Pallet Shrink Wrapping

Pallet shrink wrapping equipment covers a loaded pallet with a PE shrink hood and shrinks it tight, so the load is protected from rain, dust and tampering on all five sides. This collection brings together Ripack propane heat shrink guns, the Turbopack mobile shrink column and the Multicover systems for making covers on site.

7 products

How to Choose Pallet Shrink Wrapping Equipment

Pallet shrink wrapping has three parts: a shrink cover made of polyethylene film, a heat source that shrinks it, and the accessories that make the work safe and fast. Your volume and pallet sizes decide which combination fits.

Shrink hood versus stretch wrap

Stretch wrap holds a load together on the sides. A shrink cover goes over the top and down the sides and is shrunk tight, which protects the load from rain, snow and dust on five sides and shows if it has been opened. That is why shrink covers are common for exports, outdoor storage and high-value or sensitive goods.

Heat source: gun or column

A propane heat shrink gun is the flexible choice for most warehouses. The Ripack 3000 has an adjustable output of 45–80 kW for daily heavy use; the lighter Ripack 2500 has 34–60 kW. Both come as complete kits with regulator, 26 ft hose and tool bag.

A mobile shrink column such as the Ripack Turbopack V2 works like a shrink oven on wheels: the operator walks it once around the pallet, and per Ripack the cover is shrunk on all sides and the top in about 40 seconds. It suits high volumes and gives the same result for every operator.

Covers: pre-made or made on site

You can buy pre-made shrink hoods, or make covers to the height of each pallet. The Multicover 955 seals covers with a Ripack heat gun and needs no power; the Multicover 960 E seals them by electrical impulse. The Multicover 935 holds up to four film rolls on a mobile stand.

Film

Pallet covers are made of polyethylene shrink film. Thicker film suits heavy, sharp-edged or outdoor loads; thinner film is enough for light loads that stay in a warehouse. Use the same film thickness for loads of the same type, so results are predictable. Estimate film per pallet with the Pallet Shrink Calculator, and read Shrink Film Types.

Accessories

Extension poles let you reach the top and bottom of tall loads; gas cylinder trolleys keep the hose and gun off the floor; the Calpack pallet raiser lets you pull film under the pallet. See Gun Accessories.

The workflow step by step

A typical pallet shrink job runs like this: measure the load, cut and seal a cover to size (or take a pre-made hood), pull it over the load, tuck the film under the pallet with the help of a pallet raiser, and shrink the cover from the bottom up. Shrinking the skirt first anchors the cover to the pallet; the sides and top follow. Work with steady, sweeping movements and keep the nozzle moving so the film shrinks evenly without holes. Our guide How to Shrink Wrap a Pallet shows each step.

Typical users

Exporters and freight forwarders, beverage and building materials producers, fertilizer and chemical shippers, and warehouses that store goods outdoors. Shrink film is also used beyond pallets: construction containment, boat winterizing and protecting large machines.

Safety

Propane heat tools are operated only by trained personnel, following Ripack's instructions and local fire and gas codes. Keep the work area free of flammable material, store cylinders according to local rules, and check hoses and connections before each use.

Delivery

Ripack products ship from Ripack's facilities in the Chicago area, Illinois, by UPS or LTL freight. Larger systems such as the Multicover sealers and the Turbopack ship by LTL freight; freight is quoted in writing before you pay.

Compare the equipment

ModelBrandTypeKey specs
Ripack 2500 Propane Heat Shrink GunRipackHeat shrink gun34–60 kW adjustable heat output; Propane, 2.07 lb gun
Ripack 3000 Propane Heat Shrink GunRipackHeat shrink gun45–80 kW adjustable heat output; Propane; natural gas with kit
Ripack Multicover 935 Shrink Film Reel DispenserRipackFilm reel dispenserMobile reel holder, 2 roll holders; Up to 4 rolls, 463 lb total; Film width up to 70.9"
Ripack Multicover 955 Manual Shrink Film SealerRipackCover sealerMakes pallet covers on site; Sealed with a Ripack heat gun; No electrical power required
Ripack Ripaflam Automatic Heat ToolRipackAutomatic heat toolAutomated propane burner; Electronic ignition, flame control; 220 VAC (RPC200 for 110 V)
Ripack Multicover 960 E Electric Impulse Shrink Film SealerRipackCover sealerElectric impulse, 57" double bars; Seals 4 × 8 mil, up to 56.7" wide; 230 V, 0.5 kVA (per Ripack)
Ripack Turbopack V2 Mobile Propane Shrink ColumnRipackMobile shrink columnShrinks a pallet in about 40 s; 6 column heights, 2.62–10.5 ft; Propane, 75–280 kW

Step-by-step instructions: How to Shrink Wrap a Pallet. Buying a gun: Propane Heat Shrink Guns: A Buyer's Guide. Brand page: Ripack.

Pallet Shrink Wrapping FAQ

What is the difference between shrink wrapping and stretch wrapping a pallet?

Stretch wrap is wound around the sides of the load and holds it together by tension. A shrink cover goes over the top and down the sides and is shrunk with heat, so the load is protected on five sides against rain, dust and tampering. Shrink covers are common for exports and outdoor storage.

Do I need a heat gun or a Turbopack?

A heat gun such as the Ripack 3000 or 2500 suits most warehouses and also works on boats, structures and machines. The Turbopack V2 is made for high pallet volumes: the operator walks it once around the pallet, and per Ripack the cover is shrunk in about 40 seconds.

Can I make pallet covers myself?

Yes. With a Multicover 955 or 960 E, you cut PE shrink film from the roll to the height of each pallet and seal it into a cover. You use only the film you need and do not have to stock pre-made hoods in several sizes. The Multicover 935 holds the film rolls.

What safety rules apply to propane shrink wrapping?

Propane heat tools are operated only by trained personnel, following Ripack's instructions and local fire and gas codes. Keep the area free of flammable material, check hoses and connections before use, and store cylinders according to local rules. Ripack guns have a Securipack system and cut off gas if the hose breaks.

How is Ripack equipment shipped?

Ripack products ship from Ripack's facilities in the Chicago area, Illinois, by UPS or LTL freight. Guns and accessories usually go by parcel; Multicover systems and the Turbopack go by LTL freight. Shipping is stated in your written quote before you pay.

Can shrink film be used for things other than pallets?

Yes. The same propane guns and PE shrink film are used for construction containment and weather protection, boat winterizing and protecting large machines and parts for transport or outdoor storage. Extension poles help to reach high or low areas of large objects.

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