Table of Contents
Thinking of Improving Your Packaging Process?
Purchasing a stretch hood machine is a significant investment that can greatly impact your packaging and production processes. To ensure you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Identify Packaging Needs: Before we go into the specifics of the machine, thoroughly understand your packaging requirements. Determine what items you need to secure for transport using the stretch hood machine. Are you packaging goods on pallets, and what are the sizes and shapes of these pallets?
- Compliance with Country Regulations: Different countries may have specific regulations or standards regarding packaging, labeling, and transportation. Check if there are any special requirements you need to adhere to in the countries you’ll be shipping to. Compliance with these regulations can avoid potential delays and fines.
- Environmental Factors: Consider the environment your packaged goods will be exposed to during transportation and storage. Will the pallets be stored outdoors, exposed to elements like heat, cold, UV radiation, rain, or snow?
- Film Roll and Pallet Variability: Different types of pallets and load sizes require different film formats. Due to the number of formats, the machine can be configured accordingly. It determines how many rolls of film will be needed and may require specific settings on the machine. This analysis will help you estimate the amount and type of film you will need.
- Throughput and Cycle Time: Evaluate the desired production throughput and the number of pallets the machine needs to handle within a given time frame. The cycle time of the stretch hood machine is crucial to prevent it from becoming a bottleneck in your production line. Choose a machine with a cycle time that aligns with your production goals.
- Machine Flexibility and Adjustability: A stretch hood machine that offers flexibility in terms of adjusting settings, film application methods, and load configurations can be highly valuable. This adaptability allows you to accommodate changes in your packaging needs without requiring a complete overhaul of the system.
- Maintenance and Serviceability: Consider the maintenance requirements and the availability of technical support and After-Sales-Service for the machine. A machine that’s easy to maintain and has a reliable support network will minimize downtime and ensure consistent operation. Having a service partner who understands both the machine and packaging material is crucial for efficient operation and issue resolution.
- Preventing Transport Damages: Consider the potential costs from insecurely packaged pallets during transportation. It may be beneficial to perform pallet tests beforehand to check stability. For instance, RHM Packaging offers a LAB for testing machines and pallet stability, ensuring reliable transport protection.
- Energy Efficiency: Efficiency in energy consumption not only contributes to cost savings but also aligns with sustainability goals. Look for machines that are designed to be energy-efficient without compromising performance.
- Cost Analysis: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including the initial purchase cost, installation, maintenance, and operational expenses. While it might be tempting to opt for the least expensive machine, consider the long-term benefits of investing in a reliable and efficient stretch hood machine.
- Operator Training and Ease of Use: Choose a machine that offers user-friendly controls and interfaces. Proper operator training is essential for maximizing the machine’s potential and ensuring safe operation. Check if the manufacturer provides training programs or resources for your operators.
- Future Expansion and Upgrades: Anticipate potential growth in your production volume and packaging requirements. Consider if the chosen stretch hood machine can be easily expanded or upgraded to accommodate increased demands.
Purchasing a stretch hood machine requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure that the machine aligns with your packaging needs, production goals, and operational environment. Take your time to research, consult with experts, and assess multiple options before making a final decision.
New Machine vs. Used Machine vs. Retrofit
- Is investing in an expensive new machine truly necessary?
Investing in an expensive new machine is not always necessary, the decision depends on various factors specific to your packaging needs, budget, and long-term goals.
- Existing Machine Condition: If your current machine is in good condition and meets your needs, retrofitting or upgrading might be a cost-effective solution to enhance its performance and extend its lifespan.
- Budget Constraints: Investing in a new machine can be a significant financial commitment. If budget is a concern, exploring retrofitting or used machines could provide cost savings.
- Technology Requirements: New machines often bring efficiency and capabilities. If these are essential for your production, a new machine might be necessary to stay competitive.
- Production Volume: Consider your current and future production volume. If your existing machine can’t keep up with demand, a new machine may prevent bottlenecks.
- Long-Term Strategy: Evaluate your long-term packaging strategy. If you anticipate growth, a new machine could be a strategic investment that pays over the time.
- Environmental Considerations: Newer machines often offer energy efficiency and sustainability features, aligning with environmental goals and cost savings.
New Machine
Used Machine
Retrofit
- Latest technology
- high performance
- warranty
- customization
- energy efficiency
- long-term investment
- Cost savings
- faster setup/ implementation
- proven performance
- affordability
- sustainability
- Cost-effective
- familiarity
- improved performance
- quick implementation
- extended lifespan
- sustainability
- Higher cost
- longer lead time
- learning curve (operators may need training on new technologies)
- Limited warranty
- outdated tech
- hidden issues
- potential compatibility problems
- Limited enhancement
- potential issues
- shorter lifespan
Manufacturer List
- Curious About Stretch Hood Manufacturers? See Our Detailed List to Get Started!
Beumer was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Beckum, Germany. They offer intralogistic solutions for conveying, loading, palletising, packaging, sortation and baggage handling.
- Beumer Stretch Hood Machines:
- Package dimensions: 500×500 mm – 1,400×1,220 mm
- Throughput: 120 pallets per hour, 1 roll on the machine
MSK, established in 1975 and based in Kleve, Germany, is offering Pallet conveyor technology and packaging technology. It is notable for its expertise in stretch hood and shrink hood machines.
- Their stretch hood machines have a throughput capacity of 180 pallets per hour.
Lachenmeier, founded in 1969 and a part of the Signode Group (USA), is located in Sønderborg, Denmark. Their diverse range of stretch hood machines includes:
- Power Flex T1: Suitable for varying load heights within a single pallet size, with dimensions of 1000×800 mm to 1400×1200 mm. It achieves a throughput of 100 pallets per hour and employs one roll.
- Power Flex TL: Geared towards loads with different heights across a few pallet sizes, accommodating dimensions of 600×400 mm to 1600×1400 mm. This model achieves 100 pallets per hour throughput with one roll.
- Multi FleX1: Designed for variable load sizes and types, ranging from 400×400 mm to 1400×1400 mm. It operates with a throughput of 200 pallets per hour using two rolls.
- Multi FleXL: Suited for large loads with a maximum height of 3000 mm, and dimensions spanning 600 x 400 mm to 3200 length x 1700 width mm. This model achieves a throughput of 150 pallets per hour and employs four rolls. The machine’s top can be lowered to ground level for easy maintenance.
Möllers, part of the Belgian Arodo Group is established in 1952 and headquartered in Beckum, Germany. Möllers is offering filling machines, palletizers, Wrapping Machines and Intralogistics. For Stretch hood machines they are offering various models, including:
- HSA-Vario: Covering package dimensions of 600 – 1200 x L 600 – 1400 x H 800 – 2800mm, it operates with one roll.
- HSA-Vario D: With the same package dimensions as the HSA-Vario, this model operates with two rolls. It also features a 4-way access and film change system.
Bocedi, founded in 1966 and located in Pratissolo di Scandiano, Italy, offering stretch hood and shrink hood machines, Strapping machines and In Box Bagmakers. Their divers range of stretch hood machines includes:
- FB1000: Capable of handling packages up to a size of Max. 2600×1400 mm, achieving a throughput of 70 pallets per hour with one roll.
- FB2000: Designed for larger loads with dimensions up to Max. 3600×1700 mm. This model achieves a throughput of 280 pallets per hour using four rolls.
- FB3000: Similar to FB1000 in terms of package dimensions, it achieves a throughput of 80 pallets per hour using two rolls.
- FB4.0: Operating at a throughput of 280 pallets per hour, this model employs two rolls.
Innova, located in Castellón, Spain, offers Stretch Hood Machines, Stretch Wrapping Systems and Load Security Systems like Strapping Machines.
- Their Main Stretch Hood Model is the Etherna SH Pro model, capable of handling package dimensions of Max. 2000×1400 mm with a maximum height of 2,000 mm. It achieves a throughput of 120 pallets per hour and is equipped with 1-2 rolls.
Thimon, established in 1968 and situated in Méry, France, offers diverse packaging technologies like spiral wrapping, shrink hooding, stretch hooding, shrink full-web Wrapping, Stretch full-web wrapping and handling systems. For the stretch hood machine their main model is the COVER-PAL 6000 model, which achieves a throughput of 200 pallets per hour and can accommodate up to 9 rolls on the machine.
RHM Packaging, founded in 2011 and located in Kollund, Denmark, is offering stretch hood machines with newest technology but reusing old materials. RHM´s concept is to upcycle the materials, mostly the frame of used stretch hood machines from various manufacturer and give them a new life by upgrading the technology to the newest standards.
(Information provided here is based on internet research – without guarantee)
You don't know yet if stretch hoods are the right packaging method?
Discover our technology centre and showroom in Germany, where we can compare stretch hoods and stretch film for you to test the stability of your pallets and products to clarify which solution is best from the financial and sustainable perspective.
In our next Newsletter we will also put together checklist, retrofit tips and more to inform about packaging needs.