Wrapping system also provides label substrate

Wrapping system stretches a band of polyethylene film around the perimeter of a pallet load and provides a substrate on which to place a bar code label.

Aetna UK has launched Roboband, a wrapping system that stretches a band of polyethylene film around the perimeter of a pallet load.

This new machinery is particularly effective for industries who need a substrate on which to place a bar code label, when they cannot or do not wish to place it directly onto the load.

The Roboband comes in two variants, VH1, which applies a single band and VH2, which applies two bands simultaneously.

Two reels of film are welded together to form a curtain across the conveyor.

The film reels are raised and lowered using a motor driven lead screw, giving very accurate positioning and a high degree of safety.

The standard reel holder unit features clutch controlled rollers, but is also available with motor driven unwinding for unstable loads.

The sealer is guided from above, which allows for machine installation on existing conveyors and a high strength seal is achieved through the thermoregulatory-controlled vertical sealing bar The pallet load is driven through the curtain of film and pneumatic welding elements bring the film together behind the load, thus applying stretch tension to allow welding and cutting.

The sealer closing system is equipped with air cylinder mounted on ball bearing guides with case hardened shafts and after welding, the sealing bars are cooled to prevent overheating.

Speeds of up to 150 pallets per hour can be achieved.

If time allows, the VH1 can also apply two bands by simply raising the film curtain above the pallet, reversing the load, then repeating the band process at a second height.

The result is a tight band placed around the load whilst a new curtain of film is left across the conveyor for the next load.

The material used is a blend of low density and linear low-density polyethylene with thicknesses from 35 to 200 micron and width from 100mm to 500mm, which allows for the perfect match of material strength, width and economy to suit each application.

As an example, a narrow band applied to a pallet load of beer kegs or crates allows load labels to be applied to a flat surface, which can easily be removed.

It is very difficult to remove self-adhesive labels from crates or kegs, and labels tucked into strapping can be lost.

The application of a printed band to loads of bricks or blocks can be used either on its own or in conjunction with stretch wrapping to replace printed shrink hoods.

Company logos can be printed in colour for brand identification.

A great deal of interest has been shown in this development and two units have already been placed in the UK where there is clearly great potential.

Aetna continue to enlarge their service capacity which is now located strategically around the UK and it remains their objective to provide the highest level of engineering consultancy and service to their fast growing customer base.

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