Stretch Wrapping Machine – What It Is and Why It Matters

A stretch wrapping machine (also called a pallet stretch wrapper or pallet wrapping machine) is one of the most important pieces of equipment in modern industrial packaging lines.
Its main job is to wrap pallets or individual products with stretch film in a controlled way, so that the load becomes stable, protected and ready for transport or storage.

By applying a pre-stretched plastic film around the product, a stretch wrapping machine:

• Increases load stability during handling and transport

• Protects the product from dust, moisture and physical damage

• Reduces film consumption and packaging costs compared with manual wrapping

• Improves the overall appearance and standardisation of your packaging

Advanced industrial models are usually equipped with PLC control (e.g. Siemens), adjustable film tension, film pre-stretch systems, height sensors and variable speed control. These options help optimise film usage, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and guarantee consistent packaging quality in high-volume production.

Stretch wrapping machines are widely used in petrochemical, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, building materials, logistics and export industries wherever safe and standardised pallet packaging is required.

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Main Types of Stretch Wrapping Machines

Depending on the type of product, pallet configuration and available space, stretch wrapping machines are produced in several designs. The most common industrial categories are:

1. Horizontal Stretch Wrapping Machine

A horizontal stretch wrapper is designed for long products with relatively small cross-sections, such as:

• Aluminium and PVC profiles

• Pipes and tubes

• Timber, wooden boards and panels

• Doors, frames and similar long items

In this system, the machine wraps the product horizontally while it passes through a rotating ring or wrapper head.

Key features:

• Ideal for long, slim or irregularly shaped products

• Adjustable wrapping speed and film tension

• Compatible with different types and thicknesses of stretch film

• Can be integrated into automated infeed and outfeed conveyors

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2. Ring Stretch Wrapping Machine

A ring stretch wrapping machine uses a rotating ring to apply the film around the load. It is typically used when a full 360° coverage and high throughput are required.

This type is popular in food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where uniform protection and clean packaging are critical.

Key features:

• Complete and uniform coverage of the load

• Adjustable film tension and wrapping patterns

• Suitable for high-speed lines and automated palletising systems

• Designed for products and pallets that require premium protection

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3. Pallet Stretch Wrapper (Vertical / Stretch Pallet Machine)

The pallet stretch wrapper is the most common solution in industrial packaging. It is used for wrapping heavy and bulky pallets in warehouses, factories and logistics centres.

In vertical systems, stretch film is applied around the pallet while either the load rotates or the wrapper arm moves around it.

There are two main vertical designs:

a) Turntable Pallet Stretch Wrapper

• The pallet is placed on a rotating turntable

• The turntable spins while the film carriage moves up and down

• Suitable for standard, stable pallets

• Supports heavy loads thanks to robust turntables

• Ideal for general-purpose pallet wrapping in most industries

b) Rotary Arm (Rotating Mast / Portal) Stretch Wrapper

• The pallet remains stationary, while a rotary arm or mast moves around it

• Best choice for unstable or very heavy loads, because the pallet does not rotate

• Ensures uniform wrapping even with irregular pallet shapes

• Well-suited for high-capacity and automated lines

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4. Airport / Baggage Stretch Wrapper

An airport stretch wrapping machine is a special type of wrapper designed for suitcases and baggage in airports and transport terminals.

Key features:

• Designed for high-traffic environments

• Fast wrapping cycle with easy loading and unloading

• Adjustable film tension for better protection of luggage

• Helps prevent tampering and damage during transport

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Price Factors for Stretch Wrapping Machines

The price of a stretch wrapping machine depends on several parameters:

• Type of machine

  • Manual and very basic models → lowest cost

  • Semi-automatic and automatic turntable or rotary arm wrappers → higher investment, suitable for industrial use

  • Special designs (ring, horizontal, airport, hood type) → usually in the mid-to-high price range, depending on features

• Level of automation and options

  • Film pre-stretch systems

  • Automatic film cutting and clamping

  • PLC control, HMI touch panel

  • Safety systems and integration with conveyors or palletisers

• Brand, build quality and after-sales support

  • Industrial-grade components and strong steel structures increase reliability and service life

When evaluating price, it is important to look beyond the purchase cost and consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): film savings, maintenance, downtime, spare parts availability and energy consumption.

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How to Choose the Right Stretch Wrapping Machine

When selecting a stretch wrapping machine for your production or warehouse, consider the following:

1. Production capacity and workload

   • How many pallets or products do you need to wrap per hour/day?

   • Do you need a fully automatic system or is a semi-automatic machine sufficient?

2. Type, size and stability of the load

   • Standard, stable pallets → turntable pallet wrapper

   • Unstable, very heavy or tall pallets → rotary arm (tower) wrapper

   • Long products (profiles, pipes, timber) → horizontal stretch wrapper

   • High-throughput or premium protection → ring stretch wrapper

3. Available space and layout

   • Check the footprint of the machine and its compatibility with your material flow and conveyors.

4. Quality, durability and safety

   • Look for robust mechanical design, reliable electronics (e.g. Siemens PLC), and proper safety guarding.

5. After-sales service and spare parts

   • Make sure the supplier provides local technical support, training and spare parts availability.

6. Budget and operating costs

   • Consider not only the initial price, but also film consumption, maintenance intervals and energy use.

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Summary

A stretch wrapping machine is a core element of any professional packaging and logistics operation. By choosing the right combination of machine type (turntable, rotary arm, ring, horizontal or airport), level of automation and quality, you can:

• Increase load safety and stability

• Protect your products against dust, moisture and damage

• Reduce packaging costs and film consumption

• Improve efficiency and reliability of your end-of-line packaging

For businesses that handle heavy, bulky or high-value products, investing in a suitable pallet stretch wrapper or stretch wrapping system is not just a cost – it is a strategic step towards safer logistics and more efficient operations.