Automated Stretch Wrapping Enhances Productivity and Safety

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In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, warehouse managers are constantly seeking ways to enhance and streamline their assembly line processes. One of the most impactful solutions is automation, particularly in the critical area of stretch wrapping. As a key component of the material handling process, stretch wrapping (or packaging) is the final step before products leave the warehouse, making it vital for both presentation and protection during transport.

The Importance of Stretch Wrapping

Stretch wrapping is not just about making a product look good; it's about safeguarding the integrity of your shipment. The way a product is packaged is often the customer's first impression of what they've ordered, and appearances matter. However, beyond aesthetics, the primary function of stretch wrapping is to protect the product from dust, moisture, tampering, and potential damage during transportation. Inadequate wrapping can lead to shifts in cargo, which can result in damaged goods, customer dissatisfaction, and costly returns.

Traditional vs. Automated Stretch Wrapping

Traditionally, the stretch wrapping process involves a forklift transporting the load to the wrapping station, where either a machine operated by a worker or manual hand-wrapping takes place. These methods require significant human involvement, which can slow down operations and increase the risk of workplace injuries. According to Insureon, serious but non-fatal workplace injuries result in approximately $48.15 billion in U.S. workers' compensation costs annually, often due to overexertion and repetitive motions.

Enter automation.

Automation in the stretch wrapping process addresses these challenges by reducing the need for manual intervention. Instead of a forklift, an automated conveyor system moves the load to the wrapping station. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the risk of injury by minimizing human involvement. At Cherry's Industrial Equipment, we specialize in designing custom automated stretch wrapping solutions that meet the specific needs of your operation. Our conveyorized systems can handle heavy and unstable loads with ease, initiating the wrapping cycle without requiring a human operator.

A stretch wrapper in an inline automated system works by seamlessly integrating with a conveyor system to automate the process of wrapping pallets or loads. Automated stretch wrappers can process large volumes of pallets per hour, significantly increasing production rates. Reduces the need for manual labor, minimizing the risk of injuries associated with hand wrapping or forklift operations.

The Benefits of Automated Stretch Wrapping

Increased Efficiency: Automated systems can wrap up to 120 loads per hour, significantly boosting production rates. With preset parameters, the machine ensures consistent and secure wrapping every time, freeing up workers to focus on other critical tasks.

Enhanced Safety: By reducing manual handling, automation decreases the risk of workplace injuries associated with repetitive strain and overexertion. This not only keeps your workforce safer but also reduces downtime and compensation costs.

Cost Savings: Automation can lead to significant savings in wrapping film costs. Our stretch wrapping systems are designed to optimize film usage by stretching it to its maximum capacity, reducing material waste and overall costs.

Consistency and Quality: Automated stretch wrapping ensures that every load is wrapped uniformly, providing a consistent appearance and level of protection. This consistency is crucial for maintaining quality standards and customer satisfaction.

Cherry's Industrial Equipment: Your Partner in Automation

At Cherry's Industrial Equipment, we understand that every plant has unique needs. Our expertise lies in custom designing and manufacturing material handling solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're looking to fully automate your stretch wrapping process or integrate automation into an existing system, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Cherry's?

Commitment to Safety: Safety is at the core of everything we do. Our automated systems are designed to reduce risks and create a safer work environment.

Industry Expertise: With decades of experience in the material handling industry, we bring a deep understanding of the challenges you face and the solutions that work best.

Custom Solutions: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Our equipment is designed and built to meet your specific operational requirements.

If you're ready to explore how automation can transform your stretch wrapping process, contact Cherry's Industrial Equipment today at (800) 350- or . Let us help you take your operations from where they are to where they need to be.

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For more information, please visit Pallet Wrapping Automation Systems.

Automation in the warehouse or manufacturing facility continues its momentum. In many locations, workers and robots of various forms co-existing are now the new normal. Operations want to increase throughput (as always) but are now in an hard battle for people'.one that isn't ending anytime soon. Systems are being installed to reduce time and increase productivity are becoming common for operations of most every size.

One example is the use of automated stretch wrappers.

Automatic stretch wrappers are robotics that is designed to increase speed & safety in pallet-wrapping operations. While this type of function doesn't get the headlines of picking and packing robots or automated storage systems, it plays a vital role in an area that desperately needs it: the outbound palletizing function.

Stretchwrapping isn't a 'glory' function, but it's almost the perfect target for automation. It's low-value add, labor-intensive, slow and repetitive. 

Why automate your stretch-wrapping?

Sure, there are other areas in a facility where adding automated solutions seems like a better decision, but don't overlook stretch-wrapping. There are many benefits.

Important benefits of adopting automated stretch wrappers

• Efficiency increases in your packaging and shipping areas ' Improved consistency and versatility
• Safety and ergonomic improvements ' Reduce lost productivity and risk of injury
• Cost savings realized ' Film reduction and better package protection

Efficiency

With an operation that handles shipping and returns (which is almost every type), high costs associated with packaging are an ongoing concern. Keeping that in mind, your stretch wrapping operation could be extremely expensive, whether through poorly wrapped packages by hand (leading to inconsistencies and reliability of the wrap), or ergonomic issues.

One of the biggest benefits of automated stretch wrappers is increased efficiency

These machines can wrap a pallet much more quickly than a person can, allowing workers to focus on other tasks and increasing overall productivity. Automated stretch wrappers can also be programmed to wrap a pallet in a specific pattern, ensuring consistent, secure wrapping every time. This can help reduce waste and improve the overall quality of the finished product.

Another aspect of automated stretch wrappers that makes them such a valuable addition is their versatility. These machines can be used to wrap a wide variety of items, from small boxes to large pallets. They can also be easily adjusted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of items, making them versatile and flexible tools for any facility.

Safety

Using automated stretch wrappers also means increased safety in your wrapping areas. Wrapping a pallet manually can be a physically demanding and potentially dangerous task, especially if the pallet is heavy or awkwardly shaped. This could lead to lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as back strain. These injuries can result in lost productivity due to time off work, as well as medical expenses and workers' compensation claims. Injuries are almost inevitable for employees who perform manual wrapping tasks on a regular basis.

On the other hand, automated stretch wrappers can wrap a pallet with minimal effort on the operator's part. This can help reduce the risk of injury and improve overall safety in the facility. Along with worker safety, you get more secure loads with each use as well.

Read more: The ergonomics of automation 

Cost savings

So of course increased efficiency and safety are great, but did you know automated stretch wrappers can also help save money? Think film reduction.

The film is made to stretch and wrap around a load to keep the product tight and secure. When applied by hand, the film is stretched to a certain percentage, typically around 100%, but this percentage may decrease as the person becomes tired. However, using automatic wrapping machines that pre-stretch the film to a higher percentage, such as 250%, can be more efficient. This is because the pre-stretched film uses less material to wrap a pallet compared to hand-wrapped film at a lower stretch percentage. Using a consistent level of pre-stretched films, such as 250%, on every load can save money in the long term by reducing the amount of film used.

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Good systems design helps you build solutions that drive productivity and lower costs. Cisco-Eagle has completed many successful projects for hundreds of companies nationwide, helping clients create efficient material flow systems that deliver results. Our guide highlights what our systems group offers, and how we strive to be your trusted partner.

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Evan Fleishacker

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Pallet Wrapping Machines. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.