Dec. 02, 2024
Machinery
What Gauge (Thickness) Stretch Film is Best for Heavy Loads?
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Choosing the right gauge or thickness of stretch film is crucial for the safety and stability of your pallets:
12-15 microns (mu): Ideal for lightweight items or short-term storage where minimal protection is needed.
17-23 microns (mu): The most common gauge for general-purpose wrapping. It&#;s versatile enough for most applications and provides ample puncture resistance for moderately heavy loads.
30+ microns (mu): Perfect for heavy-duty loads or items with sharp edges. This thicker film offers maximum protection and stability, ensuring your goods arrive at their destination intact.
Tip: Always consider the nature of your load. Heavier and taller pallets will need a thicker film for increased stability, while lighter or shorter pallets can use a thinner option to save costs.
Is Black Stretch Film Better for UV Protection?
If your pallets are stored outside or exposed to sunlight during transit, black stretch film could be the ideal solution. Black stretch film provides UV protection, which prevents the film from breaking down in the sun, protecting both the film and the items it covers.
Benefits of Black Stretch Film:
Prevents UV damage, making it perfect for outdoor storage.
Adds an extra layer of security by concealing the contents of the pallet.
Offers the same strength and stretchability as clear films, with the added advantage of protection against sunlight.
For products that need extended storage outdoors or are sensitive to light, using black stretch film is highly recommended to avoid degradation and maintain product integrity.
How Do I Correctly Use a Stretch Film Dispenser?
A stretch film dispenser can significantly improve efficiency when wrapping pallets by hand. Here&#;s how to use one correctly:
Adjust the Tension: Most dispensers have a tension control feature that allows you to adjust the film&#;s tightness. Ensure it&#;s set correctly to avoid over-stretching or tearing the film.
Use the Correct Technique: Start wrapping at the base of the pallet and work your way up, overlapping each layer by 50%. This ensures the entire load is secure and evenly covered.
Finish with a Secure Wrap: Once you reach the top, make a final wrap around the top layer before securing the film by tucking or cutting it off. This prevents any unraveling during transit.
Using a dispenser not only saves time but also reduces the physical strain on workers, making it an essential tool for any warehouse.
Arch strapping machines can be automatic or semi-automatic. They are much faster than strapping tables and less dependent on operators. On the other hand, they are more expensive.
In order to choose an automatic arch strapping machine, it is essential to know the maximum size of the goods to be strapped. This will allow you to determine the optimal arch size. The two standard dimensions for the interior of the arch are 850 mm wide by 650 mm high and 650 mm wide by 500 mm high. You will also need to define the strapping rate to determine if a standard strapping machine is sufficient or if you need to use a more powerful strapping machine, such as a high-speed strapping machine.
Strapping tables are semi-automatic machines that require more intervention from the operator who must position the goods, press a button to start the strapping operation and then remove the goods when the cycle is complete. These are entry-level machines for low-volume operations. They are generally the size of a small desk. The operator takes the free end of a strap that has been put out by the machine, wraps it around the package and manually introduces it into the strapping and fixing area. The machine automatically tightens the strap according to a predefined tension, fixes the ends and provides a predefined strap length for the next cycle. Strapping tables are relatively inexpensive. They can be highly versatile and are used both for primary strapping in low volume operations and for ocassional or off-line strapping.
The main advantage of this kind of strapping machine is that the size of the goods to be strapped does not matter. The package just needs to be 10 cm wide so that it completely covers the heater blade. As this type of strapping machine does not have an arch, strapping volumes are unlimited. The cycle time is very short, about 2.5 seconds. The strapping table has one disadvantage: the operator must intervene to grasp the strap coming out of the table and introduce it into the machine so that the strapping cycle can begin. This type of strapping machine is particularly suitable for small and medium production rates.
What is a Strapping Machine, and How Does it Work?
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.
Different Types of 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 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
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
The Basics of Strapping Machine Operation
Every manufacturer&#;s equipment is different in details, but all share standard functions and features, including:
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.
Secure transportation is essential when shipping inventory and materials, which is why a strapping machine can be an excellent investment for your warehouse. Whether you need to manage oversized loads or protect fragile items, the straps maintain product groupings and hold pallets or items together.
This equipment can be designed as a fixed machine or portable device to place either metal or plastic straps around shipping loads. It&#;s common for manufacturing facilities or industrial warehouses to have multiple needs, which is why you might choose to have various strapping options to handle all situations.
When you are ready to invest in a strapping machine, the first step is to learn about the different types of equipment. There isn&#;t a one-size-fits-all solution for every warehouse. So, consider how you will be using the machine and what features will best suit your needs. Here&#;s an overview to help you compare the most popular types of strapping machines:
Automatic Strapping Machines
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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit everything you need to know about the versatile strapping dispenser.
The benefit of automation is that you can place straps quickly and securely without requiring manual labour through all packing stages. Does your packaging line need to strap a large volume of packages each day? Then an automatic strapping machine can be the perfect solution to speed up this process.
These automated features are most useful when you have similar volumes, weights, and loads moving through the machine. The settings are custom-designed to ensure ideal automation, with automatic tightening and strap fixing during the process.
On a fully-automated strapping machine that also includes a conveyor, the equipment detects the packages as they move down the conveyor line. The machine can run without an operator managing each load and can move through products quickly. For example, some automatic strapping machines can place as many as 60 straps per minute. Even though this is the most expensive type of strapping machine, it&#;s worth the investment when moving large volumes of product as your ROI increases as time goes on.
Automated strapping machines, like the VarioMaster pictured here, offer excellent throughput and efficiency for strapping operations.
Semi-Automatic Strapping Machines
Semi-automatic strapping machines often come in the form of smaller units and include either a flat tabletop or an arch-like overhead structure. A strapping table relies on operators the most. A person is required to position the goods, pressing a button to engage the strapping machine, then removing the items when the cycle finishes.
In comparison, an arch strapping machine has a limited size function. You need to know the maximum load size to ensure you are buying a machine that will be sufficient for your products.
The benefit of a tabletop strapping machine is that it can accommodate products of varying sizes. Arch strapping machines are better if you are moving the same size and types of products through the machine regularly. Regardless of which semi-automatic strapping machine you&#;re considering, remember that these machines are really designed for small to mid-volume operations. If you&#;re moving large pallets or groups of products at a high volume, you don&#;t want to rely on an operator to load and position the items every time you need to strap.
Handheld or Manual Strappers
If you need mobility on the work floor, consider portable strapping tools instead of a fixed strapping machine. These handheld devices are ideal when you are working with a variety of packaging. Since they are mobile, manual strappers can be used for both vertical and horizontal strapping.
Manual strappers are recommended for companies that require less than 50 strapping jobs per hour per employee. They also work well when mobile workstations are located throughout the warehouse. Another benefit of a manual strapping machine is that it is a fraction of the cost compared to larger strapping equipment.
In addition to choosing the right equipment for your line, it&#;s just as essential to pick the best strapping tape materials. Consider these factors when selecting strapping materials:
Intended use
Load weight
Type of load (dynamic or static)
Weather conditions
Automatic or manual strapping equipment
Polypropylene Strapping
The benefit of using polypropylene (PP) with your strapping machine is the low price of this material. It is often used with both automatic and manual strapping machines.
The material is easy to use because of the flexible nature of the straps. Plus, it is resistant to temperature variations and rust, making it ideal in a variety of climates. PP is best for lightweight or fragile packages. This strapping material works great for short periods but isn&#;t recommended for long-term storage.
Polyester Strapping
If you are looking for a durable and resistant material, then spun polyester is an ideal option. The textile material is light, making it an effective solution for securing delicate products. At the same time, the polyester is tear-resistant and offers extreme strength for large, heavy loads.
The drawback to polyester is that it doesn&#;t work great in automated machines. These straps work most effectively when paired with hand tensioners. Once the load is secured, polyester strapping can be tied one more time to tighten the load a bit more.
Metal Strapping
When you need to secure rigid and heavy loads, metal offers one of the strongest durability and performance options. Metal straps are also recommended if the load is firm (doesn&#;t compress) or if there are rough or sharp edges &#; such as concrete, iron, or bulk lumber.
Metal straps aren&#;t bendable, so you need to be sure the straps are sized to fit each load. They can be sealed with or without joints, depending on the type of equipment you are using. While metal is recommended for sturdy materials, it&#;s too harsh if you are dealing with products that are easily damaged. Also, the cost of metal strapping can be high, so it might be out of your price range if you have a tight budget.
Not only will we guide you through the purchase, but our team also provides ongoing support to ensure you know how to how to use strapping machine equipment. Our goal is to support your packaging automation, which can improve productivity and save you money.
What questions do you have about strapping machines? If you&#;d like more information about the right equipment for your business, then contact us to schedule a free assessment.
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