Depending on the industry as well as the location, automatic, semi-automatic or manual types of strapping machines may also be called banding machines. In other areas, strapping machines refer specifically to those using poly straps while banding equipment is considered to be specifically reserved for the use of metal banding.
In either type of use, with poly or metal bands, choosing the correct automatic banding machine will be important for your business. Typically, the automatic systems are more costly than the semi-automatic models, but they can also work independently of any need for human involvement in the process.
With semi-automatic systems, the operator will need to position the carton or case in the correct location under the arch or sensor of the banding or strapping machine to trigger the band to be placed around the carton, cut and sealed. This just takes a fraction of a second for each operation, but the speed is limited to how fast the operator can position the carton.
The Benefits Of Automation
With the automatic banding machine, the packages coming off the conveyor will be correctly positioned to enter the machine. The system will continually feed the packages under the banding unit to provide a steady, measured and consistent rate of processing.
The precision of the systems allows the automatic banding machine to reduce waste, speed up the time it takes per carton or unit and also to ensure the band is placed correctly on each carton.
It is also important to consider the options in programs and adjustments that can be made to any automatic strapping system. The more adjustments for packaging size and weight that can be made on the system, the more versatile the equipment will be in any packaging application.