Enhancement Options

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Advanced Stretch Wrapping Options

Application-driven solutions for improving stretch wrap results

A stretch wrapping system does more than apply film—it plays a critical role in stabilizing loads, protecting products, and preparing palletized shipments for storage, handling, and transport. For some applications, standard wrapping functionality is only part of the solution. Load characteristics, pallet conditions, product stability, and shipping demands often necessitate additional integrated features to achieve the desired performance levels.

Kaufman Engineered Systems designs and builds automated stretch wrapping solutions tailored to the specific needs of each application. The automatic stretch wrapping systems in our KForce Series are customizable, heavy-duty solutions with configurable features and options to suit various production environments and load requirements.

Common enhancement options include:

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These value-add options address common challenges that standard wrap cycles alone may not fully solve. When properly integrated, these options can improve load stability during wrapping, increase containment between the load and pallet, and ensure the finished film tail is secured for cleaner, safer load presentation. Kaufman evaluates each application based on load type, line layout, throughput goals, and downstream handling requirements to engineer the right solution for long-term reliability and performance.

Low Profile Hold Downs

Stabilizing Loads During the Wrap Cycle

A stretch wrapper hold-down—often implemented as a top platen or low-profile stabilizer—applies a controlled downward force to the top of a pallet load during the wrap cycle. This added stabilization can be especially important when film tension, conveyor movement, or load geometry creates a risk of product shifting or tipping during the wrap cycle.

ImageAbout Kaufman Engineered Systems

KForce T20 with Hold Down to Keep Palletized Bundles of Paper Towels. 

When to Integrate Hold Downs

A hold down option is often the right choice when loads are:

  • Tall and narrow
  • Lightweight relative to film tension
  • Loosely stacked or unevenly layered
  • Susceptible to movement during the wrap cycle
  • Sensitive to instability at higher operating speeds

Even more stable loads can benefit from integrating a hold down if throughput requirements call for high-speed wrap cycles. 

Value Add

By improving load control during the wrapping process, low profile hold downs can:

  • Reduce tipping or shifting during the wrap cycle
  • Improve repeatability for unstable or inconsistent loads
  • Support more reliable film application
  • Help preserve product alignment and the quality of the finished load
  • Reduce manual correction or rework downstream
  • Assist in preventing damage and loss while improving throughput with higher wrapping speeds

The Kaufman Difference

Kaufman’s approach is not to add a generic hold-down device as an afterthought. The system is engineered around the load, wrapper configuration, and line requirements so that the hold-down applies the right amount of control without interfering with throughput, accessibility, or overall system performance. The Kaufman engineering staff analyzes customer needs to develop efficient, cost-effective, customized automation solutions that will only include low profile hold downs for stretch wrapping applications that require them. 

Load Lifters

Wrapping the Palletized Load Directly to the Pallet

Load lifters are used when the application requires film to wrap underneath the L or load, rather than only around its sides. Our load lifters are available on both the KForce Rotary Arm and Turntable models, allowing film to be wrapped underneath the load.

This capability is valuable because wrapping under the load improves the connection between the pallet and the product stack, helping create a more secure, unified load for transport and handling.

ImageAbout Kaufman Engineered Systems

KPal Stack & Wrap System with KForce T20 stretch wrapper utilizing a load lifter to secure the load to the pallet.  

When to Integrate Load Lifters

Consider adding a load lifter when:

  • Maximum load-to-pallet containment is required
  • Loads are likely to experience vibration or shifting in transit
  • The application involves high-value or fragile products
  • The pallet and load need to move as one unit more securely
  • Shipping conditions demand stronger bottom containment

For certain applications, applying film to both the load and the pallet can make a meaningful difference in overall load integrity, especially when transportation stability is a top concern.

Value Add

  • Increase pallet-to-load containment
  • Improve overall transport stability
  • Reduce the risk of load shifting during handling or shipment
  • Support cleaner, more secure finished loads
  • Enhance performance in demanding shipping environments

The Kaufman Difference

Kaufman integrates load-lifting functionality into the overall automated wrapping solution, not as an isolated feature. That means the lifting motion, wrapper timing, conveyor integration, and wrap program can all be engineered to work together smoothly within the broader system. This aligns with the custom-solution philosophy we apply to every aspect of the systems we design, build, and implement for customers. The result is tailored system design, durable construction, and application-specific performance. 

Heat Tackers

Sealing film to the load when wrapping finishes

An automatic heat tacker secures the film to the finished load at the end of the wrap cycle. This option helps eliminate loose film tails that can affect load appearance, interfere with handling, or create a risk of the film pulling away at any point downstream. 

We often utilize heat tackers in our KForce Series of stretch wrappers, depending on the application and customer requirements. 

ImageAbout Kaufman Engineered Systems

Heat tacker about to apply seal to the tail of a finished load.

When to Integrate Heat Tackers

Consider adding a heat tacker when:

  • Consistent, finished load presentation is important
  • Loads are shipped, stored, or handled frequently after wrapping
  • Loose film tails could create handling or housekeeping concerns
  • The operation wants to reduce manual film securement
  • Automation goals call for a cleaner, more repeatable end-of-cycle result

Value AdD

  • Secure the film tail at the end of the wrap cycle
  • Improve the finished appearance of wrapped loads
  • Reduce the risk of film unraveling
  • Minimize manual involvement
  • Improve consistency from load to load

The Kaufman Difference

Kaufman’s expertise lies in integrating heat tacking into a fully engineered, automated process. Film type, wrap pattern, cycle timing, and production goals all influence how the option should be applied. By building these considerations into the overall machine design, Kaufman helps customers achieve a more dependable, professional final result without compromising throughput or system reliability.

Top & Bottom Cap Plows

Wrapping Folded Top and Bottom Caps To Loads for Added Security & Load Containment

Cap plows are designed to automatically fold top and/or bottom sheets over a palletized load prior to or during the stretch wrapping process. By guiding and forming the sheet edges into position, cap plows help create a more secure, enclosed load that improves protection and overall load integrity.

These systems are commonly integrated with top sheet dispensers or bottom sheet feeders in the palletizing process to ensure consistent placement and controlled folding, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or intervention. Cap sheets are made of a thicker, sturdier material than typical top, bottom, and tier sheets.

KForce R20 with Cap Plows and 4 Robotic Corner Board Stations.About Kaufman Engineered Systems

KForce Rotary Arm wrapping system with four robotic stations applying corner boards and top/bottom cap plows to the load.

When to Integrate Cap Plows

Cap plows are especially beneficial in applications where:

  • Loads require weather or dust protection during storage or transport
  • A top sheet must be secured tightly to prevent shifting or lifting
  • Bottom sheets are used and need to be folded cleanly under the load
  • Product stability depends on fully enclosed or reinforced load edges
  • Operations require consistent, repeatable sheet placement at higher speeds

They are frequently used in industries handling paper products, building materials, food and beverage, and other applications where load protection and presentation are critical.

Value Add

  • Improve load containment by securing the top and bottom sheets in place
  • Enhance product protection from dust, moisture, and external conditions
  • Deliver cleaner, more consistent load appearance
  • Reduce manual labor and operator variability
  • Support higher throughput with automated, repeatable sheet handling

By ensuring sheets are properly positioned before film application with top/bottom sheet feeders and a squaring mechanism, and by applying cap plows during the wrap cycle, you can improve the effectiveness of the overall wrap pattern.

The Kaufman Difference

Kaufman Engineered Systems designs cap plow solutions as part of a fully integrated material handling and stretch wrapping system. Each solution is engineered based on sheet type, load dimensions, conveyor configuration, and production requirements to ensure smooth, reliable operation.

Rather than treating cap plows as standalone components, Kaufman integrates them with upstream sheet dispensing and downstream wrapping processes to create a seamless, automated workflow. This application-driven approach ensures consistent sheet placement, precise folding, and dependable performance across a wide range of load types and operating conditions.

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Why Companies Choose Kaufman Engineered Systems

  • Stability: With 80 years of serving our customers, Kaufman continues to provide innovative products backed by five-star service.
  • Quality: No one can match our machinery’s superior construction and durability.
  • Dependability: With our 24-hour service support, you can count on Kaufman to be there when you need us most.
  • In-House Design and Manufacturing: Kaufman employs an entire staff of electrical, mechanical, and robotic engineers to design and install the machines that meet your specific needs.
  • Commitment to Excellence: We are customer-focused and recognize that there are no universal automation solutions. Your needs are thoroughly analyzed and reviewed by our engineering staff to find the most efficient, cost-effective solution for your business.
  • Your Turn-Key Provider: From machine fabrication to installation and start-up, Kaufman is there to support you.
  • Improve your Bottom-Line: Whether shaving seconds off cycle time or squeezing space out of your plant layout, we are committed to improving your efficiencies and operating costs.

Kaufman Engineered Systems is a premier integrator for FANUC robotics offering robotic palletizers, stretch wrapping machinery, automated packing machines, food packaging machines, high-speed packaging, and other robotic material handling systems. Kaufman has been your single source manufacturer for complete end-of-line automated packaging since 1946.

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