Have an awkward pallet or an oddly shaped load that needs to be wrapped? Or have you had pallets shift during transportation? Secure stretch wrapping is a key component in any warehouse operation. Stretch wrap machines provide consistent, secure, and cost-effective advantages for packaging supply chains in warehouses and during distribution. However, those benefits only come into play when you choose the right machine for your specific operational needs. At MarkPack, we want to ensure you get the right brand, size, and capabilities to make a meaningful impact on your floor. Let’s start by breaking down stretch wrap machine benefits, types of stretch wrappers, and explore options available at MarkPack.
What is a stretch wrapping machine?
It never hurts to get back to the basics when making a large purchase for your operation. Stretch wrapping machines, also known as pallet wrapping machines, are packaging equipment designed to secure and stabilize larger loads with elastic plastic film, automating the packaging process. Stretch wrapping machines are designed to apply film under tension and multiple layers to produce consistent wrapping throughout the load. They are available in semi-automatic and automatic options, with varying load capacities, speeds, designs, and turntables that can significantly impact your packaging system.
Know the benefits so you can utilize them.
Identifying the key benefits of stretch wrap machines can help you target specific model features that address operational gaps or help you meet certain goals. Top benefits include:
- Load stability and secure containment: Stretch wrap provides optimal pallet protection by using both film layering and tension to prevent shifting during transportation, and a protective guard against environmental factors such as water and other contaminants.
- Cost-effective: Not only is the equipment relatively affordable, but it also decreases labor costs through automation and provides optimized film control to reduce film waste and packaging errors, such as film tails.
- Productivity: Stretch wrap machines automate the packaging process, increasing speed and accuracy while boosting overall operational efficiency.
- Customized wrapping options: With a variety of designs and sizes, stretch wrapping machines are customizable to meet different load requirements.
What are the different types?
Turntable stretch wrap machine
This model is designed with a film carriage that moves up and down, while the base is a turntable that rotates the load to ensure a secure, thorough wrap.
Rotary arm stretch wrap machine
This design has the base stationary on the ground, with the film carriage moving around the load to wrap it. This model supports more fragile, lightweight, or unstable loads that can’t withstand motion from the base, or pallet loads that are too heavy to turn.
Rotary Ring stretch wrap machine
This machine’s design supports high-speed packaging, with a ring that lowers around the load, dispenses film, and simultaneously rotates while moving upward to wrap the load efficiently.
Horizontal or Orbital stretch wrap machine
A horizontal or orbital style uses a rotating ring to wrap loads horizontally, typically along a conveyor belt. This style accommodates nontraditional pallet loads that are long or awkward, such as pipes, tubing, or furniture.
Robot stretch wrap machine
This machine features a fully programmable robotic arm that moves the film around the load in multiple directions. The load may stay stationary while the arm adapts to irregular or oddly shaped items. This style is recommended for loads that don’t conform to standard pallet dimensions.
Comprehensive guide to MarkPackNagelShippers’ stretch wrap equipment options
Sifting through brands and searching for specifications can be overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to find all the information you need. At MarkPack, we aim to simplify the shopping experience. Here’s a comprehensive overview of our stretch wrap machines, highlighting the most important specs and features to help you make an informed decision.
Cousins 6100
The Cousins 6100 is a high-performance, conveyorized, automatic Turnable Stretch wrap machine equipped with advanced features to minimize downtime and enhance wrapping precision.
- Production Speed: Wraps up to 45 loads per hour, with adjustable settings for various load sizes.
- Load Capacity: Handles loads up to 4000 lbs. dynamically and 12,000 lbs. statically.
- Load Size: Supports loads up to 50″W x 50″L x 82″H with a 71″ maximum diagonal.
- Turntable specifications: 80″ diameter, skirted turntable with a 4000 lbs. dynamic weight capacity.
- Film Delivery: Super Rapid Thread II™ pre-stretch film carriage with variable pre-stretch capability from 33% to 313%.
- Control System: Equipped with a PANASONIC FP-X PLC and HMI touchscreen for easy operation and customization.
- Safety Features: Includes safety barriers, emergency stop buttons, and an operator access gate with an interlock switch.
- Maintenance features: Features like the brushless motor and anti-fall safety device reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
Cousins A-Arm
The Cousin A-Arm is a Turnable Stretch Wrap machine with a film carriage that moves up and down and an A‑Arm film applicator that starts and ends the wrap at the top of the load, improving stability and eliminating the need for clamps and wipe devices. This approach enhances load stability, allows top banding, and simplifies load placement. It integrates with conveyors for automatic operation.
- A-Arm Technology: Starts and ends the wrap at the top of the load, eliminating the need for a clamp and improving load stability.
- Fully Automatic Operation: The conveyorized system integrates seamlessly with existing production lines, offering flexibility for in-line or standalone use.
- Construction and dimensions: All-steel construction with a 72″ diameter turntable capable of handling loads up to 4000 lbs. dynamically.
- Safety Features: Includes an anti-fall safety device, automatic load scanning, and no pneumatic components, reducing maintenance needs.
- Film Delivery: Super Rapid Thread II™ pre-stretch film carriage with variable stretch capability, ensuring optimal film usage.
- Control System: PANASONIC PLC with a touchscreen interface, offering multiple wrap modes and precise control over wrapping parameters.
Cousins LP-2100
The Cousins LP‑2100 is a semi-automatic turntable stretch wrap machine. It offers a reliable, North American-built, and cost-effective solution for securing pallet loads.
- Load Capacity: Handles up to 4,000 lbs dynamically and 10,000 lbs statically.
- Production Speed: Can wrap up to 35 loads per hour.
- Turntable Construction: Features a 57″ diameter laser-cut steel plate with surround deck protection and a maintenance-free 42 roller bearing support system.
- Control Panel: Equipped with an LCD operator interface and programmable controls for easy operation, including options for auto wrap cycle, reinforce wrap, and adjustable turntable speed.
- Safety Features: Includes a carriage descent obstruction safety shut-off device, anti-fall safety device, and a rapid thread safety door with an auto power cut-off switch.
- Wrap Programs: Offers A–B–C wrap program selectors, allowing users to input and store unique wrapping parameters for different applications.
Cousins Pilot
The Cousin Pilot is a semi‑automatic turntable stretch wrap machine. It features a compact and flexible design, making it ideal for warehouse and shipping operations.
- Load Capacity: Accommodates loads up to 4,000 lbs dynamically and 12,000 lbs statically, with a maximum load size of 50” x 50” x 80” H.
- Production Speed: Can wrap up to 20 loads per hour.
- Turntable Design: Features a 57” diameter laser-cut steel plate with roller bearing support, ANSI #50 chain drive, and an Accu-Count positioning system.
- Film Carriage: Equipped with a 20” pre-stretch film carriage, safety door for easy threading, and fully electronic dynamic dancer corner compensation.
- Control Panel: Includes an LCD operator interface with programmable controls for auto wrap cycle, top/bottom wrap programs, and customizable wrap settings.
- Operational specifications: Offers up-only or up/down wrapping options, with a cycle counter and password protection for wrap program settings.
Cousins Traveler
The Cousin Traveler is a rotary arm stretch wrap machine that blends mobility, flexibility, and compact footprint to offer a revolutionary approach to pallet wrapping.
- Safety features: Patented safety bumper system that improves reliability by preventing entanglement and damage.
- Mobile design: Rotary arm design eliminates the need for ramps, pallet jacks, forklifts, and traditional turntables, making it easy to maneuver and relocate.
- Control Panel: LCD operator interface with diagnostic capabilities.
- Industry application: Ideal for diverse applications, including warehousing, distribution centers, e-commerce pop-up DCs, food and beverage industries, health care, and automotive sectors.
- Load Capacity: Accommodates loads up to 48” L x 48” W x 80” H.
Eagle Semi-Automatic 1000B
The Eagle Semi Automatic 1000B is a turntable stretch wrap machine. It provides the flexibility to use both automated and manual wrapping modes.
- Load Capacity: Handles loads up to 3,500 lbs.
- Production Speed: Variable, dependent on wrap pattern, load size, and turntable speed.
- Turntable Construction: It has a 59″ diameter and a 10mm-thick steel plate for robust performance, and it accommodates loads up to 87″ high.
- Control Panel: Features an easy-to-use operator interface with automatic load-height sensing, variable speed control (0–12 RPM), and automatic turntable reset.
- Safety Features: Gently accelerates and decelerates to prevent product damage and reduce load shifting.
- Loading Method: Includes a manual pallet jack ramp for loading and unloading pallets.
- Power Requirements: 110VAC / 60Hz, suitable for standard power supplies.
Eagle Semi-Automatic 2000B
The Eagle Semi Automatic 2000B is a turntable stretchwrap machine offering adjustable wrap height and large load capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of pallet sizes.
- Load Capacity: Supports pallet loads up to 5,000 lbs.
- Production Speed: Variable, dependent on wrap pattern, load size, and turntable speed.
- Turntable Construction: 59″ diameter turntable designed to support stable rotation of large pallets.
- Maximum Wrap Height: Accommodates loads up to 87.5″ high.
- Film Delivery System: 250% powered pre-stretch to improve film efficiency and maintain consistent containment force.
- Control System: PLC-controlled operation with an LCD display and integrated controls for programmable wrap settings.
- Load Detection: Auto Load-Height Sensor (ALHS) adjusts carriage travel based on detected load height.
- Safety & Load Handling: The turntable operation offers a soft start and stop to minimize load shifting during acceleration and deceleration.
- Wrap Programs: Supports load profiles A, B, and C for varying pallet configurations.
- Loading Method: Includes a manual pallet jack ramp for pallet access.
Optional add-ons:
- Turntable Loading Ramp:
- Porch Extension:
- 30″ Film Carriage
- Infrared or Digital Laser Load Height Sensor
- Roping Pallet System
- Integrated Scale
- AFCO (Auto Film Cut-Off)
What are the key considerations before purchasing?
To ensure you get the right stretch wrap machine for your business, make sure it meets your operational requirements. Before making a purchase or even looking at machine options, understanding what specifications and operational benefits you need to meet is essential. To make an informed investment, here are a few questions to consider.
- What type of material do you need to wrap?
- What is the size, weight, and dimensions of the load you will need to wrap?
- How fast does your packaging line run, and how many pallets are wrapped daily?
- Will the stretch wrapper require additional setup for your current process?
- What is your budget?
- What are the current gaps in your packaging process?
We are here to help
For almost 80 years, our team has delivered innovative solutions for marking, packaging, supply, and janitorial needs. When working with MarkPack NagelShippers, you can expect knowledgeable staff that is ready to help you select the best stretch wrapping solution for your warehouse and greater supply chain operations. Not sure what solution is best for your facility? Connect with our team to receive a free consultation, site survey, and custom quote!