Summary

FROMM installed and commissioned an automatic top sealing strapping machine for an Australian timber processor. Designed for rough sawn timber bundles, the system combines an MH600 PET strapping head with automatic bearer placement, a telescopic gated strap track and a KB4 strap dispenser.

Automatic PET Strapping Machine for Sawn Timber

FROMM has recently completed the installation and commissioning of an automatic strapping system for softwood sawmill in Mount Gambier.

Designed to strap bundles of rough sawn timber, the system combines automatic bearer placement with a FROMM MH600 strapping head and telescopic strapping channel. The result is a complete solution that positions the timber bearers and applies secure strapping as part of one streamlined process.

An automatic solution for rough sawn timber

Rough sawn timber bundles can vary in surface finish and profile, requiring a strapping system designed to accommodate the demands of timber processing and handling.

For this installation, the machine was configured to apply strap from the top of the bundle using a FROMM MH600 strapping head. Strap is fed around the timber bundle, through a telescopic strapping channel, before it is tensioned, sealed and cut.

The solution was supplied through a European OEM by FROMM Packaging Automation, with installation, commissioning and training completed locally by the FROMM Packaging Australia service team.

How does the automatic PET strapping machine work?

The sawn timber bundle is transported to the strapping machine via roller conveyors, and uses sensors to stop the bundle at the correct position. The machine automatically positions bearers beneath the rough sawn timber bundle before completing the strapping cycle.

Bearer magazines store the bearers ready for placement. During operation, the bearer pusher transfers the required bearers from the magazines to the bearer holder and lifter. The bearers are then raised and positioned beneath the timber bundle.

Once the bundle and bearers are in place, the strapping is fed around the product by the strapping head. The top-mounted MH600 strapping head tensions, cuts and seals the strap to complete the cycle.

This configuration keeps the key machine components above the product while providing controlled bearer placement and repeatable strapping.

Key components of the timber strapping system

FROMM MH600 top sealing strapping head

The FROMM MH600 polyester strapping head is engineered for automatic, heavy duty strapping applications in demanding industries such as timber, metals and manufacturing. 
For this installation, the MH600 is positioned above the rough sawm timber bundle to feed, tension, cut and friction weld the PET strap. It accommodates PET strap widths from 13 to 19 mm and provides adjustable tension up to 7,000 N. Its feed and retract speed can also be adjusted up to 5.3 metres per second. 

The compact, modular head features independent feeding, tensioning and friction weld sealing systems. It provides a seal strength of up to 80% of the strap's breaking strength, depending on the strap quality. Designed for low maintenance and long service intervals, the MH600 is well suited to demanding timber processing environments.

Telescopic strapping channel

The telescopic strapping channel extends around the timber bundle to guide the strap through the machine. It allows the strapping head to feed at any position, rather than raising the home position each time. This improves the possible output capacity of the line and reducing wear and tear on the machine.

Bearer pusher

The bearer pusher automatically transfers individual bearers from the magazines into the correct position for each strapping cycle.

Bearer magazines

Bearer magazines store the bearers and supply them to the pusher system. This supports the automatic positioning of bearers without requiring them to be manually placed beneath each timber bundle. 
For this installation the bearers to suit their packs are 60 mm high which means each magazine has a capacity of 20 - 24 bearers. The height of each bearer dictates how many will fit into the magazine so the capacity will differ for each installation.

Bearer holder and lifter

The bearer holder and lifter receive the bearers from the pusher system and raises them into a position flush underneath the timber bundle. This allows the bearer and strapping to be applied as part of the same process. 

KB4 strap dispenser

The FROMM KB4 is a floor mounted vertical strap dispenser designed to accommodate PET strapping. It is designed for standard size strap coils, with a maximum weight of 25 kg. Its accumulator can hold approximately 12 metres of strap, supporting consistent feeding to the machine throughout the strapping cycle. 

Why include automatic bearer placement?

Bearers create clearance beneath timber bundles, making it easier for the finished packs to be moved, stored and handled by forklifts or other materials handling equipment.

Incorporating bearer placement into the strapping system reduces the number of separate steps required before the bundle is secured. The bearers are positioned consistently, ready for the strap to be applied around both the timber and bearers. 

For timber processors handling repeat volumes, combining these functions can support a more consistent and efficient packaging process. 

Installation, start-up and training by FROMM Australia

Once the FROMM Automation equipment arrived in Australia, the FROMM Packaging Australia service team completed the installation and commissioning.

Commissioning ensures the machine, strapping head, gated track and bearer handling components operate together correctly for the customer’s product and production requirements. It also provides an opportunity to confirm machine settings and train the relevant operators before the system enters regular production.

Thorough training was also provided by the FROMM Australia team.

The completed installation demonstrates how FROMM’s international technical capabilities can be combined with local installation and service support for specialised Australian applications.

Automatic strapping machines for the timber industry

FROMM supplies strapping systems for timber products ranging from stand alone strapping machines to customised equipment incorporated into larger production lines.

Each solution can be configured around a number of specifications including;

• Timber bundle dimensions and height

• Required strap type and number of strap applications

• Production volumes

• Bearer placement requirements

• Existing conveyors and production equipment

• Available floor space

• Operator access and servicing requirements

By assessing the product, packaging process and surrounding equipment, FROMM can recommend a strapping solution suited to the application. FROMM Packaging Australia has been recommending solutions for Australian businesses since 1977. 

Discuss your timber strapping application with FROMM

Looking to improve the consistency or efficiency of your timber packaging process? FROMM Packaging Australia can assess your product, production requirements and existing equipment to recommend a suitable strapping solution.

Contact FROMM Packaging Australia or call us us on 1800 940 356 to discuss an automatic strapping solution for your business.