A strapping machine is an essential tool for nearly every business that needs to pack their goods and move it across places safelyThis is all the more true in the case of consumer goods of every descriptionDepending on the size of the business, a number of packages leaving the warehouse every day and the distance packages travel, consumers can choose between automatic strapping machine, semi-automatic strapping machine and handheld strapping machine.
The business has a high volume of packages to be strapped every day choose an automatic strapping machine because of the significant speed and savings in terms of labour and timeSemi-automatic machines, on the other hand, are ideal for intermittent use without regard to volumesHand-held or manual machine, as denoted by the term is intended for low-volume needs. For most commercial applications, the choice is either the automatic strapping machine or the semi-automatic strapping machine particularly because of the multiple benefits they offer. The automatic strapping machines are also offered in different structures such as tabletop and arc.
Choosing your strapping machines
Whichever strapping machine you choose, the main purpose of the machine is to join the package securely or deploy in pallet strappingStrapping is very helpful in a wide range of settings and nearly anything can be secured through strapping including bulk packs of fragile itemsSome businesses choose a hand-held strapping machine when the level of activity is lowOn the other hand, automatic strapping machine and semi-automatic strapping machines suit businesses that have regular packaging activity requiring strappingThese machines are electrically operated and accommodate most of the hard work resulting in savings of materials, energy and time in comparison to traditional methods of packingStrapping aids like tensioners or cutters are also not needed when an automatic strapping machine or semi-automatic strapping machine is the choice since these provided as part of the machine and the desired settings can be used by the operator for full control throughout the processThere are many reputed Australian vendors offering these machines to your specific needs.
How these machines work
The 3 types of strapping machines work differentlyTherefore, it is essential that you have a complete understanding of these machines to be able to choose a machine that fits your requirements bestThe differences are however marginal and the explanation below will help you understand the differences better.
Handheld machines
The handheld machine is convenient in situations where the machine itself needs to be moved around to the location of the parcel requiring strappingAdmittedly, this involves more manual effort for using the machine compared to the automatic and semi-automatic variantsBut, the hand-held machine is pretty flexible when it comes to placing the straps horizontally or vertically relative to your needs and sizeThe strapping is looped manually and ideally, you will be using PET or polypropylene strapping with this machineThe ends of the strap are looped before being fed to the machine and tightening and tensioning is achieved through a convenient triggerObviously, no electrical energy is needed to operate this machine.
Semi-automatic strapping machines
For irregular and low volume loads, the semi-automatic strapping machine is the choiceThese machines have the capacity to apply 24 straps every minuteLike the fully automatic machines, the semi-automatic machine can execute the entire process in one motionThe only difference is that the straps are manually fed into the machine which consumes time and labourYou will, therefore, have to designate an operator for the duration of the job every dayTensioning and tightening would, however, be taken care of automatically.
Fully automatic strapping machines
Fully automatic machine is best suited for businesses that have a large volume of packages to be strapped every dayThese machines sit upright and come with a flat surface for ease of workingAt the bottom of the machine a slot is provided for feeding the strapping and in some machines, this slot is given on the sideThe position of the slot will be guided by the placement of the strapping reel and the way the strap is fed to the machineThese machines execute the complete job with minimal involvement of labour.
Choosing the right variant
Having discussed the differences between automatic and semi-automatic strapping machines, let us understand the benefits of these two variants.
The fully automatic strapping machines can automatically detect the packages coming through a conveyor and begin strapping without operator assistance. Further, they are very efficient since one unit can be strapped every second when the dimensions are correctly calculated and fed to the machineObviously, this level of convenience has its price attached and you should be willing to make a substantial investmentBut, for businesses having continuous activity, the payback period will be attractive.
Conclusion
Ask your vendor for a free live demo of the particular strapping machine that meets your needsMost vendors are happy doing this at their place of business or another installationThis way you can understand all the minute details before you decide to buy the machine.