Semi and fully automatic turntable wrappers allow your workers to quickly and safely shrink wrap your skids for shipment. They significantly cut down on manual labor and improve overall efficiencies.

If you’re in the market for a new pallet wrapper, how do you figure out which one will meet the needs of your shipping department?

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between semi-automatic and fully automatic turntables and how to choose the right one for your packaging operation.

Semi-Automatic Turntable Wrappers

Semi-automatic wrappers require a human operator who will drive the pallet onto the turntable and then secure the film to the load. Once the worker pushes the “Start” button, the machine will automatically begin wrapping the pallet according to the pre-selected wrap program.

There are several models of semi-automatic pallet turntables that are ideal for low-to-medium packaging operations that need to wrap anywhere between 20 to 300 loads per day. If space is at a premium, the Model 1200UL Ultra-Low machine will allow you to load pallets without using a long ramp.

Some models, such as the Handle It Model 850PS, come with a 250% power pre-stretch film carriage. This feature provides for efficient usage of film and will save thousands of dollars over the course of a year.

Here’s a video of the Model 850PS in action:

Semi-Automatic wrappers range in price from $5,000 – $15,000 plus add-on accessories.

Check out our semi-automatic turntable comparison table to see which model is right for your packaging operation.

Fully Automatic Turntable Wrappers

Automatic pallet wrapping machines offer increased performance, improved efficiency, and are ideal for packaging operations that need to wrap a large number of loads per day. As their name implies, fully automatic wrappers require little human intervention.

The forklift operator drives the pallet onto the turntable, backs away, and then presses a button on their remote control. The wrap machine will size up the load via an onboard photo-eye, select the ideal wrapping program, and then secure the start of the wrap.

Once the process is completed, it will tie off and secure the film’s end, thereby making it a completely seamless operation.

There are several different types of fully automatic pallet wrappers to choose from, including the standard model 1100AA-C, models FA 4000 and FA 4100 automatic conveyors, and the FA 4400 automatic rotary machine with conveyor.

Fully Automatic wrappers range in price from $50,000 and up depending on the project requirements.

Check out our automatic turntable comparison table to see which model is right for your packaging operation.

Benefits of Automatic and Semi-Automatic Turntables

The main difference between full and semi-auto pallet wrappers is the amount of manual effort required to operate the machine. However, and depending on the model, they both share several benefits, such as:

• User-friendly Control Panel—The integrated control board enables you to customize up to 18 wrap programs. Users can also control speed, film tension, and view wrap counts.
• Power Pre-Stretch—The power pre-stretch feature stretches the film up to 250% before beginning the wrapping process. This can result in thousands of dollars in film savings every year.
• Optional Scale—You can add a factory-installed optional scale to most machines. This allows for accurate weight and increased freight savings.
• Wrap Height—Wrap up to 86” standard maximum load height or opt for a 118” extended height mast

How to Choose the Right Stretch Wrapper?

There are a few considerations that can help you determine which model stretch wrapper will work best for your packaging operations:

Loads Per Day—How many pallets do you need to wrap per day? Each model varies in how many loads they can wrap per hour or day.

Film Savings—Is saving film a concern? If so, consider models that come with a power pre-stretch feature to ensure maximum film savings.

Warehouse Space—How much floor space can you allot to a stretch wrapping machine? If available space is a concern, consider the Model 1200UL. It offers a unique frame design that’s ideal for smaller areas.

Pallet Jacks or Forklifts?—If you’re using manual or electric pallet jacks, we offer a wide variety of ramps that will help ensure safe and efficient loading and unloading of the machine.

Which Turntable Pallet Wrapper is Right for You?

While they differ slightly in the amount of manual labor required to operate them, both fully and semi-automatic pallet wrappers offer a wide range of benefits such as efficiency, speed, and a relatively short ROI. They’re ideal for businesses who wrap multiple pallets daily.

Check out our line of semi-automatic and fully automatic turntable stretch wrappers, or contact one of our friendly experts to learn more.