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

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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. Methods such as heat, friction, and ultrasonic welds hold the strap in place. A plastic strapping machine uses multiple sizes of thin plastic straps 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.

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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 product and process factors.

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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 but are larger, utilizing 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.

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How do you Operate Strapping Machines?

Every manufacturer’s equipment differs in detail, but all share standard functions and features. These features include:

• A strap dispenser where the strap coil is mounted and from 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 level, seals the strap ends together, and cuts the strap, freeing the package to move 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 that guides the strap around the package. For semi-automatic machines, the operator performs this function. Tracks are fully enclosed tunnels 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 offers good but less strict control of strap feeding and is a practical solution in larger tracks using heavier, stiffer straps needing less guidance to feed efficiently.
• Fully automatic machines include a powered conveyor that moves the 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.
• The most sophisticated systems can include web-based data transfer capability to control the strapping operation and provide information 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. This method melts the interface and presses the ends together to form a seal. It is common in smaller bundlers and is reliable for sealing Polypropylene (PP) strapping. However, the smoke from hot blade seals when sealing polyester strap is irritating, making it a rarely used technique with 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 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. Ultrasonics eliminate the smoke issue inherent in a hot blade system and simplify 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 a leader in 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 peak performance. Mosca’s ultrasonic technology automatically monitors and adjusts sealing 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 have a demonstrated life of up to 10 million cycles.

Finding the Right Strapping Machine

Finding the right strapping machine for your application can be a challenge, but the experts at EAM-Mosca can help. With over 40 years of experience, EAM-Mosca has the knowledge and expertise to recommend the right system for your unique application. Customized systems can be engineered for particular cases where standard systems don’t fit.

Contact or chat online today to find out more.

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Strapping Machines | Automatic Arch Strappers

Semi-Automatic Table Top Strapping Machine

The Eagle SP11 is a versatile and economical solution for strapping cartons or other packages. Since there's no top arch, it can handle bulky and oddly shaped items. The operator positions the package on the table top and pulls over the poly strapping, which the machine tensions, cuts, and heat seals. Unlike many machines which can only use a specific strapping size, the SP11 takes any width from 6mm to 15mm. The machine runs very quietly with two direct-drive motors, and it has four locking casters, allowing you to move it around your facility as needed.

Lead times have been temporarily extended and will be confirmed at time of order.

Automatic Strapping Machine - High Speed, 33"W x 20"H Arch

The Eagle 710L is a high-speed strapping machine, able to apply up to 65 straps per minute. It features a 33"W x 20"H arch opening that can accommodate large cartons. To operate, position the package under the arch and engage the foot pedal, push-button control, or automatic switch with adjustable frequency. The machine wraps, tensions, cuts, and seals the strap in the blink of an eye. Strapping replacement is hassle-free; the coil is easily accessed for a quick change, and the machine self-threads.

Lead times have been temporarily extended and will be confirmed at time of order.

Automatic Strapping Machine - High Speed, 22"W x 16"H Arch

The Eagle 715RS is a high-speed strapping machine, able to apply up to 65 straps per minute. It features a 22"W x 16"H arch opening and is ideal for round or very small items. To operate, position the package under the arch and engage the foot pedal, push-button control, or automatic switch with adjustable frequency. The machine wraps, tensions, cuts, and seals the strap in the blink of an eye. Strapping replacement is hassle-free; the coil is easily accessed for a quick change, and the machine self-threads.

Lead times have been temporarily extended and will be confirmed at time of order.

For more Fully Automatic Strapping Machine with Conveyor information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.