Horizontal vs. Vertical Stretch Wrapping Machines

When choosing the best stretch wrapping machine for your application, you should first determine if you need a horizontal wrapper or a vertical wrapper. The key differences between the two types of machines are the size and shape of products they can wrap. Horizontal stretch wrappers use a conveyor system and used to wrap long or oddly shaped objects. Vertical stretch wrappers are ideal for pallets or other compact but tall objects.

Horizontal Stretch Wrapper Features

While horizontal wrappers include and are traditionally used with conveyors, they can also be used without conveyor tables. This is extremely beneficial when incorporating a horizontal wrapping machine into an automation cell especially where space is at a premium or products will be fed into the wrapping ring by a robotic arm. Horizontal wrappers are also called “ring wrappers” due to the circular design of the machine with a stretch wrapping ring in the middle of two conveyor tables.

Additional features of horizontal wrappers include secondary wrapping systems. A secondary wrapping system can be used to add an additional layer of wrapping material such as bubble wrap. The combination of bubble wrap and traditional stretch film ensures maximum protection for delicate objects.

Vertical Stretch Wrapper Features

Vertical stretch wrapping machines are commonly referred to as pallet wrappers. As their name implies, a pallet wrapper is the best machine to wrap pallets of products stacked on top of each other. A rotating turntable holds the pallets and spins in a circle while stretch wrap is applied with tension.

There are also robotic variants of vertical wrappers. These machines forgo the rotating turntable in favor of a mobile design which allows them to travel to the pallets, wrap them and move on to the next load. This versatility makes them ideal for factories and warehouses with expansive product lines and constant wrapping needs in different areas of the facility.

Conclusion

Horizontal and vertical stretch wrappers each have distinct features and layouts to accommodate different wrapping needs. When choosing between the two types, carefully consider the shapes, sizes and weights of the products you will be wrapping as well as the available space in your warehouse or industrial facility. If you need help choosing the best wrapping machine for your application, please contact our engineering team for a quick and detailed solution.