Strapping Machines

The main difference between a semi-automatic strapping machine and a fully automatic one is the method of strap feeding. Semi-automatic strapping machines will require some guidance to line the strap around packages before it is tightened and sealed, while automated strapping machines will complete the entire process on their own.

There are three strapping materials, Steel, Polyester (PET) and PP (Polypropylene)

Steel strapping has been the benchmark strapping/unitizing globally for many years.

In the last 10 years PET strapping has taken the market by storm, replacing steel in probably all but the heaviest or hardest applications. It is safer, easier, strong, and meets the acceptable operational standards of all major Australian industry sectors.

Steel is still used in very small products such as pipes and tubes, because the PET strapping tool technologies cannot strap very small bundles. In addition, it is still used in hot environments where the strapping is in contact with hot products.

Beyond these critical applications polyester strap, purchased from reputable manufacturers, using quality strapping tools or machines will deliver excellent results.

PP strapping is normally used in light applications such as closing of small boxes, empty cartons, small light mixed pallets. It has a tendency to stretch beyond 22% of its original state, so is not suitable for compressing and holding heavy or large products.

FROMM is a global manufacturer of Plastic Strapping with four plants around the world. FROMM Plastic Strapping is manufactured in our production centres using up to 98% recycled polyester bottle material on state-of-the-art extrusion lines. The majority of this recycled raw material is produced, amongst others, in FROMM‘s own plastic recycling plant Texplast GmbH in Wolfen. FROMM Plastic Strap is a sustainable packaging solution. 

Click here view the manufacturing process in video format 

Used PET strapping can be recycled. Recyclers will usually ask for clean uncontaminated material chopped and placed into a sack. FROMM offers a strap recycling machine which can turn used PET strapping into a recyclable asset, reducing customer waste costs and assisting in meeting social and environmental obligations. These strap choppers can be rented or purchased. Click here for more information. 

FROMM has PET manufacturing capabilities around the world in 4 strategic locations.

In each facility, we manufacture using 100% recycled and 100% recyclable PET flakes (RPET)

In Europe we even collect our own raw material and process it in our own facility, reducing landfill and created a closed-loop market.

Fundamentally you have a manual, semi manual or automated process.

Manual involves using hand tools such as tensioning devices and sealing devices ( sold separately) and a buckle or a clip to create the seal. Really only useful if you strap occasionally.

The rise of battery operated strapping tools has simplified the application of strapping with the material tensioned and sealed within the tool. Modern batteries mean up to 400 plus cycles per charge and these light weight ergonomic devices are very popular.

Automated processes are found in manufacturing and processing facilities such as timber mills, steel and aluminium smelters where cargo is not or do not fit onto a pallet. Growing in popularity is the rise of logistics and distribution where the application of strapping adds to the stability and also security of the cargo.

The strapping material starts in a plastic "state". Once tension is applied to it, it becomes elastic and can hold the load intact while providing some shock absorption. Apply too much tension, and it will lose the ability to absorb shock, putting the load at risk.  As a general rule of thumb, more than 35% of the total breaking strain of the material is needed to create the elastic "state". Past the limit of 80%, the strapping material’s ability to absorb shock will be hindered.

A strapping machine will be able to consistently apply the right level of tension in the strapping material, making it easier and faster to pack items without worrying about their integrity.