Automatic Stretch Hood Wrapper | Stretch Hooder | LIMA

Automatic Stretch Hood Wrapper

The Automatic Stretch Hood Wrapper, also known as a Stretch Hooder, provides a highly effective automated solution for packaging palletized goods. This machine utilizes pre-stretched tubular stretch hood film to secure unstable or sensitive loads, ensuring they are protected during transport and storage.

Core Functionality

The system works by applying a single piece of elastic film 'hood' over a palletized load. The film is first stretched wide and then allowed to retract, conforming tightly to the shape of the load and pallet. This recoil force creates significant load stability without the need for heat, making it suitable for a wide range of products.

Key Features and Benefits

The use of cold-stretch tubular film offers several advantages:

• Superior Load Stability: The strong elastic recovery of the film provides excellent load containment, preventing shifting during handling.
• Weather Protection: Provides comprehensive protection against external elements like dust, rain, and snow, covering 5 or 6 sides of the load.
• UV Resistance: Helps protect products from sun exposure, crucial for outdoor storage.
• Puncture Resistance: Cold-stretch film is highly durable, reducing the risk of tears and ensuring packaging integrity.
• Enhanced Appearance: Offers a smooth, clear, and professional look to the packaged pallet.
• Versatility: Suitable for various industries and product types, especially those stored outdoors or shipped internationally via sea freight.

Performance Specifications

Parameter	Value
Wrapping Speed	Up to 70 pallets/hour
Max Pallet Height	2500 mm
Max Pallet L/W	1400 mm
Film Type	Tubular Stretch Hood

These specifications highlight the machine's capability for high-throughput operations and flexibility in handling common pallet sizes.

The Wrapping Process: How It Works

The automatic stretch hood wrapping process involves several precise steps:

1. Film Unwinding and Opening: The tubular film roll is unwound, and the tube is opened at the bottom.
2. Film Cutting and Sealing: A segment of the film is cut to the required length for the pallet height, and the top is sealed (often forming the top surface of the hood).
3. Film Stretching: Grippers stretch the film tube horizontally to a size larger than the pallet dimensions.
4. Pallet Covering: The stretched film hood is lowered down and over the stationary palletized load.
5. Underfolding (Optional/Automatic): The bottom edge of the film may be tucked underneath the pallet, providing extra stability and full 6-sided protection.

Applications

The Automatic Stretch Hood Wrapper is integral to various end-of-line packaging systems:

• Palletizing Packaging Lines: Used in conjunction with automatic palletizers to complete the packaging process.
• Palletless Packaging Lines: Adaptable for wrapping loads directly without a traditional pallet base (though the source material primarily shows palletized loads).
• Automatic Packaging Lines: Integrated into fully automated production and logistics flows.

It is commonly used for unitizing palletized bags of materials such as cement, construction aggregates, fertilizers, and other similar products that require robust, weather-resistant packaging for storage and transport, including scenarios involving forklifts and warehouse storage.

Machine Structure

The machine is built with robust components designed for industrial environments, ensuring reliable and continuous operation within automated lines. Its structure facilitates the precise handling and stretching of the stretch hood film.