There are a few industry terms that you’ll come across when exploring our pallet wrapping machines. Check out the glossary below for definitions of frequently used terms.
Auto-Cut
A feature on a stretch wrapper that will automatically cut the film at the end of a wrap cycle so that the worker does not have to do so themselves.
Automatic
A term used for stretch wrappers when no human intervention is involved. Typically, the setup includes a powered conveyor that will feed the machine the product to be wrapped. The system will automatically index pallets that are loaded and send them down the line. Once in the wrapping zone, the machine detects and automatically wraps the pallet.
Bottom Wraps
The preset number of rotations around the bottom of the pallet at the start of the cycle.
Carriage
The part of a stretch wrapper that houses the film. The film is dispensed through the carriage at a pre-set tension as the carriage moves up and down the pallet.
Containment Force
Refers to how tightly the film is applied to the product, which prevents it from spilling off the pallet.
Film Tension
How tight the film is applied to a load. Low tension would be very loose, and high tension would be very tight.
Photo-Eye
A sensor that detects when an object is in or out of its line of sight, prompting it to communicate that status to the stretch wrapper, telling the film carriage to stop rising once it gets to the top of the pallet load.
Pre-Stretch
A term that refers to a system that stretches film inside of a carriage before it is applied to a load. This system maximizes film usage by getting the most stretch out of it.
Roping
A feature on a stretch wrapper that bundles film up into a tight rope in a certain area of the wrap cycle. It creates a tight band with the film that goes around the pallet.
Semi-Auto (Semi-Automatic)
A term used for stretch wrappers that are not fully automatic. For the machine to start, someone has to tie the film to the pallet and hit a start button. The machine will then automatically wrap the pallet. At the end of the cycle, the operator has to cut the film unless it has an auto-cutter.
Top Wraps
The preset number of rotations around the top of the pallet.
Turntable
The part of a stretch wrapper that the load sits on. The turntable spins the load while the film is applied to the pallet through the carriage, allowing the pallet to be wrapped. This is the most common type of machine. Other types include rotary arm and mobile wrapper.
