Overview
A semi-auto pallet stretch wrapper turns the load on a turntable while a film carriage climbs the column. The operator brings the pallet, ties on the film and starts the cycle; the machine wraps to the height its photocell finds. This guide is for plant supervisors and packaging engineers comparing turntable wrappers for their load mix, with setup practices and a film-per-load worked example. Our A100 and A200 take loads up to 1,500 × 1,500 × 1,800 mm on a 2,000 mm turntable.
The technology inside a semi-auto wrapper
Three systems do the work. The turntable turns the load on a ring gear bearing with soft start and stop, so it does not jolt. The film carriage climbs the column, pre-stretching film between rollers before it reaches the load. The PLC runs the cycle, counts wraps and reads a photocell that finds the top of the load.
The panel and display sit on the carriage side; the operator sets bottom, middle and top wrap counts, overlap and film force, and can add wraps without a new cycle. For soft loads or tight film control, confirm powered pre-stretch with constant tension for your project.
A100 and A200 specifications
| Item | A100 / A200 |
|---|---|
| Load size | max. 1,500 × 1,500 mm, min. 500 × 500 × 500 mm |
| Load height | max. 1,800 mm |
| Load weight | max. 2,000 kg |
| Turntable | 2,000 mm dia., 100 mm high, 10 mm plate, ring gear bearing |
| Turntable speed | 13 r/min, adjustable |
| Output | 20–40 loads/hour |
| Film | LLDPE, 0.025 mm, 500 mm wide, 76 mm core, 15 kg roll |
| Pre-stretch | 250%, optional 100% to 300% |
| Wrap counters | independent top, middle and bottom |
| Supply | 220 V, 1 phase, 50 Hz |
| Machine weight | 650 kg, forklift pockets |
Both sheets list 250% pre-stretch; only the A200 lists a dedicated pre-stretch motor, so confirm the drive when choosing. Both have a red mushroom-head e-stop and a lockable disconnect.
Seven setup practices for a stable load
- Centre the load so it stays balanced.
- Tie to the pallet with bottom wraps over the deck.
- Lock the top.
- Set overlap by carriage speed.
- Match pre-stretch to the load — high on firm loads, lower for soft bags.
- Use the photocell so short loads do not waste film.
- Store film well — cold, dusty film tears at the rollers.
- Pallet size and largest footprint
- Load height range, heaviest load
- Loads per hour
- Load type: cartons, bags, drums, loose
- Powered pre-stretch? (matters for soft loads and film efficiency)
- Site power supply
- Email your pallet sizes, load heights and loads per hour to info@fhopepack.com.
- We name the model and film settings, and send a layout drawing with the forklift path round the machine.
- A100 pallet wrapping machine
- A200 pallet wrapping machine
- Semiauto pallet stretch wrapping machine A100
- Robotic arm semi-automatic pallet wrapper
- Pallet wrapper with top sheet dispenser
- Specifications: FHOPE A100 and A200 pallet wrapping machine product pages
- Machine video: semi-auto pallet stretch wrapper on YouTube
- Turns and film: our worked example, illustrative load figures; LLDPE density about 920 kg/m³
- Standards scope: ISO 12100; EN 415-6 — referenced for design and risk assessment.
Worked example: turns, time and film per load
Take a 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,500 mm load (illustrative figures). Its diagonal √(1,200² + 1,000²) = 1,562 mm fits the 2,000 mm turntable.
Turns. For 50% overlap with 500 mm film, the carriage rises 250 mm per turn; at 13 r/min that is 3,250 mm/min. The cycle spirals down and back up: each 1,500 mm pass takes 6 turns, so two passes take 12; add 3 bottom and 3 top wraps for 18.
Time. Eighteen turns at 13 r/min take about 83 s.
Film. One turn wraps a perimeter of 2 × (1.2 + 1.0) = 4.4 m, so 18 turns put 79.2 m on the load. At 250% pre-stretch, 1 m off the roll becomes 3.5 m, giving 22.6 m used; at 920 kg/m³ that weighs 0.26 kg per load, so a 15 kg roll covers about 58 loads. A single up pass saves a third of film, for a weaker wrap.
Common wrapping faults and their causes
| Fault | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Film tears at corners | Film force too high, or sharp carton edges |
| Load leans after wrapping | Too few bottom wraps, no film on the pallet |
| Top layer slides | Too few top wraps |
| High film use | Overlap or wrap counts set too high |
| Loose wrap | Pre-stretch too low or film force too low |
Selection checklist: what to send us
Safety and EN 415-6
The design references EN 415-6 for pallet wrapping machines and assesses risks to ISO 12100. On a semi-auto machine the operator works close to the load, so the hazards are the turning load and the carriage. Mark the turning circle on the floor and keep clear while it runs. The carriage guards against falling and foot trapping; the e-stop and lockable disconnect are standard. EN 415-6 and ISO 12100 are referenced here as our design and risk-assessment framework; certification of any delivered machine is confirmed separately in the ordering agreement.
Engineering FAQ
Q: What does 250% pre-stretch mean?
A: Each metre of film is stretched to 3.5 m before it reaches the load.
Q: Can I wrap a load heavier than 2,000 kg?
A: Not on the A100 or A200.
Q: Why does overlap change with carriage speed?
A: The carriage moves further each turn.
Q: Which safety standards apply?
A: ISO 12100 for the risk assessment and EN 415-6 for pallet wrapping machines in CE markets, as the design framework; unit certification is confirmed per project.
