Strapping Machines 101: What is a Strapping Machine, and How Does it Work?

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Mastek.

What is Strapping in Manufacturing?

Sometimes known as banders, strapping machines are a staple in various industries for a range of applications as an end-of-line system to improve efficiency and the overall presentation of a packaged product. The type of production line and product to be strapped determines what machine should be used for maximum production.

What is a Strapping Machine?

A strapping machine secures one or more items for handling and product transport by placing a flat strap around the perimeter. The strap is held in place by various methods, including heat, friction, and ultrasonic welds. A plastic strapping machine uses multiple sizes of thin plastic strap to ensure products stay together.

Strapping machines range from small semi-automatic or &#;table top&#; units to automatic &#;arch&#; machines, sometimes called bundlers. Larger, fully automatic machine systems secure pallet loads and shipping units for transport and storage

 

What are the Different Types of Strapping?

The main three types of strapping machines are semi-automatic or operator cycled machines, automatic or arch machines, and larger strapping machines, sometimes called unitizers. 

Semi-automatic Strapping Machines

Semi-automatic or operator cycled machines require an operator to manually place the product on the machine table, loop a length of strap around it, and insert the strap end into a slot to initiate the machine cycle. The machine then tightens the strap on the product, seals the strap ends, and cuts the strap off. These machines are economical and practical for light-duty, low volume requirements.

Go To Semi-Automatic Machines

Automatic / Arch Strapping Machines

Automatic or arch machines include an arch or strap track through which the machine feeds the strap around the product, relieving the operator of that task. These units range from operator cycled via footswitch or pushbutton, to fully automatic with powered conveyors and package sensing technology that automatically positions the product in the strapping zone and applies straps without operator intervention. Throughput speeds for fully automatic EAM-Mosca equipment may approach the 60 packages per minute range depending on a variety of product and process factors.

View Automatic Machines

Large Strapping Machines / Unitizers

Larger strapping machines or systems, sometimes called unitizers, because of their function of tying multi-item product groups into secure shipping units, have similar features to the automatic machines referred to above, in a larger size, utilizing somewhat different technology. They may integrate transport and handling functions upstream or downstream of the strapper as needed. Throughput speeds reflect the pace of shipping departments, typically in the 2 to 10 unit per minute range.

 See Unitizers

How do you Operate Strapping Machines? 

Every manufacturer&#;s equipment is different in detail, but all share standard functions and features. Some of these features include:

Want more information on Fully Automatic Strapping All In One Machine? Feel free to contact us.

• A strap dispenser where the strap coil is mounted and where the strapping is supplied to the sealing head.
• A sealing head that feeds the strapping around the package, tensions the strap to a selected tension level, seals the strap ends together, and cuts the strap, freeing the package for movement out of the machine. The strap cycle is completed by pre-feeding the strap around the track in preparation for strapping the next package. Sealing heads may be positioned beneath, on the side, or above the product, depending on specific application conditions.
• A strap track guides the strap around the package (with semi-automatic machines, the operator performs this function). Tracks are a fully enclosed tunnel in most high-speed bundlers providing a high level of control of the strap during feeding for high cycle efficiency. Larger systems typically utilize a &#;spring-gate&#; style of track which provides good but somewhat less strict control of strap feeding but is a practical solution in larger tracks using heavier, stiffer straps that need less guidance to feed efficiently.
• Fully automatic machines include a powered conveyor that moves product into and out of the machine. These machines are paired with control systems with sensors that detect product position to determine the correct strap placement position.
• The most sophisticated systems can include web-based data transfer capability to control the strapping operation and provide an information conduit as required by the user&#;s overall production process.

Options for Sealing the Strap Ends

There are three types of seals used in strapping machines:

• Hot blade heat seals insert a heated tongue between the overlapping leading and trailing ends of the strap loop around the package, melt the interface and press them together to form a seal. This system is very common in smaller bundlers and is a reliable means of sealing Polypropylene (PP) strapping. The smoke given off from hot blade seals when sealing polyester strap is irritating to humans, making it a rarely used technique on Polyester (PET).
• Friction welding is a tried and true method of sealing both PP and PET straps and is widely used on larger systems. The overlapping strap ends are gripped independently, with the contacting surfaces rubbing against each other, melting and ultimately fusing the ends together. Because friction systems are mechanical, they are subject to wear over time.
• Ultrasonic sealing applies a high frequency, low amplitude vibration to the strap ends, melting the interface and generating a strong seal. Ultra-sonics eliminates the smoke issue inherent in a hot blade system and simplifies the mechanics of friction systems. It is highly effective with both PP and PET strap.

Mosca manufactures sealing heads that use all three technologies and is currently the technology leader and significant practitioner of ultrasonic sealing with its SoniXs® system. SoniXs® technology has been used in Mosca strapping machines for more than ten years and is continually refined for the highest performance. Mosca&#;s ultrasonic technology automatically monitors and adjusts for sealing conditions and parameters on every strap cycle, providing consistently strong seals for both PP and PET straps. SoniXs® machines come with a two-year warranty on the SoniXs® components, and the systems have a demonstrated life of up to 10 million operating cycles over thousands of machines sold worldwide.

Finding the right strapping machine for your application can be a challenge, but the machine experts at EAM-Mosca can help. With over 40 years of experience, EAM-Mosca has the knowledge and expertise to help you find the right system for your unique application. Customized systems are engineered for particular cases where standard systems don&#;t fit.

Contact or chat online today to find out more.

SM65-FA Fully Automatic Strapper

Unparalleled Reliability in a Fully Automatic Strapper

The SM65-FA is a world class fully automatic strapper machine that will automate your strapping operations at a very affordable price. At a cycle speed of 65 straps per minute it is one of the fastest strappers available in the market. Designed with ease of operation and simplicity in mind, the SM65-FA head has no belts or pulleys and uses the latest in brushless DC motors for an extremely high level of accuracy and reliability. All motors are German made. Backed by the best warranty in the industry, PAC maintains a network of factory trained technicians along with 99% plus parts availability within 24 hours. If you are looking for a fast, reliable, automatic strapper, you won&#;t find a better value than the SM65-FA.

Standard Features Include

• Simplified Strapping Head
  Utilizing the latest technology, the strapping head has 30% fewer parts than comparable strappers. The result is fewer adjustments and minimal maintenance costs.
• Waist High Auto Feeding
  This ergonomic feature allows the operator to feed the strap automatically from the top of the coil. Coil changes are quick and easy.
• Free Access to Strap Guides
  For ease of maintenance, this patented feature allows access to the strap guides with no need for tools
• Simplified Control Panel
  The operator control panel, with LCD display, controls all major functions
• Hinged Top Plates
  For ease of maintenance top plates are hinged, allowing easy access to major mechanical components
• Multiple Strap Patterns
  Various strap patterns can be selected from the control panel, including continuous strapping to transit mode
• Built-in Interlocking Plug
  For communication with existing upstream and downstream
  conveying systems
• Adjustable Conveyer Speed
  Speed range is 10 meters (32.8ft.)/minute to 60 meters (196.8ft.)/minute
• Automatic End of Coil Detection and Ejection
• Adjustable Table Height

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions and weight are for a 650mm x 500mm arch
Dimensions and weight will vary by arch size. Dimensions: 54.6&#; W x 25.4&#; D x 54.5&#; H (without compression)
mm x 650mm x mm
54.6&#; W x 25.4&#; D x 76&#; H (with compression)
mm x 650mm x mm Weight: 496 lbs. (without compression)
(Painted Machines) 225 Kg
575 lbs. (with compression)
260 Kg. Table Height: Adjustable &#; 31.5&#; to 35.4&#;
800mm &#; 900mm
Lower adjustable heights available as an option Conveyer Speed: Adjustable
32.8 ft. to 196.8 ft./minute
10 meters-60 meters/mintue Tension Range: 2-70 lbs. &#; 1/4&#; (5 and 6 mm) machines
1-32 Kg
1-120 lbs.-3/8&#; and 1/2&#; (9 and 12mm) machines
1-55KG Package Size: Min: 4.75&#; W x 5.2&#; L x .4&#; H
120mm x 130mm x 10mmMax: Depends on arch size (See chart for availalbe sizes) Strap Size: 1/4&#;, 3/8&#;, 1/2&#;
5, 6, 8, 9 and 12mm Package Weight: 77lbs. maximum (35 Kg) Core Size: 8&#; x 8&#; (200mm x 200mm) Power Requirements: 110V, Single phase 50-60 Hz, 7 Amps
Other power options are available as an option Air Requirements: 87 PSI (for compression models only) Arch Size
Width
>
Height 21.6&#;
550mm 25.5&#;
650mm 33.5&#;
850mm 41.5&#;
mm 19.7&#;
500mm

&#;

&#;

23.6&#;
600mm

&#;

31.5&#;
800mm

&#;

&#;

Available Options

Stainless Steel Frame
Corrosion Resistant Strapping Head
Seimens PLC Controller
Foot Pedal Switch
Safety Guards
Energy Saving Transit/Auto Sleep Mode
Center Bundle Strapping
Lower Adjustable Table Height
(30&#;-36&#;, 750mm-900mm)
8&#; (200mm) Conveyer Extensions
Random Package Options
Internal Heater
Light Tree with Low Strap Sensor

Back to Top

For more information, please visit Fully Automatic Wrapping All In One Machine.