Specifying an automatic pallet strapping machine requires more than knowing the maximum pallet size and required throughput. The product, pallet configuration, strap positions, variation between loads and the layout of the existing production line all affect the machine required.
For an automated line, the strapping machine also needs to work with the surrounding conveyors and equipment at the required production rate. Establishing this information before selecting a machine helps determine the correct configuration and any additional handling equipment required.
Define the Product and Pallet Load
Start with the products and pallets that will actually pass through the machine.
Minimum and maximum pallet dimensions are required, but dimensions alone do not describe the application. The product type, how it is arranged on the pallet and whether the load changes between production runs also need to be considered.
For applications handling more than one product or pallet format, establish the full operating range rather than specifying the machine around the most common load.
This should include:
- Minimum and maximum pallet length and width
- Minimum and maximum loaded pallet height
- Product type and characteristics
- Pallet type
- Variations in product or pallet configuration
- Any compressible products or loads requiring additional handling
Compressible materials need particular consideration because the load may need to be compressed before the straps are applied rather than simply strapped in its presented condition.
Establish the Required Strap Positions
The required strap pattern should be determined before the machine configuration is finalised.
Consider how many straps need to be applied to each pallet and exactly where they need to be positioned. Loads requiring straps at different heights have different requirements from those requiring straps to pass vertically over the product and through or around the pallet.
Where several pallet formats are processed on the same line, determine whether the strap positions remain fixed or need to change according to the load.
This information can affect the machine configuration, load detection and any automatic strap-positioning equipment required.
For the machines and configurations available from Phoenix Handling Solutions, see our automatic pallet strapping machines.
Account for Different Pallet Heights
Variable pallet heights need to be considered when automating the strapping process.
Some machines use photocells to detect pallet height automatically. For example, the TOSA CAM 31, CAM 34 and CAM 41 all use automatic pallet-height detection.
This is particularly useful on lines where loads are not presented at a single fixed height, but the complete range of pallet dimensions still needs to fall within the operating limits of the specified machine.
If pallet formats vary significantly, Phoenix also needs to understand how frequently the product changes and how the appropriate strapping sequence will be selected.
Calculate the Required Production Rate
Machine throughput needs to be considered as part of the complete line rather than as an isolated figure.
Start with the required number of pallets per hour and consider how pallets arrive at and leave the strapping station. The number of straps applied to each load and any additional positioning or handling operations can affect the overall cycle.
Manufacturer output figures provide a useful starting point. For example, TOSA specifies the CAM 31 at up to 40 pallets per hour, while the CAM 34 and CAM 41 are specified at up to 50 pallets per hour.
However, the required system should be assessed against the actual production sequence. A nominal machine output does not automatically represent the throughput of the complete installed line.
Assess the Existing Conveyor and Line Layout
For a machine being added to an existing production line, Phoenix needs to understand how pallets currently travel through the area.
Important information includes conveyor height, conveyor type, direction of travel and the equipment immediately upstream and downstream of the proposed strapping position.
Available floor space also matters. The installation needs sufficient room not only for the machine itself but also for guarding, strap reels, controls and access for operation and maintenance.
Where additional pallet movement is required, service conveyors or other handling equipment can form part of the installation.
Consider the Sealing Head Arrangement
Sealing head position varies between automatic strapping machines and should be considered as part of the overall layout.
For example, the TOSA CAM 31 and CAM 34 horizontal machines use side-mounted sealing heads, while the CAM 41 vertical machine has a top-mounted sealing head.
This is more than a difference between individual machine designs. The position of the head needs to work with the required strap path, pallet presentation and available space around the equipment.
Access to the sealing head for inspection and maintenance should also be considered when determining the final machine position and guarding arrangement.
Confirm the Strap Specification
Strap material and dimensions need to be compatible with both the machine and application.
The specification should therefore be confirmed for the individual machine rather than assuming that every automatic strapper uses the same material or strap dimensions.
For example, TOSA specifies 12 × 0.70 mm polypropylene strap for the CAM 31, CAM 34 and CAM 41.
Where an existing production line already uses a particular strap, this should be included in the information provided when discussing a new machine. Compatibility can then be assessed as part of the equipment specification.
Plan How the Machine Will Integrate with the Line
For an integrated system, the strapping machine needs to operate in the correct sequence with the surrounding equipment.
This can include pallet conveyors, palletisers, stretch wrapping equipment and other pallet handling machinery.
The controls strategy therefore needs to be considered alongside the mechanical layout. Phoenix needs to understand how pallets arrive at the machine, what determines the required strapping cycle and where the pallet needs to travel once that cycle is complete.
For an existing automated line, information about the current controls and operating sequence can be useful alongside mechanical drawings and layout information.
Allow for Operation and Maintenance Access
Space around a strapping machine should not be considered spare space.
Operators and engineers need suitable access to components that require routine attention, including the strapping head and strap reel. The final layout also needs to account for guarding and safe access to the equipment.
This is particularly important when adding machinery to an existing line where available floor space may already be restricted.
Considering access during the design stage is preferable to positioning the machine first and then trying to accommodate maintenance requirements around it.
Information Needed to Specify an Automatic Pallet Strapping Machine
Providing the right information at the start makes it easier to establish the appropriate machine and system configuration.
For a new or existing line, Phoenix Handling Solutions will typically need to understand:
- Product and load characteristics
- Minimum and maximum pallet dimensions
- Minimum and maximum load height
- Pallet type
- Required strap positions
- Number of straps per pallet
- Required production rate
- Conveyor type and height
- Direction of pallet travel
- Available installation space
- Upstream and downstream equipment
- Existing controls where the machine is being integrated into an automated line
Photographs, videos, pallet drawings and existing line-layout drawings can also help when assessing an application.
Specifying an Automatic Pallet Strapping System
The correct automatic pallet strapping machine should be specified around the complete application rather than one individual figure such as maximum pallet size or pallets per hour.
Load variation, strap position, production sequence, conveyor arrangement, sealing head position, controls and maintenance access all contribute to the final system design.
Phoenix Handling Solutions supplies automatic pallet strapping machines as standalone equipment and as part of integrated end-of-line systems, with installation, commissioning and technical support throughout the UK and Ireland.
View Automatic Pallet Strapping Machines
Frequently Asked Questions About Specifying Pallet Strapping Machines
What information should I provide when requesting a strapping machine quotation?
Provide details of the product, pallet type, minimum and maximum load dimensions, required strap positions, number of straps and production rate. For an existing line, conveyor details, available space and information about the surrounding equipment should also be provided.
What if we run several different pallet sizes on the same production line?
Provide the minimum and maximum dimensions and details of each pallet format the machine needs to handle. The system can then be assessed around the complete operating range and any changes required between products or pallet formats.
Does the number of straps affect machine throughput?
It can. Overall throughput depends on the machine configuration, number and position of straps and any additional pallet positioning or handling operations required during the cycle. Production rate should therefore be assessed for the complete required sequence rather than from a headline machine output alone.
What information is needed when adding a strapping machine to an existing conveyor line?
Useful information includes conveyor type, height and width, pallet direction of travel, line speed, available installation space, upstream and downstream equipment and details of the existing controls. Layout drawings, photographs and videos can also help with the initial assessment.
Should maintenance access be considered when planning the machine position?
Yes. The layout needs to provide suitable access to serviceable components such as the strapping head and strap reel, as well as allowing for guarding and safe access around the equipment.