Expandable Conveyorized Pallet-Wrapping Automation
The 3300-A automatic pallet wrapper combines powered conveyor movement, programmable turntable wrapping and Cousins’ patented A-Arm film technology in one expandable system. Facilities can begin with a simple arrangement that accommodates two pallets. Then, as production requirements increase, they can add powered infeed and outfeed conveyor sections.
Moreover, the 3300-A can operate within an existing in-line production system through interface relays and control logic. Alternatively, an off-line installation can use a wireless remote to start the cycle. Therefore, the system provides a flexible path from stand-alone automatic wrapping to fully integrated material flow.
Benefits of the 3300-A Automatic Pallet Wrapper
- Conveyorized operation: Powered rollers move loads through the wrapping process with less operator handling.
- Expandable design: In addition, facilities can add conveyor sections as production requirements grow.
- Patented A-Arm technology: The electric A-Arm automatically attaches, cuts and holds the stretch film.
- Reduced labor: As a result, operators no longer need to attach or cut film for every pallet.
- Three operating modes: Automatic spiral wrapping, automatic top banding and semi-automatic operation provide application flexibility.
- Powered pre-stretch: Meanwhile, the film carriage improves film yield and load-containment consistency.
- Programmable controls: Operators can adjust wrap counts, film force, turntable speed and carriage movement.
- All-electric automation: Finally, the standard A-Arm system requires no compressed-air connection.
Companies evaluating automation can also review how conveyorized stretch wrappers increase throughput in the Ameripak Learning Center.
3300-A Automatic Pallet Wrapper Specifications
Production and Load Capacity
- Production speed: 1–35 loads per hour
- Maximum dynamic load weight: 4,000 pounds
- Maximum static load weight: 12,000 pounds
- Maximum load dimensions: 48 inches wide × 48 inches long × 70 inches high
- Maximum load diagonal: 68 inches
- Top film overlap: Up to 2 additional inches
- Minimum load dimensions: 40 inches wide × 40 inches long × 24 inches high
- Minimum-load note: Smaller loads require review and a factory quotation.
Because load height, wrap counts and material-flow timing affect production speed, Ameripak can help calculate a realistic throughput range for the application.
Powered Process Turntable
- Turntable diameter: 72 inches
- Steel plate: 3/8-inch-thick laser-cut construction with a 5-inch skirt
- Load access: Front and side cutouts use flexible UHMW contours for forklift access.
- Support system: Six heavy-duty ball-bearing casters support turntable rotation.
- Drive system: ANSI #60 direct chain drive includes a chain tensioner.
- Rotational speed: Operators can adjust the turntable from 3–16 RPM.
- Drive motor: A 3/4 HP AC variable-speed motor includes a turntable holding brake.
- Positioning: Finally, controlled deceleration provides positive stop alignment after the last revolution.
Expandable Power Roller Conveyor
The basic 3300-A system includes the powered process conveyor within the 72-inch turntable section. However, facilities can add powered or gravity conveyor sections to match their pallet flow and production layout.
- Process-section capacity: The turntable conveyor supports 4,000 pounds dynamically and 12,000 pounds statically.
- Live-roller capacity: Each chain-driven conveyor section handles loads up to 4,000 pounds.
- Roller construction: The conveyor uses 2-1/2-inch-diameter, 11-gauge rollers with 11/16-inch hex axles.
- Roller spacing: Three-inch centers support consistent pallet movement.
- Conveyor drive: ANSI #40 chains transfer power from roller to roller.
- Effective width: A 50-inch roller width accommodates standard pallet loads.
- Conveyor speed: Additionally, variable-speed control provides movement up to 30 feet per minute.
- Pass-line height: The tops of the rollers sit 16-1/2 inches above the floor.
- Conveyor motor: A 1/2 HP AC variable-speed motor supplies controlled movement.
Consequently, the system can support either an off-line wrapping cell or a larger in-line conveyor arrangement.
Patented A-Arm Film Control
The 3300-A uses Cousins’ exclusive patented A-Arm device to start and finish the wrap cycle at the top of the load. First, the arm captures the film and begins the selected wrap pattern. After wrapping, it cuts and holds the film so the next pallet can enter the process.
A-Arm Performance Advantages
- Early load stabilization: Top banding can secure upper layers before the machine applies the complete spiral pattern.
- Protected film tail: Additionally, the system leaves the ending film tail near the top instead of the pallet base.
- No turntable clamp: Eliminating the clamp reduces exposure to pallet debris and loading damage.
- Flexible positioning: The operator does not need to place every load in one exact turntable position.
- Automatic load scanning: Meanwhile, the first revolution detects uneven or partially stacked upper layers.
- Height adjustment: The system automatically positions the A-Arm above detected obstructions.
- Anti-fall protection: A dedicated safety device supports controlled A-Arm operation.
- No standard pneumatics: Finally, the electric system avoids air hookups and noisy compressors.
Powered Pre-Stretch Film Delivery
The 3300-A automatic pallet wrapper includes a Super Rapid Thread II™ 20-inch powered pre-stretch film carriage. Its threading path increases film contact with the rollers and correctly positions the cling side toward the pallet load.
- Pre-stretch range: Fixed ratios extend from 33% to 313%.
- Ratio changes: Simple sprocket changes allow Ameripak to match pre-stretch to the selected film.
- Corner compensation: Moreover, electronic dynamic dancer control manages film delivery around load corners.
- Carriage motor: A 1/2 HP AC variable-speed motor controls film output.
- Operator access: The side-mounted carriage simplifies film loading and routine adjustments.
- Safety interlock: Opening the Rapid Thread™ door interrupts carriage power.
- Obstruction sensing: Additionally, the carriage stops descending when it encounters an obstruction.
- Pre-stretch rollers: Cousins provides a lifetime warranty on these rollers.
Therefore, the film-delivery system can reduce unnecessary film use while supporting repeatable containment force.
Film-Carriage Elevator
- Elevator motor: A 1/2 HP AC variable-speed motor moves the carriage.
- Chain drive: The ANSI #40 direct-drive system includes a shock dampener.
- Anti-fall device: In addition, the elevator incorporates protection against an uncontrolled carriage drop.
- Guidance system: Maintenance-free components keep the carriage aligned throughout the cycle.
Touchscreen Control System
Wrapping and Film Controls
The Panasonic PLC and touchscreen operator interface provide direct access to the machine’s primary settings.
- Wrap modes: Operators can select automatic spiral wrapping, automatic top banding or semi-automatic operation.
- Wrap revolutions: Separate controls provide from 1–12 top and bottom revolutions.
- Film tension: Force-to-load control adjusts film containment force.
- Reduced tension: Additionally, separate parameters protect sensitive upper or lower load areas.
- Carriage speed: Independent raising and lowering adjustments control film overlap.
- Turntable speed: Variable control helps match rotation to load stability.
- Reinforcement: Meanwhile, the reinforce-wrap function applies additional film to selected areas.
- Top-sheet pause: The operator can pause the cycle to place a protective sheet over the load.
Conveyor and Operator Controls
- Load ejection: The turntable conveyor jog control advances the finished pallet.
- Wireless start and stop: Off-line systems can use the included remote control.
- Alternative stations: Lanyard, pendant and pedestal controls remain available for specific layouts.
- Height detection: A triple-beam photo-eye recognizes load height, including dark or reflective products.
- Film monitoring: Furthermore, broken-film and out-of-film detection can reset the machine and identify a fault.
- Conveyor monitoring: A full-conveyor photo-eye supports loads exiting onto a gravity section.
- Status beacon: Colored indicators communicate run, clear and fault conditions.
- Manual functions: Turntable jog and carriage raise/lower controls assist with setup.
- Emergency stop: Finally, the control panel includes a dedicated emergency-stop button.
In-Line or Off-Line Operation
For in-line use, the 3300-A can exchange signals with upstream and downstream equipment through interface relays and control logic. Consequently, the wrapper can become part of an automated production or palletizing system.
For off-line operation, forklift drivers can load pallets into the wrapping cell and start the cycle with the wireless remote. The process conveyor can then move a finished pallet toward an optional outfeed section while the next pallet waits to enter.
If you are still evaluating the appropriate automation level, Ameripak’s guide to semi-automatic versus automatic stretch wrappers explains the differences in labor, throughput and equipment integration.
Electrical and Structural Specifications
- Published electrical input: 115 volts, single phase, 60 Hz and 20 amps
- Control enclosure: A NEMA 12 panel protects industrial control components.
- Electrical components: Non-proprietary UL/CSA-approved parts simplify service and replacement.
- Frame construction: Structural steel provides a durable system foundation.
- Machine tower: Steel tubing and protective sheet-metal covers shield internal components.
- Portable base: Front and rear lifting tubes allow forklift relocation.
- Protective finish: Finally, electrostatic powder coating helps resist corrosion and wear.
Ameripak should confirm the incoming electrical service for the final system because optional conveyors, controls and voltage packages can change power requirements.
How the 3300-A Wrapping Cycle Works
First, a conveyor or forklift moves the pallet onto the powered turntable section. Next, the machine confirms load position and begins the selected program. The A-Arm captures the film while the turntable starts rotating.
Meanwhile, the photo-eye detects load height, and the powered carriage applies the programmed spiral or top-banding pattern. After the final revolution, the turntable decelerates into its aligned stop position. The A-Arm then cuts and retains the film. Finally, the powered conveyor transfers the wrapped pallet toward the outfeed position.
Choosing Between Conveyorized and Stand-Alone Automation
The 3300-A best suits applications that need automated pallet movement or plan to connect wrapping with existing conveyors. In contrast, operations that move every pallet by forklift may not require powered infeed and outfeed sections.
For those applications, the 3200 Platform automatic pallet wrapper provides automatic film attachment and cutting without a conveyorized production line. Ameripak can compare the labor savings, floor-space requirements and expansion potential of both systems.
Why Purchase Cousins Equipment Through Ameripak?
Ameripak is a Cousins Packaging Master Distributor with more than 40 years of packaging-equipment experience. Therefore, customers receive application support before the order and continued assistance after installation.
Ameripak Support Advantages
- Application evaluation: Ameripak reviews load dimensions, weights, pallet condition and stability.
- Throughput analysis: Next, our team compares current production with expected future demand.
- Layout guidance: We evaluate pallet flow, available space, conveyor direction and load accumulation.
- System configuration: Additionally, Ameripak helps select conveyors, controls, guarding and available options.
- Cousins coordination: Our team communicates application requirements directly with the manufacturer.
- Installation planning: Ameripak can assist with placement, startup and operator training.
- Stretch-film selection: Proper film specifications help the powered pre-stretch carriage achieve consistent performance.
- Continuing support: Finally, customers gain access to replacement parts, technical assistance and preventative-maintenance support.
Available 3300-A Options
Available configurations may include:
- Five-foot powered infeed conveyor
- Five-foot powered outfeed conveyor
- Additional powered conveyor sections
- Gravity outfeed conveyor with end stop and full-conveyor photo-eye
- Tower extension for loads up to 100 inches high
- Five-inch or 12-inch tower pedestal
- Lanyard, pendant or pedestal start/stop station
- Additional wireless remote transmitter
- Alternate voltage packages
- Load and unload forklift safety photo-eyes
- Enhanced 78-inch safety-fence package
- Muting light curtains with conveyor and fence extensions
- Pallet-lock roping device
- Automatic film slitting or roping equipment
- Recommended spare-parts kit
Because conveyor layouts and guarding requirements vary, Ameripak can coordinate the final arrangement with Cousins before production.
Common Applications
The 3300-A automatic pallet wrapper can support manufacturing plants, distribution centers, food and beverage operations, consumer-goods facilities and automated warehouses. In particular, it fits operations that produce repeatable pallet loads and want to reduce manual handling between palletizing and shipment.
Ultimately, its expandable conveyor design allows a facility to start with practical automatic wrapping while preserving room for future production growth.
