Pallet Strapping Machine

Pallet Strapping Machine (also referred to as a pallet banding machine, pallet bundler, or pallet wrapper with strapping function) is an automated or semi-automated industrial device designed to apply tensioned strapping around a palletized load. Its core purpose is to unitize products – i.e., bind individual cartons, bags, cans, or other items tightly together on a pallet – to prevent shifting, collapse, or damage during handling, warehousing, and transit. Beyond simple bundling, modern pallet strapping machines play a critical role in load stability engineering, helping companies reduce product damage claims, improve warehouse safety, and enable fully automated packaging lines.

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E-mail：sales@dostar-packing.com

Detail

Working Process:

Step	Action	What happens
1. Feed	Strap is pushed around the pallet through a guiding arch.	The strap forms a loop around the load.
2. Tension	Strap is pulled tight.	The load is compressed and secured.
3. Seal	Strap ends are welded together by friction (vibration).	The two ends become one solid loop.
4. Cut	Strap is cut from the coil.	The machine is ready for the next strap.
5. Release	Pallet moves out.	One strap is complete.

Key Features & Characteristics

Core Performance:
Strapping speed: 3 to 6 seconds per strap; Tension force: adjustable from 200 kg up to 4,500 kg; Strap width capacity: 9, 12, 15, 19, 25, or 32 mm; Strap materials: PP (polypropylene), PET (polyester), or steel; Arch size: from 800×600 mm up to 2,000×2,000 mm (custom available); Cycle time per strap: 2.5 to 10 seconds depending on model
Sealing Technology:
Friction weld (most common): uses high-frequency vibration to melt strap ends together – no consumables, joint strength 70–90% of original strap; Heat seal (alternative for PET): uses heated blade to melt strap surfaces – slower but works with damp strap; Metal seal / crimp (for steel strap): metal buckle crimped onto strap ends – very strong but requires consumable seals
Maintenance-Friendly Design:
Hinged or removable covers provide quick access to tensioning head, sealing head, and arch rollers; Modular components allow replacement of individual parts without scrapping the entire machine; Low-wear parts (friction weld anvil, tension wheels) are designed for easy replacement; Easy access for cleaning strap dust and debris – the most common maintenance task
Operator Ease of Use:

One-button operation – machine handles the entire strapping cycle automatically; Auto strap refeed after coil runs out; Strap end sensor alerts operator when coil is low to prevent mid-cycle jams; Tool-less strap loading – no wrenches required to change coils; Clear error display shows plain-language messages like "Strap jam in left arch corner"

Specifications:

Parameter	Range	Typical Setting	Application
Minimum tension	200 – 500 kg	300 kg	Lightweight products (empty cartons, foam, fragile goods)
Medium tension	500 – 1,500 kg	800 kg	Standard boxed goods, beverage pallets, general cargo
High tension	1,500 – 3,000 kg	2,000 kg	Heavy loads (bricks, cement bags, paper bales)
Extreme tension	3,000 – 4,500 kg	3,500 kg	Steel strap, metal coils, stone blocks, dense loads
Tension accuracy	±5% of set value	–	Ensures consistent strap application across all pallets
Tension ramp-up time	0.5 – 2.0 seconds	1.0 second	Time to reach full tension from start

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a pallet strapping machine and a stretch wrapper?
Strapping machine: Applies narrow, high-tension straps (plastic or steel) around the load. Provides structural rigidity and prevents individual boxes from shifting.
Stretch wrapper: Encases the entire pallet in stretch film. Protects against dust, moisture, and minor load shifting but offers less structural strength.
Common practice: Many operations use both – stretch wrap for environmental protection, plus 2–4 straps for load integrity.

2. How do I choose between PP and PET strap?

Criterion	PP (Polypropylene)	PET (Polyester)
Strength	Low to medium	High (similar to steel)
UV/Weather resistance	Poor (degrades outdoors)	Excellent
Tension retention	Low (relaxes over time)	Medium to high
Cost	Lower	Higher
Best for	Light indoor loads (<600 kg), short-term storage	Heavy loads, export, outdoor storage, long transit

3. Can one machine handle different pallet sizes?
Yes, within the arch limits. Fully automatic machines use photoelectric sensors to detect the load height and apply straps at programmed positions (e.g., 200 mm from bottom, 200 mm from top).
For widely varying heights, a robotic (track-type) machine is better because the strapping head can move to any height.
4. How many straps can a pallet strapping machine apply per pallet?
Fixed arch machines: Typically 1, 2, or 3 horizontal straps. Most common is 2 straps (middle and lower). Some models can apply 4 straps by indexing the pallet through the machine multiple times.
Robotic/track machines: Up to 8 or more straps, including vertical cross-straps if a turntable rotates the pallet.
5. Can the machine strap a pallet that is already stretch-wrapped?
Yes, but with caution. Stretch wrap can interfere with strap feeding if it is loose or wrinkled.
Best practice: Strap first, then wrap – provides the tightest unit load.
If wrapping first, ensure the film is tightly applied and trimmed flush with the pallet edges.
6. Can I install the machine without a conveyor?
Semi-automatic: Yes – portable floor models can be moved by forklift. Operator brings the pallet to the machine.
Fully automatic: Requires integration with a conveyor (roller or chain) for infeed and outfeed. The machine cannot "pull" pallets; they must be pushed or driven by the conveyor system.
7. What is the recommended conveyor height?
Typically 450–850 mm adjustable. The machine's strap channel must align with the conveyor surface. Standard pallet strapping machines are designed for Euro pallet or GMA pallet heights.
Tip: Allow 50–100 mm vertical adjustment for fine-tuning alignment.
8. Why does my strap not hold tension after a few hours?
PP strap: Naturally relaxes (creeps) over time – not recommended for long-term storage.
Switch to PET.
PET strap: Should hold >80% of initial tension after 24 hours.
If not: Tension was not high enough to compress the load initially.
Load settled (e.g., corrugated boxes collapsing) – use a top platen machine.
Strap was welded while too loose – check sealing timing.