Stretch Hood TechMAX: A More Efficient And Productive Generation of Pallet Hooding

The next generation of Stretch Hood technology is here! In industrial packaging lines, productivity is about more than just machine speed. It also depends on how much time maintenance takes, how efficiently packaging materials are changed, and how much energy the equipment consumes. In this context, Innova Group presents its Stretch Hood TechMAX, a new generation of pallet hooding systems designed to increase productivity, simplify maintenance, and improve energy efficiency.

The new Stretch Hooder is part of Innova’s new TechMAX packaging systems range, developed to achieve higher performance and efficiency to end-of-line packaging operations. This launch marks an important milestone in Innova’s more than 25 years of experience as a Packaging Systems manufacturer, with hundreds of installations worldwide.

New Hooding Head Lowering Technology

One of the most significant innovations in the new Stretch Hood TechMAX is its redesigned hooding head lowering system, which brings the head down to floor level. This technology provides easier access to machine components, allowing maintenance operations and film changes to be performed without working at height.

The hooding head can be lowered without moving the palletized load from the hooding station. This simplifies maintenance operations on the production floor, as the load can remain in place and production can resume as soon as the head returns to its operating position. The benefits go beyond accessibility. By simplifying routine maintenance and film replacement, the system helps reduce service time and associated production downtime. This is particularly valuable in industrial facilities where operational continuity is essential.

Up to 180 Pallets per Hour, Adapted to Every Load

Stretch Hood TechMAX delivers productivity of up to 180 pallets per hour through optimized welding, cutting, and hooding operations, combined with a hooding head travel path that adjusts to the dimensions of each load.

Its variable-height system automatically adjusts the hooding distance to different pallet heights and load formats within the same packaging line. This flexibility is especially valuable for facilities handling loads of different sizes and heights that need to combine high throughput with operational adaptability.

Greater Energy Efficiency with Regenerative Motors

Innova is a pioneer in integrating next-generation LENZE regenerative motors into its Stretch Hood systems, introducing technology that improves the energy efficiency of pallet packaging operations. These motors recover energy generated during braking and return it directly to the electrical grid instead of dissipating it through braking resistors. This helps reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

The motors and components are also designed to meet high energy-efficiency standards, including IE3, IE5, and IE6 classifications, positioning TechMAX among the most energy-efficient Stretch Hood systems on the market. By combining energy recovery with improvements in productivity and maintenance, TechMAX helps manufacturers optimize their packaging operations through shorter operating cycles, more efficient use of packaging materials, and lower energy consumption.

Connectivity and Smart Hooding Process Control

TechMAX incorporates advanced connectivity features and offers an optional reporting service that provides access to hooded pallet history, machine usage data, and film consumption. This information is available through a redesigned, user-friendly interface that makes it easier for operators to monitor machine performance and access relevant production data.

In addition, the automatic hooding control system detects film breakage and incorrect film application, while incorporating correction functions in the event of collisions. These features provide greater control over the hooding process and help identify issues during film application.

Other Key Advantages of Stretch Hood TechMAX

Beyond its improvements in productivity, maintenance, and operational safety, TechMAX introduces additional features designed to optimize pallet packaging operations.

1. Reduced Film Consumption
   The new Stretch Hood system is designed to work with a wide range of film thicknesses, from 40 to 130 microns, and higher film stretching capabilities. This allows manufacturers to optimize film usage while maintaining the load stability and protection required throughout handling, storage, and transportation.
   
   
2. Adaptability to Different Load Formats
   Stretch Hood TechMAX can apply film at different heights thanks to its variable-height hooding head. It can operate from a lower position to minimize travel distance or move higher to accommodate taller loads, all within the same packaging line. This makes it particularly suitable for production environments handling multiple pallet sizes and load configurations.
   
   
3. Greater Film Autonomy and Automated Reel Selection
   The new high-capacity modular film reel holder accommodates up to three film reels, allowing automatic selection between different reel sizes. The system also supports film reels weighing up to 400 kg (882 lbs) and measuring 800 mm (31.5 in) in diameter.
   This configuration provides greater film autonomy, reduces the frequency of manual interventions, and allows manufacturers to adapt their packaging operations to different production requirements.
   
   
4. Advanced Hooding Control
   Another important innovation in Stretch Hood TechMAX is its advanced dynamic hooding system featuring an open-ring design. This technology allows the machine to dynamically adjust its hooding path and automatically correct film positioning according to the load geometry and production requirements, providing greater flexibility and control throughout the packaging process.
   
   
5. Wide Range of Accessories
   Unlike some conventional Stretch Hood systems, the new TechMAX can be equipped with additional accessories to adapt the hooding process to specific packaging requirements.
   One example is the Vertical Edge Protector Applicator System, particularly useful for palletized boxes. This accessory automatically applies vertical edge protectors before hooding, helping protect load edges and improve overall load stability and protection.

Innova Group: 25 Years of Innovation in Packaging Technology

Stretch Hood TechMAX represents a new generation of pallet packaging technology, developed to meet the needs of an increasingly connected, efficient, and resource-conscious industry.

For 25 years, Innova Group has been developing end-of-line packaging systems and refining Stretch Hood technology to help manufacturers protect their products and improve their end-of-line packaging operations.

With the launch of Stretch Hood TechMAX and the new TechMAX range, Innova continues this commitment by introducing technologies that help companies modernize their packaging lines, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.