Strapping Machines - Increase Efficiency & Convenience in Your Warehouse

These mechanical devices are used to wrap pallets or products in a bundle using cabled plastic material to keep the load/ items securely in place. Strapping machines simplify the whole packaging process which makes for a better work floor efficiency. You can also use them to join parcels and to package fragile products too without the need of additional tools such as tensioners and cutters. These machines come in different configurations and can be used with various strapping materials which make them even more flexible.

How They Work

So, how is the strapping actually faster? Well this is thanks to sensors that detect the box/ product and together with a spool or pulley system the strap material is fed to the mechanical spinners and arms that rotate it around the product/ box. Strapping machines for sale have a very distinctful process from stretch wrap film as they use tougher and thicker straps instead of thin plastic film. 

Types

HandheldThese portable units allow users to work with ease since they are lightweight and simple to operate. The device can be used both vertically and horizontally and it automatically tensions, seals and tightens the strap in one continuous smooth action with the ability to set the tension strength manually. A handheld strapping device usually has a Li-Po battery  that allows you to make about 440 strapping cycles per charge. It usually takes takes 30-40 minutes to fully charge the device.AutomaticWith automatic strapping machines for sale you get the quickest and simplest method of strapping pallets and products. The machine does most of the work as you only need to place the parcel/ box and start the process with the press of a button. The strap is cut by the machine and all you need to do is remove the item.Semi-AutomaticUnlike an automatic, a semi-automatic strapping machine for sale requires a bit more work from the operator as not only do you need to load the item but you also need to load the strapping material. While this is still a simple task it's not as quick as using an automatic strapping machine.

How to Use them

Handheld
With a handheld strapping tool you need to manually loop the strapping around the pallet, parcel or product and feed both ends of it into the device. Once that's done just pull the trigger and the unit will tighten and tension the strap, then it will cut it and seal it for a secure fit.Semi & Fully AutomaticBoth machines need to have the strapping fed either from the side or the bottom which is usually where the strapping reel is. It's important to position the parcel/ pallet in the exact spot on the machine and in the orientation that will allow for the strap to wrap around. With semi-automatic machines you'll need to feed the strap over the item and to the other side to feed it back into the machine. Pressing the “ON” button will engage the machine in tightening and tensioning the strap which will then continue by cutting and sealing it.Strapping Table vs Arch Strapping MachineWhilst an arch strapping machine can be both automatic and semi automatic a strapping table only comes as semi automatic because of how it operates. They are very fast and less operator dependant but of course this comes at a higher price than a strapping table.

Although only available as semi-automatic, strapping tables are great entry-level machines for low-volume operations and are usually the size of a small desk. A strapping table can be extremely versatile as they are able to strap any goods no mater the size, the item just needs to be at least 10cm wide to cover the heater blade. While this inexpensive machine has a short cycle time and can be used for occasional off-line strapping it does need additional help from the operator.

Strapping Material

SteelThe strongest and most commonly used strapping when it comes to heavy-duty loads like construction materials, steel coils and packaging industrial equipment. Steel strapping is extremely durable, UV resistant, has low elongation capabilities and it can be used on loads with sharp edges since it has high break strength.PolyesterThis strapping material has a wide field of use since it has high recovery and it can bear high levels of tension whilst having a high break strength and greater elongation than steel strapping. This makes it ideal for packaging loads that may expand or contract during shipping and loads that tend to shift. You can also use it for medium to heavy duty loads and to reinforce heavy packages.PolypropyleneYou can use this economical material for light to medium duty unitising, bundling and paletizing as well as short transportation trips and on loads protected from environmental conditions. Polypropylene strapping has little recovery and the highest level of elongation but it is also not that strong of a material.