Types of Stretch Wrapping Machines: 5 Common Options Compared

Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 43/2026

Stretch wrapping machines on the Vietnamese market fall into 5 main types: semi-automatic rotary table (20 - 40 pallets/hour across the ICD Vietnam models), fully automatic (20 - 50 pallets/hour), self-propelled robot (the pallet stays still while the robot circles the load), mini machines, and horizontal machines for long goods. A rotary arm line also exists for light loads that tip easily. Which one to pick depends on daily volume, weight and how stable the load is.

Stretch wrapping machines come in at least 5 main types, differing in how they work, how automatic they are and what they cost. This article walks through each type in common use in Vietnam in 2026, so a business can pick the right equipment from the start and avoid investing in the wrong tier.

Every warehouse has its own volume, product mix and floor space, so there is no single stretch wrapper that suits all of them.

Yet the wide choice also causes confusion: many businesses still use a mini machine to wrap industrial pallets, or, the other way round, buy a self-propelled robot for a warehouse that only handles 20 pallets a day.

To understand the selection criteria, see the guide on what a stretch wrapping machine is and how to choose one.

Type 1: Semi-automatic rotary table stretch wrapper

This is the most common type in logistics warehouses and factories, because the investment is low and it is easy to run. How it works: the pallet sits on a round table that turns electrically, while the operator attaches the film start and adjusts the film carriage height by hand or with a button.

The clearest advantages are the lowest investment among rotary table machines, simple operation and easy maintenance. The drawbacks: one person still has to stand at the machine for the whole wrapping shift, and wrapping quality depends a lot on the operator’s skill.

Popular models: ICD-T1650F (2,000kg load), ICD-Y1650F (1,500kg load, with wheels), ICD-X0MS (standard semi-automatic), ICD-X0PS (smart semi-automatic with an electronic display).

The specifications published on the product pages of the ICD rotary table models show that the main differences lie in table load, wrapping height and whether the machine can be moved:

Type 2: Fully automatic stretch wrapper

The next step up from semi-automatic: the whole wrapping, tensioning and cutting cycle is automatic. The operator only places the pallet on the table, selects a program and presses start; the machine wraps, clamps and cuts the film, then stops, and the fully wrapped pallet is sent out.

What sets the fully automatic line apart is the pre-stretch system: PE film is stretched before it goes onto the load, at 100 - 250% on the ICD Vietnam models. That means each metre of film is stretched to 2-3.5 m, so in theory one roll covers the length of 2-3.5 rolls without pre-stretch (in practice less, because the film partly recovers after wrapping). For a warehouse wrapping many pallets a day, the PE film saved each year is significant; the estimator below lets you work it out for your own pallet size.

Models: ICD-Ultra Wrap 2000BF (250% pre-stretch, wraps loads up to 2,500mm high), ICD-T1800FZ with a conveyor (integrated into a line), ICD-X100 (high-end fully automatic).

According to Wikipedia, many stretch films break at around 500% elongation, but in use they are only stretched about 100-300%; the remaining elasticity is what holds the load tight. So high pre-stretch saves film, but stretching too far thins the film and makes it prone to puncture at sharp corners. The tool below estimates film use at each stretch level:

Type 3: Self-propelled wrapping robot (Robopac)

Instead of turning the pallet, the robot travels around a stationary pallet. This is a fundamental technical difference, and it is also why robots suit situations a rotary table cannot handle. For a deeper look, see the difference between a wrapping robot and a conventional stretch wrapper.

The self-propelled robots ICD Vietnam sells are the Robopac Robot S7, ICD-Maxgo and ICD-XT4550. The Robot S7 runs on 2 x 12V 90Ah batteries, wraps up to 2,200 mm high, accepts pallets from 600 x 600 mm, stores 12 wrapping programs and connects to the manufacturer’s R-Connect system. One point is often confused: the Robopac Masterplat Plus (ICD-TP3) is not a self-propelled robot. According to Robopac’s specification page, the Masterplat Plus is a semi-automatic rotary table machine with a 1,650 mm table, a 2,000 kg load and 250% PGS pre-stretch; so in comparisons the TP3 belongs with the rotary table group under Type 1.

The other two robots have different limits, according to the ICD Vietnam product pages. The ICD-Maxgo wraps up to 2,100 mm high, needs a pallet of at least 900 x 900 mm weighing at least 100 kg, has a 1:3 pre-stretch ratio, and runs on two 12V 107Ah batteries for about 8 hours per charge. The ICD-XT4550 also wraps up to 2,100 mm high, accepts pallets from 600 x 600 mm and loads from 60 kg, and runs on 220V single-phase or 380V three-phase power.

Type 4: Mini stretch wrapper (handheld and small semi-automatic)

The most compact type with the lowest investment, from mechanical hand wrapping tools to small semi-automatic machines with a mini turntable. Suitable for small warehouses, shops, or wrapping small loose items rather than full pallets.

Do not use a mini stretch wrapping machine to wrap heavy industrial pallets - it lacks the force and speed for continuous work. Mini machines work best for packing small goods, adding protection on edges and corners, or use at delivery points that have no large machine.

Type 5: Horizontal stretch wrapper

A specialised type that solves the problem of packing long goods that a rotary table machine cannot handle. The product travels through a ring that wraps film horizontally: PVC pipes, aluminium bars, steel sections, door frames and electrical cable bundles can all be wrapped.

Learn more about the horizontal wrapping machine and its practical applications.

The ICD-S800E is the main horizontal model from ICD Vietnam, with an 800mm diameter wrapping ring, a conveyor with adjustable speed of 0-15m/min, and 200% pre-stretch. ICD Vietnam quotes according to the configuration, because the machine needs its own line layout design.

According to the product page, the S800E ring turns at 0-80 rpm, uses film 100-500 mm wide and takes products up to 600 mm in diameter with unlimited length; the machine runs on 380V three-phase power with a PLC touchscreen control.

Rotary arm stretch wrapper - when the pallet must not turn

A rotary arm machine keeps the pallet still while the film carriage, mounted on an arm, circles the load. It is the choice for light, tall loads that tip over when a table spins fast, or when the machine has to sit directly on a conveyor.

General references on stretch wrapping machines describe the rotary arm as the type for light loads, or for high speeds where turning the pallet would topple the goods; the rotary ring variant is better balanced and reaches the highest output, up to around 160 pallets/hour. Typical examples are pallets of empty plastic bottles, tall stacks of light cartons, and goods with a high centre of gravity.

ICD Vietnam has 2 rotary arm models. The ICD R1800FZ-PL is fixed on a conveyor and accepts loads 500 - 1,100 mm long, 500 - 1,200 mm wide and 500 - 1,800 mm high, reaching 35 - 45 pallets/hour on 380V three-phase power. The ICD-XT4512 is a mobile rotary arm running on four 12V 20Ah batteries with a PLC touchscreen, wrapping 1,000 x 1,000 mm or 1,200 x 800 mm pallets up to 1,600 mm high.

The drawback is that the arm frame takes up a lot of floor space (the R1800FZ-PL measures about 4.2 x 2.2 x 3.5 m) and needs a fenced area around the rotating zone. For heavy goods that sit stably on a standard pallet, a rotary table machine is still more economical.

Carton wrapping machine - a special case

Not a pallet wrapper, but often grouped with them in the product catalog. The ICD-DBC800 specialises in wrapping PE film around small to medium cartons (up to 800×600×600mm). It is common in e-commerce warehouses, protecting each individual parcel from moisture and dust. ICD quotes according to the configuration.

According to the published specifications, the DBC800 wraps cartons weighing up to 30 kg at 8-15 cartons/minute depending on size, using film 100-250 mm wide and 220V single-phase power.

Quick comparison of the 5 types of stretch wrapping machine

Under 50 pallets/day, a semi-automatic rotary table machine is usually enough; from 50 to 200 pallets/day use a semi-automatic machine with pre-stretch or an automatic machine; above 200 pallets/day or three shifts, use a fully automatic machine. For oversized or very heavy loads, or wrapping on the spot, choose a robot; for light loads that tip easily, choose a rotary arm. These thresholds are consistent with ICD Vietnam’s article on the criteria for choosing a stretch wrapping machine.

The diagram below summarises how to choose, by type of goods first and volume second:

Frequently asked questions about stretch wrapping machine types

Should I buy a Chinese stretch wrapping machine or an ICD one?

Compare by invoice, warranty and technical support in Vietnam, not just by purchase price. ICD Vietnam stretch wrapping machines come with a VAT invoice and a 12-month warranty under the company’s warranty policy; technicians install the machine and train operators at the customer’s warehouse. For a warehouse that runs continuously, a few days of downtime waiting for parts can cost more than the initial price gap, so ask the seller whether spare parts are in stock.

Which type of stretch wrapper saves the most PE film?

Machines with high pre-stretch save the most film. ICD Vietnam models reach pre-stretch of up to 250% (Ultra Wrap 2000BF, X100, T1650FZ): 1 m of film on the roll becomes 3.5 m on the load, whereas a machine with only a mechanical brake stretches far less. You can work out the film saved at your own volume with the estimator in the Type 2 section; for a large warehouse, the saving can gradually offset the higher investment.

Is a tire wrapping machine a separate type?

Yes. Tires are round with a hole in the middle, so they are usually wrapped by a dedicated machine that wraps through the tire opening, unlike a pallet wrapper. ICD Vietnam currently has no dedicated tire model; for long or round goods such as pipes and cable bundles, the ICD-S800E horizontal machine takes products up to 600 mm in diameter. Contact us for advice on how to wrap your goods.

What are the common types of stretch wrapping machine?

5 main types: semi-automatic rotary table, fully automatic, self-propelled robot, mini and horizontal machines - each serves a different set of needs.

Which type of stretch wrapping machine is most common in Vietnam?

The semi-automatic rotary table stretch wrapper is the most common type on the Vietnamese market.

Why understand each type of stretch wrapping machine before buying?

Because each type suits a different set of needs - using the wrong tier (such as a mini machine for industrial pallets) wastes investment.

How does a rotary arm wrapper differ from a rotary table machine?

A rotary table machine turns the pallet, while a rotary arm machine keeps the pallet still and turns the film carriage around the load. The rotary arm suits light, tall loads that tip easily, or placement directly on a conveyor; the ICD R1800FZ-PL reaches 35-45 pallets/hour. The rotary table is cheaper, more compact and suits heavy, stable goods.

What does 250% pre-stretch mean?

250% pre-stretch means the film is stretched an extra 250% before it goes onto the load, so 1 m of film on the roll becomes 3.5 m on the load. The higher the stretch, the more film is saved, but the film gets thinner; so for goods with sharp corners, lower the stretch or use corner protectors.

Can a pallet wrapper use heat shrink film?

No. Pallet wrappers use PE stretch film (LLDPE), whose elasticity lets it tighten the load by itself. Heat shrink film needs heat from a shrink tunnel or heat gun to shrink, so it is not used on a standard pallet wrapper.

Which machine type should a warehouse of 50 pallets a day choose?

At about 50 pallets/day, a semi-automatic rotary table machine is the economical choice: models such as the ICD-X0MS list 30 pallets/hour, so the machine only needs to run about 2 hours a day. If the goods are light and tip easily, choose a rotary arm; if loads are oversized, choose a self-propelled robot.

Ordering and advice

Send ICD Vietnam your daily pallet count, type of goods and the space for the machine to get advice on the right machine type. Price: contact us for a quote based on configuration; 12-month warranty.

References

• How heat shrink wrap works and where it is used in packaging - Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP).
• Wikipedia - Stretch wrap: stretch film versus shrink film, 100-300% stretch, rotary table, rotary arm and rotary ring machine types (up to about 160 pallets/hour).
• ASTM D5459 - Test method for elastic recovery and residual stretch of stretch film.
• PMMI - ANSI/PMMI B155.1 safety standard for packaging machinery.
• Masterplat Plus, rotary table machine specifications, Robopac.
• Specifications of the stretch wrapping models (including Robot S7, Maxgo, XT4550, XT4508, S800E, DBC800) and the warranty policy on the ICD Vietnam website (accessed 17 Oct 2026).