Conveyorized Automatic Wrapping with Electric Film Control
The 3300-CTA pallet wrapper combines automatic film attachment, powered turntable wrapping, film cutting and conveyorized pallet movement in one expandable system. An electrically actuated clamp holds the film on the turntable, while a motorized cut-and-wipe arm finishes each cycle. As a result, operators no longer need to attach or cut stretch film manually.
Moreover, the 3300-CTA can operate as an off-line forklift-loaded wrapping cell or connect with a larger in-line conveyor system. Facilities can begin with the powered process turntable and then add infeed, outfeed or gravity conveyor sections. Therefore, the system supports current production needs while allowing room for future expansion.
Benefits of the 3300-CTA Pallet Wrapper
- Automatic film attachment: The electric turntable clamp secures the film at the beginning of each cycle.
- Automatic film cutting: Next, a motorized cut-and-wipe arm finishes the wrap and applies the film tail to the load.
- Conveyorized movement: Powered rollers reduce manual pallet handling through the wrapping area.
- Expandable layout: Additionally, facilities can add conveyor sections to match their production flow.
- Up to 40 loads per hour: Actual throughput depends on load height, wrap counts and material-handling time.
- Powered pre-stretch: Meanwhile, the film carriage improves film yield and containment consistency.
- All-electric automation: The standard film-handling system requires no compressed-air connection.
- Programmable controls: Finally, operators can store and adjust wrap patterns for different products.
For additional planning information, review how conveyorized stretch wrappers increase throughput in the Ameripak Learning Center.
3300-CTA Pallet Wrapper Specifications
Production and Load Capacity
- Production speed: 1–40 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 × 75 inches high
- Maximum load diagonal: 68 inches
- Top film overlap: Up to 2 additional inches
- Published minimum load dimensions: 30 inches wide × 30 inches long × 24 inches high
- Small-load requirement: Loads below the published minimum require factory review.
Because load dimensions, wrap patterns and conveyor timing affect production speed, Ameripak can help estimate realistic throughput for the application.
Powered Process Turntable
- Turntable diameter: 72 inches
- Steel plate: 3/8-inch-thick laser-cut construction with a 5-inch skirt
- Forklift access: Front and side cutouts use flexible UHMW contours.
- 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 holding brake.
- Cycle positioning: Finally, controlled deceleration provides positive stop alignment after wrapping.
Expandable Power Roller Conveyor
The basic 3300-CTA includes a powered process conveyor within the 72-inch turntable section. However, infeed and outfeed conveyors remain configurable so the machine can match the facility’s pallet flow.
- Process-section capacity: The turntable conveyor supports 4,000 pounds dynamically and 12,000 pounds statically.
- Conveyor capacity: Each chain-driven live-roller section handles loads up to 4,000 pounds.
- Roller construction: The system uses 2-1/2-inch-diameter, 11-gauge rollers with 11/16-inch hex axles.
- Roller spacing: Three-inch centers provide consistent pallet support.
- Roller 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 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 smooth movement.
Consequently, the system can support forklift loading, conveyor-fed production or a combination of both.
All-Electric Film Clamp and Cut/Wipe System
Unlike the Cousins 3300-A, the 3300-CTA pallet wrapper uses a traditional turntable film clamp. First, the electrically actuated clamp captures the film at the start of the cycle. The machine then applies the programmed wrap pattern.
After the final revolution, the turntable decelerates into its home position. Next, the electro-mechanical cut/wipe arm moves toward the load. A ni-chrome impulse hot wire cuts the film between the pallet and the clamp. Finally, a brush wipes the remaining film tail against the wrapped load.
The automatic cleaning cycle helps maintain the hot wire’s cutting performance. Moreover, the standard arrangement operates entirely through electric components, eliminating pneumatic lines and noisy air compressors.
Powered Pre-Stretch Film Delivery
The 3300-CTA includes the Cousins Super Rapid Thread II™ 20-inch powered pre-stretch carriage. Its film path increases contact with the pre-stretch rollers and correctly positions the film’s cling side toward the pallet.
- Pre-stretch range: Fixed ratios extend from 33% to 313%.
- Ratio adjustment: Simple sprocket changes allow Ameripak to match pre-stretch to the selected film.
- Corner compensation: Additionally, electronic dynamic dancer control regulates film delivery around load corners.
- Carriage motor: A 1/2 HP AC variable-speed motor controls film output.
- Rapid threading: The special threading device simplifies film-roll installation.
- Operator access: Meanwhile, the side-mounted carriage supports convenient loading and adjustment.
- Safety interlock: Opening the Rapid Thread™ door interrupts power.
- Obstruction protection: The carriage stops descending when its safety plate encounters an obstruction.
- Pre-stretch rollers: Finally, Cousins provides a lifetime warranty on the rollers.
Therefore, the film-delivery system supports consistent stretch levels while helping facilities control film consumption.
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 protection: In addition, a dedicated safety device helps prevent an uncontrolled carriage drop.
- Guidance system: Maintenance-free components keep the carriage aligned throughout the cycle.
Programmable Operator Controls
Wrap-Program and Film Controls
The Panasonic PLC and touchscreen operator interface give operators direct access to essential wrapping settings and machine status.
- Stored programs: Three separate recipes support different pallet loads or containment requirements.
- Top and bottom wraps: Operators can independently select from 1–12 revolutions.
- Film tension: Force-to-load control adjusts containment force.
- Reduced tension: Additionally, separate parameters protect sensitive upper and lower load areas.
- Carriage movement: Independent raising and lowering speeds control film overlap.
- Turntable speed: Variable control helps match rotation to load stability.
- Reinforcement: Meanwhile, the reinforce-wrap function applies extra film to selected areas.
- Top-sheet pause: Operators can pause the cycle to add a protective sheet.
Conveyor, Film and Safety Controls
- Film-clamp control: Operators can manually open or close the turntable clamp during setup.
- Load ejection: The turntable conveyor jog control advances a completed pallet.
- Height detection: A triple-beam photo-eye identifies load height, including dark or reflective products.
- Film monitoring: Broken-film and out-of-film detection identifies a loss of film tension.
- Conveyor monitoring: Additionally, a full-conveyor photo-eye supports an optional gravity outfeed section.
- Status beacon: Colored indicators communicate run, clear and fault conditions.
- Wireless operation: Off-line systems can use remote start and stop control.
- Alternative stations: Lanyard, pendant and pedestal controls remain available for specific layouts.
- Emergency stop: Finally, the control panel includes a dedicated emergency-stop button.
In-Line or Off-Line Configuration
For off-line use, a forklift operator places the load on the process turntable and starts the cycle with a wireless remote or control station. After wrapping, the powered conveyor can transfer the finished pallet onto an optional gravity or powered outfeed section.
For in-line operation, interface relays and control logic allow the wrapper to communicate with upstream and downstream conveyors. Consequently, the 3300-CTA can become part of a larger palletizing or packaging system.
Ameripak should review the exact conveyor transition, pallet orientation, accumulation space, controls and safety guarding before finalizing an in-line layout.
Electrical and Structural Specifications
- Published electrical input: 115 volts, single phase, 60 Hz and 20 amps
- Standard automation: All-electric film clamping, cutting and wiping
- 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 machine 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.
Because optional conveyors, controls and voltage packages may change electrical requirements, Ameripak should confirm the incoming service for the final system.
How the 3300-CTA Wrapping Cycle Works
First, a forklift or conveyor moves the pallet onto the powered turntable section. Next, the machine confirms load position, and the electric clamp captures the stretch film. The turntable then begins rotating while the powered film carriage follows the selected wrap program.
Meanwhile, the photo-eye detects load height so the carriage can complete the programmed spiral pattern. After the final revolution, the turntable decelerates and stops at its home position. The cut/wipe arm then moves toward the load, and the hot wire separates the film. Finally, the arm brushes the film tail against the pallet before the conveyor releases the completed load.
3300-CTA Compared with the 3300-A
Both Cousins models provide conveyorized automatic wrapping. However, they use different methods to start and finish the film.
The 3300-CTA uses an electric turntable clamp and a separate cut/wipe arm. In contrast, the 3300-A Conveyorized A-Arm automatic pallet wrapper uses Cousins’ patented A-Arm to begin and end the wrap process at the top of the load.
Therefore, the best choice depends on load characteristics, film-tail preferences, maintenance priorities and system layout. Ameripak can compare both technologies using actual pallet samples and production requirements.
When to Choose Conveyorized Automation
The 3300-CTA works well for facilities that want automatic pallet transfer and repeatable wrapping without moving immediately to a larger high-speed integrated system. It can also support operations experiencing labor shortages, inconsistent manual wrapping or growing pallet volume.
For a broader comparison of labor and equipment requirements, review semi-automatic versus automatic stretch wrappers in the Ameripak Learning Center.
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 help selecting, configuring and supporting the system—not simply ordering a standard machine.
Ameripak Support Advantages
- Application evaluation: Ameripak reviews load dimensions, weights, pallet condition and stability.
- Throughput analysis: Next, our team compares current production with projected growth.
- Layout guidance: We evaluate pallet flow, conveyor direction and available accumulation space.
- Model comparison: Additionally, Ameripak can compare the CTA film-clamp system with Cousins’ A-Arm technology.
- System configuration: Our team helps select conveyors, controls, guarding and available options.
- Manufacturer coordination: Ameripak communicates application requirements directly with Cousins.
- Installation planning: We can assist with placement, startup and operator training.
- Film selection: Proper stretch film supports pre-stretch performance and load containment.
- Continuing support: Finally, customers gain access to replacement parts, technical assistance and preventative-maintenance support.
Available 3300-CTA Options
Available configurations may include:
- Five-foot powered infeed conveyor
- Five-foot powered outfeed conveyor
- Additional powered conveyor sections
- Gravity outfeed conveyor with tapered end stop and full-conveyor photo-eye
- Tower extension for taller loads
- Five-inch or 12-inch tower pedestal
- Lanyard, pendant or pedestal control station
- Additional wireless remote transmitter
- Alternate voltage packages
- Load and unload forklift safety photo-eyes
- Enhanced 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
Although the standard film-tail system requires no compressed air, certain optional roping or air-flow equipment may require a pneumatic supply.
Common Applications
The 3300-CTA pallet wrapper can support manufacturing plants, distribution centers, food and beverage operations, consumer-goods facilities and automated warehouses. In particular, it fits operations that handle repeatable pallet sizes and want automatic film control combined with conveyor movement.
Ultimately, its expandable design allows a facility to automate pallet wrapping now while preserving options for future material-flow improvements.
