Stretch Hoods and Hooding Machines: Controlling the Cost per Pallet
- Karine Morel
- [wpcode id="48710"]
Table of content
Excessive film use, torn hoods and pallets requiring rework: these issues all increase the cost per pallet. To reduce them, it is essential to assess the load, the film and the machine settings.
A pallet hood covers the sides and top of packaged products. This plastic hood protects the load. Depending on the process selected, it can also help secure it.
There are two main techniques: a stretch hood secures the load through its elasticity, while a shrink hood tightens around it when exposed to heat.
1- How to Choose the Right Pallet Hood?
The choice of pallet hood depends on the weight, dimensions and storage conditions of the load. The film must also be compatible with the machine.
Cold Stretch Hooding
A stretch hooding machine opens the film, stretches it and then lowers it around the products. Once released, the film contracts and secures the load.
No heating is required to tighten the film. However, a seal may be used to close the top of the hood. The film must be strong enough to withstand the sharp edges of the packaging.
Shrink Hooding
A shrink hood is placed over the pallet and then heated. It shrinks around the load.
Shrink films must be compatible with the heating system. Energy consumption and the sensitivity of products to heat must also be taken into account.
For manual application, a heat gun can be used to shrink the hood, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Protective Hooding
A hood applied without stretching or heating mainly protects against dust and dirt. It is not sufficient to secure products in place.
2- How Does an Automatic Hooding Machine Work?
The hooding machine prepares a length of film from a roll. It cuts, seals and applies the hood.
| Equipment | Operating principle |
|---|---|
| Stretch hooding machine | Stretches the film before applying it |
| Shrink hooding machine | Applies a hood that is then heated by an integrated or separate system |
When choosing a machine, consider its actual throughput, the pallet sizes it can handle and the time required to change rolls. Downtime and maintenance must also be included in the overall cost.
3- An Alternative to Stretch Film Wrapping?
Yes, for certain applications. A stretch wrapping machine winds stretch film around products. Hooding also covers the top of the load, but still uses plastic film.
However, this does not make the pallet completely waterproof. For outdoor storage, check the seals and any potential holes. Also check the protection at the bottom of the load and its resistance to UV exposure.
4- How Can You Reduce Costs Without Compromising Load Stability?
A thicker hood does not necessarily solve an unstable stacking arrangement. For heavy loads, weight distribution should also be checked.
Before changing the film:
Measure the amount of film used per pallet.
Record any tears and rewrapping operations.
Check the machine settings with your suppliers.
Look for slippage between layers.
Test any changes under real logistics conditions.
To achieve optimal load stability, adjust the load, film and machine settings together. Compare the total cost, including materials, energy, equipment, maintenance and damage.
5- How Does STABULON® Complement Hooding?
STABULON® anti-slip pallet sheets reduce slippage between layers. The hood provides external protection and helps secure the load.
Where moisture is present at the bottom of the load, STABULON® OCEAN, an anti-slip and water-repellent pallet sheet, may be worth considering. Its suitability must be assessed according to the level of exposure.
On an automated production line, EXCALIBUR® cuts and feeds pallet sheets directly from a roll before the hooding stage.
Adding pallet sheets may offer an opportunity to optimise film consumption. However, only trials can confirm the benefits. These must also take into account the cost of the sheets and their impact on production speed.
6- Can You Reduce Film Consumption Without Testing?
No. Compare film consumption, tearing incidents and product condition after transport. Reducing film use is only worthwhile if protection and load stability remain sufficient.
Hooding also does not replace securing the pallet inside the vehicle.
Looking to optimise your hoods and hooding machines? Contact CGP to explore the addition of STABULON® and define a trial using your products.
Our team will help you find the solution that meets your needs.