The 3 Types of Pallet Wrapping Machines

Features, Advantages and Which Industries They Suit

Pallet wrapping keeps loads secure in transit. Choosing the right machine saves time, film and headaches. Emmoco stocks three main types of pallet wrappers: Turntable, Rotary-Arm, and Inline. Below is a clear, practical guide that compares them side-by-side, explains key features, lists real benefits, and shows which industries each type best serves.

1) Turntable Pallet Wrappers

What they are
A turntable wrapper spins the pallet while a film carriage moves vertically to wrap the load. The pallet rotates; the machine stays fixed. Simple, reliable and cost-efficient.

Key features

Floor-mounted rotating table.
Adjustable wrap cycles and tension.
Manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic modes.
Pre-stretch and film carriage options.
Safety light curtains and emergency stops.

Advantages

Low capital cost versus more complex systems.
Easy to install and integrate into small to medium packing areas.
Fast wrap cycle for standard pallet shapes.
Low training requirement for operators.

Benefits

Quick throughput for steady volumes.
Predictable wrap usage when using pre-stretch heads.
Fewer moving parts mean lower routine maintenance.
Suits businesses wanting immediate productivity gains.

Industry use cases

Small manufacturers and workshops.
Retail and wholesale distribution.
Warehouses with standard pallet sizes and stable loads.
Sites where footprint is limited but throughput is consistent.

Limitations to note

Not ideal for unstable, irregular or very heavy pallets that must not rotate.
Less suited to inline conveyor systems where continuous flow is required.

2) Rotary-Arm Pallet Wrappers

What they are
With a rotary-arm system the pallet remains still while a powered arm spins around it, applying film. The arm rotates; the pallet is stationary.

Key features

Rotating arm mounted on a base with safety guarding.
High wrap speeds and precise film tension control.
Programmable wrap recipes for different load profiles.
Heavy-duty construction for tall and heavy loads.
Optional automatic film cutting and sealing.

Advantages

Excellent for unstable, top-heavy or very heavy loads — no pallet rotation.
Faster cycles at scale, designed for high throughput lines.
Consistent film application on tall or awkward pallets.
Better ergonomics and safety for operators around fragile loads.

Benefits

Minimised risk of load shift or damage during wrapping.
Higher uptime in 24/7 operations thanks to industrial build.
Reduced film waste through precise tension and pre-stretch control.
Ideal where load integrity is critical (chemical drums, stacked machinery).

Industry use cases

Food and beverage (tall skids, sensitive crates).
Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies (stable orientation required).
Building supplies and heavy manufacturing (oversized, heavy loads).
Operations where safety and minimal handling are priorities.

Limitations to note

Higher capital cost and larger footprint than turntable units.
Integration and service require a slightly higher technical capability.

3) Inline Pallet Wrappers

What they are
Inline wrappers wrap moving pallets as they travel along a conveyor. The system integrates with conveyors and other automated equipment for continuous flow.

Key features

Infeed and outfeed conveyor integration.
Wrap while moving — no stopping or manual intervention.
Multiple wrap patterns via programmable PLC (Programmable logic controller) controls.
Built for high throughput and full line automation.
Safety interlocks, sync sensors, and optional pallet scanners.

Advantages

Perfect for high-volume distribution where stopping slows the line.
Seamless integration with sortation, robotic palletising and pick-lines.
Can reduce floor handling and manual interventions.
Scales easily by adding infeed/outfeed or parallel lanes.

Benefits

Maximise throughput and labour productivity on busy lines.
Predictable film consumption with centralised control and analytics.
Better OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) when part of a line.
Lower per-pallet wrap time at scale — good ROI for big operations.

Industry use cases

Third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfilment centres.
Large manufacturers with continuous pallet flow.
Cold chain and high-speed distribution hubs.
E-commerce operations with high SKU diversity and fast turnaround.

Limitations to note

Higher initial investment and installation complexity.
Requires conveyor space and floor layout planning.
Less flexible for ad-hoc or very varied pallet sizes unless configured.

How to Choose — Quick Selection Checklist

Load stability — If pallets can’t rotate, choose rotary arm.
Throughput — For continuous high volume, pick inline.
Budget and footprint — For lower cost and compact footprint, choose turntable.
Load shape — Irregular or fragile loads favour rotary arm.
Automation goals — If you want full line integration, choose inline.
Film savings — Pre-stretch carriage and film control reduce waste across all types — check carriage specs.
Future growth — Consider modular inline systems or heavy-duty rotary arm machines that scale.

ROI and Practical Considerations

Film savings: Pre-stretch heads reduce film costs; measure film usage per pallet before and after upgrade.
Labour: Automated wrappers cut manual handling time and lower injury risk.
Downtime: Industrial models have predictable maintenance windows; factor this into ROI.
Space & layout: Inline systems may require conveyor changes; include layout cost in your budget.
Compliance & safety: Ensure guarding, E-stops and local OH&S compliance are part of purchase.

Maintenance and Support Tips

Use genuine parts and quality film to reduce wear.
Schedule preventive servicing to avoid unexpected downtime.
Train operators on safe loading and wrap programming.
Keep spares for common wear items (belts, rollers, sensors).
Work with a local supplier like Emmoco for fast support and parts dispatch.

Final Word

There is no single “best” pallet wrapper — only the best fit for your product mix, throughput, and operational goals. Turntable wrappers deliver value where simplicity and cost matter. Rotary-arm systems protect fragile or oversized loads where rotation is a risk. Inline wrappers excel where continuous automation and throughput drive ROI.

Emmoco can help you with recommended models that match your line and budget.