Automatic Vertical and Horizontal Strapping for Concrete Blocks, Bricks and Pavers

Case Study

Construction

Summary

This international FROMM installation combines vertical and horizontal strapping machines to secure heavy loads of concrete blocks, bricks and pavers. Equipped with MH600 strapping heads, two KB4 dispensers and Siemens PLC controls, the system applies 16 mm PET strapping in two directions for load containment during handling, storage and transport.

Automatic PET Strapping for Concrete Blocks, Bricks and Pavers

Heavy masonry loads need secure, consistent strapping to keep products together during handling, storage and transport. This installation by an international FROMM subsidiary combines vertical and horizontal strapping in a two-stage system for concrete blocks, bricks and pavers.

The load first passes through a PM1 Series vertical strapping machine before moving to a PM8 Series horizontal strapping machine. Both stations use an MH600 strapping head to apply 16 mm PET strapping, securing the load in two directions.

Two strapping directions for heavy masonry loads

Stacked concrete blocks, bricks and pavers require containment both vertically and around the sides of the pack. Combining two strapping stations allows each machine to perform a specific role within the packaging sequence.

The first station applies vertical strapping around the load. The second applies horizontal strapping around its perimeter, adding containment across the stacked products. Together, the stations create a coordinated process suited to the demands of masonry production. FROMM’s PM800 Series is designed for applications including bricks and blocks and is commonly used alongside the PM100 Series.

Vertical strapping with a floating MH600 strapping head

At the first station, the FROMM PM100000 Series vertical strapping machine is fitted with a floating MH600 strapping head and a cycle counter.

The floating head arrangement allows movement during tensioning, supporting strap tension distribution around the load. This configuration forms part of the PM1 Series’ modular design, which offers fixed or floating strapping heads to suit the application.

The cycle counter records completed strapping cycles, giving the team visibility of machine usage and a useful reference for maintenance planning.

Horizontal strapping adds side containment

Following vertical strapping, the load moves to the FROMM PM800000 Series horizontal strapping machine, also equipped with an MH600 strapping head and a cycle counter.

This station applies 16 mm PET strapping horizontally around the pack, complementing the vertical strapping already in place. The PM8 Series uses a movable horizontal strapping arch to position strap around the product, making it suitable for securing stacked masonry loads.

Using an MH600 head at both stations provides a common strapping head platform across the system, simplifying stocked spare parts and scheduled maintenance.

Dedicated strap supply and Siemens controls

Two FROMM KB4 strap dispensers supply PET strapping to the system, with one dispenser serving each station. The KB dispenser range accommodates standard plastic strapping coils and is designed for use with strapping systems.

A Siemens PLC controls the system’s operating sequence, coordinating the two stages of the strapping process.

This installation brings together:

PM100000 Series vertical strapping machine with a floating MH600 strapping head
PM800000 Series horizontal strapping machine with a MH600 strapping head
Cycle counters on each strapping head
Two KB4 strap dispensers
Siemens PLC controls
Suitable for 16 mm PET strapping for both machines

A strapping solution built around the product

This installation demonstrates how complementary automatic strapping machines can be configured for heavy building products. By applying vertical and horizontal PET strapping in sequence, the system provides secure strapping across two directions of the pack, ideal for containing heavy loads.

For Australian manufacturers of concrete blocks, bricks and pavers, FROMM can assess the product, pack configuration and production requirements to recommend a suitable strapping solution.

Discuss your application with FROMM Packaging Australia on 1800 940 356 or email info@fromm-pack.com.au

FAQs Automatic PET Strapping Machine for Blocks, Bricks & Pavers

Automatic strapping machines feed, tension and seal strapping around stacked products. In this FROMM installation, the load passes through a PM1 Series vertical strapping machine, followed by a PM8 Series horizontal strapping machine. Both stations apply 16 mm PET strapping using MH600 strapping heads.

Vertical and horizontal strapping provide containment in different directions. Vertical strapping runs around the load from top to bottom, while horizontal strapping runs around the perimeter of the stacked products. Combining both methods helps keep concrete blocks, bricks and pavers together during handling, storage and transport.

This installation uses 16 mm polyester (PET) strapping at both stations. The appropriate strap width, thickness and tension depend on the load weight, pack configuration and handling requirements. FROMM can assess these factors to recommend strapping for your application.

Using an MH600 strapping head on both machines simplifies stocked spare parts requirements and scheduled maintenance. A common head platform also allows maintenance teams to work with the same components and servicing procedures across both stations. Some may choose to order a spare strapping head to allow for easy swap out of strapping heads during scheduled maintenance.

Cycle counters record completed strapping cycles, providing visibility of machine usage. These records give maintenance teams a useful reference when planning servicing alongside FROMM's recommended maintenance schedule.

The KB4 holds and supplies PET strap to the machine. It accommodates strap widths from 9 to 32 mm, while its accumulator holds approximately 12 metres of strap ready for feeding. Its floor mounted vertical design also allows easy strap roll changes.

Yes. FROMM has a 2 year warranty on all powered equipment non wearing parts. Our team will provide full warranty details when supplying a detailed proposal to your business.

Yes. FROMM can assess your existing line and recommend a strapping configuration to suit your products, available space and production requirements. Machine selection, strap specification and vertical or horizontal strapping arrangements can be tailored to your application.