallet.  

Step 5: Control the Wrap Tension 

Tension is a very important pallet wrapping technique. It controls how tightly the load is compressed, although keep in mind this varies depending on how delicate the products are. Very delicate products will need a light tension, whereas heavier loads will be able to withstand greater tensions. Applying an even tension force when hand wrapping can be difficult, but machine stretch wrapping machines, on the other hand, have a uniform force due to their pre-set programming instructions.  

Step 6: Choose Whether to Double-wrap  

Double wrapping is a precaution taken based on individual judgement. The stretch wrap operator may choose to ‘tie off’ the wrap at the top of the load, or reverse course and spiral downwards. The rule of thumb is - when in doubt, always double-wrap. However, this decision does depend on the load type that is being secured. Keep in mind that double wrapping will consume more of your pallet wrap film, however it will save against product damage.  

Step 7: Tie Off the Wrap  

Last, but not least, the final step in proper pallet wrapping is tying off the wrap. Once your stretch wrap operator is happy that they have a secure load that will withstand transportation, they sever the film from the spool. There are two options when tying off the load, you can either physically tie a knot (which consumes both time on the shipping and receiving ends), or as most experienced wrappers would do, is simply tuck the wrap end into a seam. The cling factor of the film, and the seams compression firmly hold the tie-off in place without concern that the wrapped load could unveil.  

Too much plastic film is a waste. Understanding how much film is needed improves the amount of unnecessary one way plastic. 

At FROMM, we can help you choose which pallet wrap is best suited for your needs. We work with our clients to make sure that they can secure cargo items cost-effectively and safely. To learn more about our pallet wrapping range click here or call 1300 799 391.