How to Use a Strapping Machine and Boost Packaging Efficiency
With today’s ever-growing demand for products, the need for efficient packaging processes has never been greater. Enter the strapping machine—a versatile tool that not only secures your products for safe transport but also increases packaging speed and consistency. In this guide, we delve into how to use this warehouse essential and how it can take your packaging process to the next level.
- What is a Strapping Machine?
- Types of Strapping Machines
- How Strapping Machines Can Elevate Your Packaging Process
- Transform Your Packing Process with Schott Packaging
What is a Strapping Machine?
A strapping machine is a specialised piece of equipment designed to secure packages, boxes or pallets with strapping material. By applying straps around items, you can ensure they remain stable during storage and transport items are one single mass instead of multiple smaller items. This tool is an essential for warehouses that handle large quantities.
Types of Strapping Machines
There are three different types of strapping machines: Fully Automatic, Semi-Automatic and Handheld. Each type of strapping machine operates slightly differently, but they all have the same goal of tightly securing a strap over the package or group of parcels. Here’s how each strapping machine works in greater detail.
Fully Automatic Strapping Machines
Fully automatic strapping machines, such as the Optimax Fully Automatic Strapping Machine, offer a fully automated solution for businesses wanting to invest in transforming their packaging process.
Workers place and position the parcel onto the flat surface of the machine. The worker then pushes a button, and the strapping machine automatically wraps the parcel in the strapping. The machine then adjusts the tension, heat seals, and automatically releases the strapping. The strapping process is now complete, and the worker can either remove the parcel or apply more strapping in the appropriate areas.
A fully automatic strapping machine only requires a worker to position the package into the correct position leaving the machine to take care of the rest. This seamless process greatly reduces the time needed to apply strapping to packages making it an ideal investment for warehouses that often use strapping.
Semi-Automatic Strapping Machines
Semi-automatic strapping machines, like the Optimax Semi-Automatic Strapping Machine, require a little more human intervention but can still minimise the time needed to apply strapping.
The process starts with a worker positioning the package onto the flat surface of the machine. The worker must then manually wrap the strapping around the package and thread the end of the strapping material back through the machine. The machine will then automatically thread the rest of the strapping through the machine, apply tension, heat seal and release the strapping.
Although a semi-automatic strapping machine needs a worker to wrap the strapping around the package, these machines remove the need to manually apply tension and heat seal the strapping itself, which can be time-consuming. A semi-automatic strapping machine offers a more affordable strapping machine option for those looking to implement more automation into their packaging process.
Handheld Battery-Powered Strapping Tools
A handheld strapping tool offers more flexibility when it comes to strapping. These tools are portable, easy to handle and are an ideal solution for businesses that don’t have enough space for a strapping machine.
To use a strapping tool, workers must manually wrap a loop of strap around the package. The ends of the strapping material are then placed into the strapping tool allowing it to automatically apply tension and seal the strapping.
Hand Strapping Kits
For smaller operations or businesses with lower strapping volume, hand strapping kits can be a cost-effective and versatile alternative. These kits typically include everything needed for manual strapping: strapping rolls, tensioners, sealers, and metal seals or buckles.
Unlike battery-powered strapping tools, which automate the tensioning and sealing process, hand strapping kits require manual effort at each step. Workers manually tighten the strap using a tensioning tool, then secure it with a sealer or buckle. While this method takes more time and effort, it allows for precision and control, making it a suitable option for small or irregularly shaped packages.
These kits are ideal for warehouses, moving companies, or any business that deals with light to moderate strapping needs. They’re also a great choice for businesses that need a portable, affordable strapping solution without investing in more expensive automated tools.
Hand strapping kits offer flexibility, as they can be used with a variety of strapping materials such as polyester, polypropylene, or steel, depending on the strength requirements of the load. Although manual, they still provide reliable and secure strapping, ensuring your products are tightly bound for shipping or storage.
How Strapping Machines Can Elevate Your Packaging Process
Strapping machines can enhance your packaging process by making it more efficient, less wasteful, and safer for workers. Here are just some of the benefits you could reap from implementing a strapping machine in your workplace.
Increased Speed and Efficiency
If you are looking to increase the speed and efficiency of your packaging process, look no further than a strapping machine. A fully automatic strapping machine removes almost all the manual elements of the strapping process, meaning workers simply have to press a button, and the package will be ready in seconds.
A semi-automatic or handheld strapping tool is also a great way to increase the speed of your strapping process, as it reduces the need to apply tension manually and heat seal the straps. This significantly reduces packaging time and increases the overall productivity of your warehouse.
Improved Consistency
Strap tension can be difficult to master manually and even harder to maintain consistently, especially between different workers. A strapping machine eliminates the guesswork by applying uniform tension to each strap, ensuring consistent packaging security.
Reduced Material Waste
In the UK, around 2 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste is disposed of annually. You can help reduce this by minimising the amount of waste you produce with a strapping machine. Unlike manual methods, a strapping machine is known for its precise material usage, cutting straps to the exact length needed. This precision minimises waste compared to manual methods where there may be overestimation or where mistakes are common. Reducing your material waste not only minimises costs but is also beneficial for the environment.
Enhanced Safety and Wellbeing for Workers
By automating the strapping process, these machines reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual strapping. Cuts from sharp edges, physical strain and muscle fatigue are all common injuries workers experience during the strapping process. Removing the manual elements of strapping can improve the wellbeing and safety of workers, leading to a happier workforce.
Cost Savings in Labour
Implementing a semi-automatic or fully automated strapping machine can reduce the need for a large workforce in the packaging process. Only one worker is needed to operate a machine, meaning human resources could be allocated elsewhere. This could improve efficiency and increase the productivity of your workforce overall, as workers could work in more fulfilling roles.
Transform Your Packing Process with Schott Packaging
Although strapping machines can be a large initial investment, it’s safe to say you will see your return on investment sooner rather than later. With numerous benefits such as increased speed, improved consistency and enhanced safety, implementing a strapping machine or tool seems like a no-brainer. At Schott Packaging, we have a range of Strapping Machines and Tools and Strapping Kits to help you keep up with the growing demand for more efficient packaging processes. Shop our range today and transform your strapping process.
FAQs
What is the use of a strapping machine?
A strapping machine is used to securely bind packages, boxes, or pallets with strapping material, ensuring items remain stable during storage and transport. It automates the process of applying and tensioning straps, significantly increasing the efficiency and consistency of the packaging process.
How to operate a strapping machine?
Strapping machines can come as fully automated or semi-automated. A fully automated strapping machine takes almost all of the manual work out of the strapping process. A worker simply places the package on the table and then pushes a button. The strapping machine will then wrap the package with strapping, apply tension, heat seal and release the strapping.
A semi-automatic strapping machine works in a similar fashion, but the worker must manually wrap the strapping material around the package and thread the end back into the machine. The strapping machine will then tighten and heat seal the strapping.
What is the benefit of strapping in the packaging process?
Applying strapping to your packages can help bundle multiple items together, enabling you to transport items as one single mass rather than individually. It is also used to secure packages onto pallets to ensure items are not moving around during handling and transportation.