Summary

This custom automatic steel strapping system secures purlin and steel profile bundles ranging from 200 to 800 mm wide and 105 to 800 mm high. It uses a FROMM MH200 strapping head with 19 mm high-tensile steel strap and connects with the manufacturer's existing stacking line, roller conveyors and safety controls.

Automatic Steel Strapping Machine for Purlin Bundles

FROMM Packaging Australia recently designed and installed a custom automatic steel strapping solution for a steel profile manufacturing facility in Queensland. 

As one of Australia's largest producers of building and home improvement products, the customer required a reliable solution for securing bundles of steel profiles at the end of its new automated stacking line. The packs vary significantly in size, ranging from 200 to 800 mm wide and 105 to 800 mm high. 

The new system integrates FROMM's proven steel strapping technology with conveyors, controls and safety integration. 

The challenge at the end of the line

Prior to installing the strapping system, once each pack reached the end of the line, operators applied the steel strapping manually using the FROMM A333 steel strapping tool. 

The FROMM A333 is a manual combination tool that allows the operator to tension, seal and cut steel strap without requiring a separate sealer or an external power source. Whilst it is an effective and durable steel strapping tool, using this type of tool at the end of an automatic stacking line required ongoing operator involvement and manual handling. 

The result can also vary depending on the operator, creating the potential for inconsistencies in strap placement and tension. The customer required an automatic solution that could integrate at the end of its existing stacking line, reduce manual handling and consistently secure packs of varying dimensions.

How the custom FROMM steel strapping solution works

At the centre of the installation is the FROMM MH200 steel strapping head, configured for 19 mm wide high-tensile steel strapping. 

The MH200 is mounted above the production line and lowers towards each pack during the strapping cycle. A fixed telescopic strapping channel guides the steel strap around the profiles before the head tensions, seals and cuts the strap. 

Designed for demanding, continuous applications, the pneumatically powered MH200 delivers adjustable strap tension of up to 18,000 N. Its sealless MicroLock™ joint removes the need for separate metal seals, while simultaneously tensioning both ends of the strap to support consistent tension around each pack.

Connecting automatic strapping with existing roller conveyors

Rather than operating as a standalone machine, the automatic strapping system was integrated with the customer's roller conveyors. This allows the steel profile packs to move directly from the stacking line into the strapping station as part of a continuous production process. 

The system was designed to accommodate the customer's broad range of pack dimensions including:

• Pack widths 200 to 800 mm

• Pack heights 105 to 800 mm

• 19 mm wide high-tensile steel strapping

• Varying steel profile configurations within the specified dimensions

This tailored approach allowed the customer to retain its existing stacking and conveyor equipment while integrating automatic strapping into the line. 

Siemens controls for straightforward operation

The strapping system's control cabinet incorporates a Siemens PLC and HMI, giving operators straightforward control of the strapping process and clear visibility of machine status and settings. 

Integrating the controls with the line allows the equipment to communicate throughout the production process, coordinating the movement and positioning of each pack with the automatic strapping cycle.

Supporting longer production runs with 500 kg steel strap coils

The installation also includes a FROMM HAJ13 horizontal strapping dispenser, designed to dispense 500 kg jumbo coils, directly from the transport pallet.

The increased coil capacity reduces the frequency of strap coil changes compared with smaller coils, supporting longer production runs with fewer interruptions. This makes it particularly suitable for a high volume manufacturing environment where maintaining consistent production flow is essential. 

Integrated machine safety

Additional safety gates and light curtains were incorporated into the machine design and connected with the customer's existing safety system. These measures restrict access to the strapping area while the machine is operating and allows the new equipment to function as part of the wider production line safety controls

The benefits of moving from manual to automatic steel strapping

The completed installation provides the customer with a reliable and consistent method of securing steel profile packs at its Queensland facility. The automated process improves productivity, reduces manual labour and decreases strap cycle time significantly in comparison to their previous process. By combining the FROMM MH200 strapping head, HAJ13 jumbo coil dispenser, Siemens controls and customised safety integration, FROMM delivered a solution designed around the customer's equipment, product range and production requirements.

Automatic strapping machines designed for your application

FROMM automatic strapping systems can be incorporated into new productions lines or integrated with existing conveyors and equipment. Each solution is developed around the product dimensions, required throughput, strap specifications and safety requirements of the application. 

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