If you’re buying a high quality semi-automatic stretch wrapper, the answer is easy. You shouldn’t buy any spare parts at all.
Today, the best semi-automatic stretch wrappers are incredibly reliable and low maintenance. Properly maintained, most of these machines run every working day for years without problems or breakdowns.
Moreover, in the unlikely event that something should go wrong, any slowdown or downtime would be brief. You can hand-wrap for the short term until a part arrives. And thanks to today’s outstanding logistics, some manufacturers can deliver a part within 24 hours.
So rather than spending money on spare parts you probably won’t need and will just collect dust on a shelf, you might want to invest in features that add value on a daily basis, like automatic film cut-off, load-to-pallet bonding devices, integrated scales weigh the load at the same time it’s wrapped or simple automation units that let the operator start and stop the stretch wrapper without dismounting from the forklift.
On the other hand, If you’re buying a fully automatic stretch wrapper, hand-wrapping wouldn’t be practical for the volume of work you do so unplanned downtime could have a greater impact on production. In this case, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer on which critical parts it would be useful to stock. Most can help you develop a list based on your specific stretch wrapper and circumstances.
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This post was published on August 21, 2015 and updated on November 14, 2018.
August 21, 2015