Nathan Dube

By: Nathan Dube on August 11th, 2020

Print/Save as PDF

Electric Stretch Wrappers VS Pneumatic Stretch Wrappers

Equipment | Plant Performance | Investment

So you have come here because you have decided to buy a stretch wrapper. You are not sure if you should buy a pneumatic model or an electric model.

 

You do not want to buy any additional components that you do not need, so you are researching these two options to make the right choice.

 

Industrial Packaging has been selling stretch wrappers for many years. We can educate you on which type of stretch wrapper makes the most sense for your business.

 

In this article, we are going to compare pneumatic stretch wrappers to electric stretch wrappers and help you to choose the machine that is right for your business.

 

Lantech Stretch Wrapper GSeries

 

Electric VS Pneumatic Stretch Wrappers

 

Electric Stretch Wrappers

 

Electric stretch wrappers are a modern take on stretch wrapping machinery. You can purchase machines from various different brands and they all have a wide spectrum of makes and models from entry-level manual machines to fast, fully automatic variations.

 

When it comes to electric stretch wrapping machines, cost savings is a big motivator. One of the main drivers for consumers to purchase this type of device rather than a traditional pneumatic machine is because electric models do not require air or an air compressor to run the equipment.

 

With industrial-level air compressors costing from $5,000 - $10,000, we are not talking about pocket change here.

 

Pneumatic Stretch Wrappers

 

As stated above, there are very few significant differences between electric and pneumatic stretch wrapping machines. The only real difference is that pneumatic machines require compressed air generated by an industrial level air compressor.

 

So what exactly does that mean?

 

Industrial level air compressors are hooked up to pneumatic stretch wrapping machines for a specific purpose. That purpose is to power clamps that grab the stretch film on and also to run the top platens which are used to stabilize loads.

 

Sometimes, depending on the design of the machine, you need both to ensure your film doesn’t pull out of the clamps.

 

Top platens are explicitly used to stretch wrap wobbly pallets. The top platen gives you superior stability and ensures that your load is secured correctly. These are commonly used on pallets that are stacked are taller than average loads, which may become unstable while being spin on the turntable.

 

On pneumatic machines, the clamps and top platens are powered with compressed air, which requires an industrial air compressor.

 


Need Help Buying Packaging Machinery?

Show Me The Guide


Lantech Stretch Wrappers Q300-1

Which Is Better, Electric Or Pneumatic Wrappers?

 

Truth be told, the only real difference between an electric wrapper and a pneumatic wrapper is that the pneumatic wrapper requires an industrial level air compressor to provide compressed air which is needed to run the clamps and platens.

 

So, by choosing an electric stretch wrapper vs. a pneumatic stretch wrapper, you can save between $5,000 - $10,000 dollars. It is that simple!

 

Industrial Air Compressor

Industrial Air Compressor

 

So why do some companies choose to run pneumatic stretch wrappers at all?

 

On pneumatic machines, the clamps and top platens are powered with compressed air which requires an industrial air compressor.

 

There may be agreements between companies and their vendor. Other cost savings have been negotiated to balance out or negate the cost savings attributed to using an electric stretch wrapper rather than pneumatic machinery.

 

Additionally, some operators simply prefer the feel of a pneumatic machine versus that of an electric. Depending on the budget of the company, a company may opt to purchase more expensive machinery that suits its operator’s preferences better.

 

Where To Buy A Stretch Wrapper?

 

Regardless of which type of stretch wrapper you ultimately decide on, your next step is to purchase the machine. As you have already done all your homework and know what machine you want, you need to choose a vendor to buy the equipment.

 

Here are a few different types of vendors that you will want to consider buying from based upon your specific needs as a consumer.

 

Packaging Distributors

 

Industrial Packaging just so happens to be a packaging distributor. Vendors like us are often chosen as vendors for stretch wrappers.

 

This mostly because they have products from many different manufacturers.

 

Most of the time, packaging distributors aren’t beholden to a single brand; you can count on them to help you choose the best stretch wrapper for the products you are packaging.

 

Manufacturers

 

Another standard option for sourcing your stretch wrappers is using a manufacturer (OEM). Manufacturers usually have highly knowledgeable packaging experts trained exclusively on the types of stretch wrappers they produce.

 

In some cases, manufacturers will have the best information on their brands. They only sell the brands of stretch wrappers that they make.

 

Many manufacturers are large companies. They will always have a ton of unique information about their products and what makes them unique when compared to other packaging machinery manufacturers or sellers.

 

It is imperative to note that not all manufacturers will sell directly to you. You may very well have no other choice but to purchase their brand of packaging machinery elsewhere.

 

 

Next Steps To Buying Your Stretch Wrapping Machine

 

If you are still not exactly sure how you wish to proceed in completing your journey to purchasing the perfect stretch wrapping machine for your business and would appreciate further guidance, talk to one of our packaging experts.

 

 

They will analyze your current equipment, materials, KPIs, protocols, and processes and advise you on the exact type of stretch wrapping machine that is current for your environment.

 

 

They will also be able to help you source materials and preventative maintenance for your machinery. Even if we are not the best fit for you as a vendor, we will be able to point you to whoever is.

 

 

If you are not ready to speak to a rep, considering doing further research on buying the correct stretch wrapper for your needs. When you are prepared to make a purchase, we will be able to help you choose the right machinery and vendor for your needs, even if that vendor is not ultimately us.

 

 

New call-to-action

About Nathan Dube

As the Digital Marketing Specialist at Industrial Packaging, I am honored to create content for such a phenomenal company and work with one of the greatest teams in the Packaging Industry. Whether creating a video, writing blog posts or generating other pieces of content and multimedia, I am always excited to help educate and inspire our prospects and clients to reach their highest potential in regards to their packaging processes and needs.