Strapping Machines: What You Need to Know | Blog

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.

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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.

Types of Strapping Machines

Investing in a strapping machine begins with understanding the various types of equipment available. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every warehouse. Consider your usage and the features that will best suit your needs. Here's a summary of the most popular types of strapping machines:

Automatic Strapping Machines

Automation allows quick and secure strapping without manual labor. If your packaging line processes a high volume of packages each day, an automatic strapping machine can significantly hasten this task.

These machines are most beneficial when similar volumes, weights, and loads consistently move through the system. Custom settings ensure automated tightening and strap fixing during the process.

Fully-automated strapping machines, often equipped with conveyors, detect packages as they move down the line. These machines operate without requiring an operator to handle each load individually, capable of strapping up to 60 straps per minute. Although the most expensive, their efficiency in handling large volumes justifies the investment over time.

Automated strapping machines, like the VarioMaster 9471 pictured here, provide excellent throughput and efficiency for strapping operations.

Semi-Automatic Strapping Machines

Semi-automatic strapping machines are typically smaller and feature either a flat tabletop or an arch-like overhead structure. A strapping table requires an operator to position goods, press a button to start the machine, and remove items when the cycle finishes.

An arch strapping machine, however, has size limitations, necessitating knowledge of the maximum load size for compatibility with your products.

Tabletop strapping machines accommodate products of varying sizes, while arch strapping machines are optimal for consistently sized products. Semi-automatic machines are ideal for small to mid-volume operations, but not suitable for high-volume tasks requiring frequent manual loading and positioning.

Handheld or Manual Strappers

For mobility on the work floor, portable strapping tools offer a flexible alternative to fixed strapping machines. Handheld devices are perfect for a variety of packaging tasks and can be used for both vertical and horizontal strapping.

Manual strappers are ideal for companies needing fewer than 50 strapping jobs per hour per employee. These devices are also beneficial for mobile workstations throughout the warehouse. Additionally, manual strapping machines are significantly cheaper than larger equipment.

Types of Strapping

Along with choosing the right machine, selecting the best strapping materials is crucial. Consider the following factors when choosing strapping materials:

• Intended use
• Load weight
• Type of load (dynamic or static)
• Weather conditions
• Automatic or manual strapping equipment

Polypropylene Strapping

Polypropylene (PP) is affordable and works well with both automatic and manual strapping machines. It’s easy to handle due to its flexibility and is resistant to temperature changes and rust, making it suitable for various climates. PP is best for lightweight or delicate packages but isn't ideal for long-term storage.

Polyester Strapping

Spun polyester is a strong, tear-resistant option for securing heavy loads, yet it’s light enough to handle delicate products. However, it’s not suitable for automated machines and works best with hand tensioners for additional tightening after securing the load.

Metal Strapping

For securing rigid and heavy loads, metal strapping offers superior durability. Recommended for firm loads or materials with rough edges, such as concrete or iron, metal strapping is less flexible and can be expensive, but it can be sealed with or without joints, depending on the equipment used.

Selecting the Right Strapping Machine for Your Business

At Gertex Solutions, we provide comprehensive support to help you choose the best equipment for your business. From guiding you through the purchase to offering ongoing support, our goal is to enhance your packaging automation, thereby increasing productivity and cost savings.

Have questions about strapping machines? Contact us to schedule a free assessment of your business needs.

Paul Gertin
Co-Founder

Strapping Machine (Eagle 710)

Automatic strapping machines like the Eagle 710 are ideal for securing and bundling boxes efficiently. Simply place boxes under the arch, and the machine applies a strap. The manual mode requires using a foot pedal.

Preventing product loss during transit can save companies significant amounts of money each year. By strapping heavy boxes and bundling smaller boxes, the Eagle 710 helps reduce shipping costs and safeguards packages during transit, achieving this in seconds.

Designed to reduce waste and increase strapping times, the Eagle 710 is available in various arch dimensions and includes a one-year warranty on parts. View the chart below for pricing on different arch dimensions.

Features:

• LCD Screen Read Out
• Self Threading Feed
• Auto-Loop Ejector
• Low & High Tension Settings
• Tool-Free General Maintenance
• Quick Release Lock-on Coil
• 110v
• Fits 8"x8" Core
• Strap Size: 5mm/6mm - 710XL fits 9mm strapping
• 65 Straps Per Minute
• Tension: 2.5 lbs -70.5 lbs
• Table Top Height: 32.75"
• Machine Dimensions: 37" x 26.5" x 65"

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fully Automatic Strapping Machine with Conveyor.