Having a machine wrap dozens or hundreds of boxes for shipping is a big help to your business. A pallet wrapping machine is a huge benefit, not only because it can save you time and money, but because it also keeps your employees safe.
But sometimes the machine might not work as well as it used to, and you might not understand why. If it’s used on a daily basis, several times a day, or if it doesn’t go through regular maintenance checks, it’s natural for the machine to become a little worn down.
Knowing the most common issues related to pallet wrapping machines can help you identify any rising problems in time to get them fixed:
Shrink Wrap Tension
If you notice that the film is too loose on the load, instead of hugging it tightly, then you might want to adjust the tension on the control panel. If, on the contrary, the film is wrapped too tightly across the load, to the point where it can damage the goods, then just decrease the tension until it’s more appropriate for the cargo you have on the pallet.
Not Wrapping the Whole Load
Sometimes the wrapping machine might not wrap the entirety of the load on the pallet, leaving the top or the bottom free and, consequently, prone to fall over. The automatic height adjuster might be the issue here. If you notice it’s not working, then you might need to have it realigned.
However, the problem might lie in the colour of the load itself. If it’s too dark, the height adjuster might not ‘see it’. A possible way to fix this is to increase the sensitivity of the adjuster.
Improper Shrink Wrap
Some malfunctions can be caused by not having the proper wrap for the machine. You should make sure that the film is ideal, not only for the load you need to wrap, but also the machine that is doing the wrapping, to avoid problems.
In order to have a machine that functions properly, it’s necessary that it undergoes regular maintenance, especially if it’s being used constantly. You can establish an equipment maintenance protocol to avoid serious issues in the future, while consistently having it go through physical checkups and tests (to see if everything’s in order or to reveal problems in the early stages).
Here at Focus Packaging, we know how important it is that your pallets are being wrapped properly, so we hope these tips can help you make sure of that. If you want to know more about what we do, contact us or give us a call on 0333 123 6666 and we’ll be more than happy to help with any question you might have!