Achieving dramatic annual savings with seemingly small changes in materials or application isn’t something that typically happens overnight. But with over 40 years experience partnering with a wide variety of businesses to identify and implement strategic programs, we’ve seen such high impact success achieved.
Through our client collaborations we’ve accrued hundreds of real world studies with valuable comparison data. And because we believe it’s our responsibility to ensure existing and potential clients have easy access to core strapping data and concepts, we’ve compiled this fact sheet as a foundation.
It's more than enough to get started. And, honestly, that's the most important part of the journey.
Strapping is the most commonly used means of unitization and bundling in the packaging industry.
Because of its long history in the packaging world, there are lots of different types of strapping today; however, most strap is made from either steel or plastic. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, making it critical to figure out exactly what works for your specific needs.
However, before we look at the different types of strapping, it is important to ensure that you are familiar with the terminology of the strapping industry. These are the common terms used to determine the right strapping product for your application and your needs.
Also known as “table top” machines, semi-automatic strapping equiment is entry level style machines used for low volume operations and usually about the size of a small desk. These can only be used with poly strapping.
With a semi-automatic machine, an operator takes a loose end of poly strapping that has been fed from the machine, loops it around the package, and hand feeds it into the strapping and sealing area. The machine tensions the strap according to a pre-set tension, heat seals the ends together, and feeds out a pre-set length of strap for the next cycle.
Arch strapping machines are more automated than semi-automatic machines, but still require an operator to position the package, and press an activation button to start the strapping operation. With an arch machine, the strap travels around an “arch” creating a loop before activation. When the operator activates the strapping sequence, the strap tensions, heat seals, and pre-feeds the strap for the next cycle.
Arch size is critical with an arch machine, since package size is limited to what will fit under the arch.
Arch machines are much faster than semi-automatic machines, less operator dependent, and, thus, more expensive.
Fully automatic strapping equipment have built-in conveyor systems which carry products through the strapping process, activated by an automated device, usually a photocell. As such, they do not require an operator. Similar to the arch machines, size is critical, since package size is limited to what will fit under the arch.
The critical factor with fully automatic machines is the total strap rate, which includes transit time through the conveying system. The conveyor speed of your fully automatic strapping machine must be at least as fast as your existing conveyors, but preferably faster. Don’t design a strapping bottleneck.
KNOW WHAT FEATURES YOU ACTUALLY NEED ON YOUR MACHINE. There are a few options available on semi-automatic strapping equipment, but they are usually applicable to specific types of applications. There are, however, a host of options available on both arch and fully automatic units. Selecting which are appropriate for your application will determine the machine you need and your total purchase cost. More features will translate into a higher initial cost, but may also mean lower total operating costs.
It's been proven that converting to an automated packaging system can save you time and money. Automation is the key to productivity.
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