Paper and plastic film characterization for the technological development of a new rotating table destined to paper wrapping

The project of the thesis follows the technological development of a rotating table designed by Robopac S.p.A. destined to the wrapping of pallets with paper or recycled plastic films, instead of the traditional stretch films. It comprehends: a study of the properties of the materials considered, simulations of the new wrapping process, modifications of the machine, functionality tests, a sustainability analysis and a profitability analysis. A first correlation of materials requirements with the properties which have some impact on them, as well as with the lab tests necessary to measure said properties has been carried out, in order to clearly establish the goal of the project. The activities have been divided in five steps: 1) Raw Materials: after the definition of the laboratory tests able to perform a structural and surface analysis of the materials considered, the characterization of paper and plastic film has been carried out. The results have been analyzed and compared, together with the costs of the materials. 2) Wrapping: the relevant parameters of the different wrappings have been analyzed and a correlation between the properties of the raw material and the performance of the wrapping has been made, followed by a comparison in terms of costs. 3) Transport: the transportability performance of the wrappings considered has been evaluated by means of the EUMOS test and correlated to the properties of the raw material. 4) Sustainability: an analysis and a discussion about the sustainability of the materials and wrappings considered in the project have been carried out. 5) Results overview: the project has been concluded with a comparison of the performances of the different solutions taken into consideration in terms of machinability, costs and sustainability and a final overview of the results has been made.