Stretch wrapping configuration isn't a cosmetic choice — the mechanism determines whether your heaviest or least stable loads actually wrap reliably, or whether the wrapping process itself becomes a source of load shifting.
Turntable Wrapper
The pallet rotates on a turntable while the film carriage moves vertically, applying film as the load spins. This is the standard, most cost-effective configuration.
Best fit: stable, moderate-weight loads where rotation during wrapping doesn't risk shifting product — the majority of standard palletized loads.
Where it falls short: heavy or top-heavy loads can become unstable when rotated on a turntable, and very heavy loads put more demand on the turntable drive than a stationary-pallet design.
Rotary Arm Wrapper
The pallet stays stationary while a rotating arm carries the film carriage around it. This eliminates the rotation-induced instability risk entirely, since the load itself never moves during wrapping.
Best fit: heavy or unstable loads (up to 2,000 kg on ENZAC's range) where rotating the pallet risks shifting product — this is the configuration to specify whenever load stability during the wrap cycle itself is a concern.
Where it falls short: rotary arm systems are generally a higher-cost option than turntable wrappers for loads that don't actually need the stationary-pallet advantage.
Stretch Hood
A tubular film is pulled over the entire pallet from above in a single motion, providing complete top-to-bottom coverage rather than a helical wrap pattern.
Best fit: loads needing maximum weather protection, dust exclusion, or top-load security — the film fully encloses the load including the top surface, which neither turntable nor rotary-arm wrapping does as completely.
Where it falls short: stretch hood systems are a different mechanism entirely from turntable/rotary-arm wrapping and are typically justified specifically by the top-coverage and weather-protection requirement, not as a general-purpose default.
Decision Table
| Requirement | Turntable | Rotary Arm | Stretch Hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard, stable loads | ✓ Best fit, most cost-effective | Works, higher cost than needed | Overkill unless weather protection needed |
| Heavy or unstable loads (near 2,000 kg) | Rotation risk | ✓ Best fit | Possible, but a different mechanism |
| Maximum weather/dust protection | Partial coverage | Partial coverage | ✓ Best fit — full top-to-bottom |
| Highest throughput within 30–100 pallets/hr range | Generally faster cycle | Slightly slower per cycle | Fast, single-motion application |
Film, Pre-Stretch, and Programming Apply Across All Three
Regardless of mechanism, ENZAC's systems use LLDPE stretch film (17–30 micron) with pre-stretch capability up to 300% on electric-carriage models, PLC control with programmable recipes for different wrap patterns, and auto-trigger integration from the palletizer's PLC signal. These specs should be confirmed for whichever mechanism you choose — mechanism selection and film/control specification are separate decisions that both need to be right.
Review the full Pallet Wrapping System specification range before finalising which configuration goes into your client's scope.
Ready to talk about your pallet wrapping?
ENZAC supplies turntable, rotary-arm, and stretch hood wrapping systems in Malaysia, matched to your load weight, stability profile, and protection requirement. Send us your load specifications and we'll recommend a configuration.