MSK Stretch hooder

Stretch hooders or stretch hood machines work by creating a bag (or open tube) from a continuous tube of low-density polyethene (LDPE) film and stretching it both horizontally and vertically over a load. The length of the hood is determined from the measured actual load height and is adjusted automatically when heights vary. After horizontally stretching, the hood is pulled down over the load by the stretch hood machine from top to bottom in a single movement and is released actively at the bottom portion of the load. The horizontal holding forces in a stretch hood application come from the thickness of the film and the ratio between the load’s dimensions and the original film tube size. If additional holding forces are required, a smaller and/or thicker tube size can be used. Stretch hooders are also able to vertically stretch the film and release the film under the pallet or rope it up on the side of the pallet. This allows for vertical containment forces that can provide increased overall load stability as in increases the effective friction forces between load layers. The stretch hood film tube can be left with an open top or automatically closed by the stretch hood machine to form a closed, elastic hood.
Stretch hooders offer several advantages within the packaging industry. Foremost, they significantly enhance load security, delivering a consistent and reliable covering that effectively stabilizes pallet loads, thus mitigating the risk of damage or loss during transit. Because holding forces are determined by the original dimensions of the tube and not by operator settings, load containment is very consistent from load to load. The loads are hooded by a single, fast downward movement, making stretch hooders suitable for industries requiring rapid pallet packaging. With a closed-top stretch hood, the load is not only stable, but is protected from the elements, giving this packaging significant advantages for goods stored outside, shipped on flatbed trucks, or exported in shipping containers. Mixed goods pallets with varying shapes and partial top layers are also more easily contained with a closed top hood than other packaging methods. Overall, stretch hooders reduce the reliance on manual labor and minimizes the associated risks of worker injuries during traditional wrapping methods.