How Application and Preventative Maintenance of Optimal Stretch Wrapping Saves Money
Minimizing waste and increasing efficiency are ongoing conflicts in the high-volume world of production. Because production demands sometimes cause preventative maintenance (PM) to be disregarded, a well-organized program can be revolutionary. But the narrative goes beyond simple upkeep; maximizing the use of film depends critically on the application of stretch film.
Why PM Gets Set Aside
It makes sense why production doesn’t stop. It seems contradictory to take a stretch wrapper offline for upkeep. Long-term headaches, though, can result from this short-term thinking:
- Unexpected Film Waste: Inadequate equipment can cause uneven film application. Film is thereby wasted when too many layers are applied to make up for subpar performance.
- Calibration Problems: Film can be over- or under stretched by improperly calibrated equipment. Weak spots produced by overstretching compromise load stability and may even result in film tears. Insufficient containment force from under stretching raises the possibility of product damage while being transported. Film is wasted in either case.
- Sensor Sensitivities: The application of the film may be incorrect if the wrapper’s sensors malfunction. Film could be spent on empty space, for instance, if a carriage height sensor malfunctions and fails to identify a pallet.
The Financial Stretch: Major Savings with PM and Application Knowledge
- Film savings are not the only advantage of a comprehensive strategy for stretching film usage. This is how using appropriate application methods together with preventative maintenance can improve your bottom line:
- Less Film Used: By keeping your stretch wrappers in top working order, you can apply film precisely and uniformly. This eliminates the film waste that arises from machine malfunctions and calibration issues.
- Optimized Containment Force: The ideal pre-stretch ratio for the particular film and load being wrapped can be achieved by well calibrated equipment and qualified personnel. Without wasting film through over-application, this guarantees safe containment.
- Longer Equipment Life: A stretch wrapper that is kept up properly wears out less quickly. The fact that you won’t need to repair equipment as often means big financial savings.
- Less Downtime: Frequent PM reduces the possibility of unforeseen failures, maintaining the smooth operation of your stretch wrapping processes and averting expensive production losses.
Not Just Upkeep The Ideal Wrap for the Ideal Job
Using stretch film as best you can extends beyond the equipment. These further things to think about are:
- Correctly Sizing Film: Waste is reduced when the right film gauge and width are selected for the particular weight and size of the load. While too small film may not offer enough containment, too large film results in needless application.
- Methods for Secured Loads When edge protectors and corner boards are used correctly, less film is required to provide secure containment.
- Operator Training: Putting money into training your employees in the correct methods for applying film and operating equipment can greatly increase productivity and reduce film waste.
Constructing a Future that Is Flexible
Putting in place a thorough program that blends appropriate application methods with preventative maintenance will help your business become a market leader in effective stretch wrapping solutions. Cost savings are one result, but safe and environmentally friendly packing techniques also lead to higher customer satisfaction.
It Works
Research by the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (https://www.aimglobal.org/) revealed that businesses which used optimal stretch wrapping procedures—which included operator training and appropriate equipment maintenance—had an average 20% lower film use. This means big cost savings and a good environmental effect for a large manufacturing operation.
Preventive maintenance and appropriate film application should be given top priority if you want to guarantee that your business keeps operating profitably, uses less film overall, and stays at the forefront of the stretch wrapping market.