Stretch film: is manual or automatic better?

To answer this question we must first analyse the two types of film, and then draw conclusions on which is the most suitable and for which application.

Let’s start by explaining what stretch film is:

Stretch film is a particular type of film, made of plastic – specifically LLDPE – with physical characteristics such as high mechanical strength, great tensile resistance and pallet compactness.

This film is tied to the base of the pallet and then completely covers it on all sides. This kind of operation makes the pallet one with the load, making it easier to move and transport.

Manual film and where we can use it

The term manual film, refers to the fact that the operation of wrapping the pallet is carried out entirely by an operator who, using dedicated support tools, creates the packaging.

The type of film is identical in both cases, but the method by which it is applied is visibly different.

The operator handling the job first places the pallet in a specially designated area, so as to work perfectly.

The pallet is then built up, usually loaded to its weight limit. At this point the load is largely unstable and it would be dangerous to transport it in this state.

The film is therefore tied to the base of the pallet on which the goods rest, and then the goods are completely covered with film, so as to be sure of achieving visibly appreciable stability.

The tools that can be used for this manual operation are:

Extended-core manual stretch-film dispenser: this type of operator aid is the most common one found in companies, but unfortunately it remains awkward and difficult to use in the long run.

Mechanical-brake manual stretch-film dispenser: this type is an improved version that makes it easier to pull out and position the film on the pallet, making the operation simpler.

Pole-type manual stretch-film applicators: the best and simplest, combining an ergonomic grip with the ability to reach even the most awkward corners, creating a perfect pallet ready to ship.

In conclusion, this type of film is widely used in the shipping industry, but it has some limitations that make it usable only for certain companies.

Being a manual process, the time it takes is considerable, which makes it suitable for small and medium businesses that still want to offer safe transport, even if not frequent.

An example might be assembling pallets in a craft brewery or small, growing businesses.

Automatic film and where to use it

The automatic stretch film is made of exactly the same material as manual film but with a different application, designed for other types of need.

Automatic film makes it possible to wrap pallets solidly and sturdily, whatever their contents, using dedicated machinery that wraps them in record time.

It all seems incredible, doesn’t it?

But it’s a choice that must be carefully weighed, since costs naturally tend to rise considerably. Buying equipment for automatic and semi-automatic packaging is certainly not a cheap expense, but there are jobs that can greatly benefit from it.

Large companies and distribution chains have such a huge volume of orders to ship that preparing them manually would be unthinkable, but packing precision and safety are always necessary to avoid bad reviews and complaints.

So packing techniques have been created that require little human assistance, or even almost none, except for special interventions.

In this type of company, the revenue from shipments amply justifies and covers the cost of the machinery.

The variety of machines on the market able to perform these applications is large; we’ll now look at some of them specifically so you can choose the one best suited to your needs.

Semi-automatic packaging machines:

This type of machine is usually called a wrapper. It includes turntables that, once the pallet is placed on them, begin to rotate, wrapping the pallet with film that completely covers it.

Another type of rotating machine is the orbital wrapper which, while the pallet is being conveyed, wraps it with film using a packaging robot.

Automatic packaging robots:

These robots are built to work fully automatically and autonomously; they can load, wrap, apply, cut and weld the film onto the pallet in a completely safe and meticulous way.

AR Assemblaggio supplies every type of stretch film on the market, for any of these incredible machines.