Whats the difference between an Automatic Strapping Machine and a Semi-Automatic Strapping Machine

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Its worth considering under what circumstances it might be worth purchasing an automatic strapping machine over a semi-automatic strapping machine, but first you need to know the difference. 

Firstly - What is a Strapping Machine?

A strapping machine is a machine that is used to strap items together (products, cartons or palletised goods) for the purpose of transporting/freight,  storage and handling. It uses plastic strapping (usually polypropylene ), the strap width choice of which is usually determined by the weight and size of the products as well as the strength requiements of the goods being secured.

Strapping machines will tension then seal the strapping together (by heat sealing or friction welding) after it has been placed around the products. The strap is fed around the goods either manually by the operator or automatically through an arch system, depending on what type of machine is being used.

Common options include semi-automatic strapping machines, automatic strapping machines and portable battery strapping tools. Table-top machines are ideal for cartons, boxes and regular packaging lines, while portable battery strapping tools are better suited to pallets, large items and applications where mobility is required.

Automatic Strapping Machine

Automatic Strapping Machines are commonly used in environments where there is a high volume of strapping required as they work the fastest and most efficiently. Automatic strapping machines supplied by Get Packed are all arch style models, (as per the images below).

The arch is a guide frame that automatically feeds polypropylene plastic strapping around the package once it is placed on the table. Built-in sensors detect the package and activate the strapping cycle, allowing the strap to travel through the arch, wrap around the item, tension, seal and cut automatically. This makes automatic strapping machines ideal for fast, consistent carton strapping in packaging, warehouse and dispatch operations.

Get Packed have a few to choose from that have a range of features that include:

• strapping speeds that range from 25 strap cycles/minute (GPTP-6000) through to 58 Strap cycles/min (EXS-137B)
• ability to move from fully automatic mode relying on sensors to activate strap cycles, to manual mode where the strap cycles is activated through use of a foot pedal or button (GPA-101 and GPTP-6000)
• different arch sizes on different models - some are standard at 800mm x 600mm (GPA-101), others have different arch sizes available (GPAS-158)
• some have the roll of strapping kept inside the cabinet under the table, which minimises space required (EXS-137B and GPAS-158) where others have the roll of strapping outside and next to (attached) the machine (GPTP-6000, GPA-101)
• Get Packed has one model (EXS-137B) that has been made for integratin into automated production lines as it features a conveyor on the strapping table so that when the boxed product hits the table (from another conveyor) it is automatically feed under teh strapping arch which activates the strapping cycle, then automatically moved off the table.

Semi Automatic Strapping Machines

A Semi Automatic Strapping Machine is used as an upgrade from manually strapping or bundling items together using manual strapping tools. It will vastly improve the productivity of the user from the manual strapping. Basically a semi automatic strapping machine is a device that will strap together or bundle and secure items exactly the same as an automatic strapping machine, except the operator will manually move the strapping over the product and feed it into the strapping head - which will then tension and seal the plastic strapping - in the exact manner an automatic strapping machine would.

Get Packed have a range of semi automatic strapping machines available. Main features include:

• The choice of open or closed models. See images below - the main difference being that the roll of strapping is enclosed or it isn't.  (GPSAS-303 & 303C, GPSAS-202, GPSAS-201 )
• Models with a completely new design and new technology - no clutch, no chain and no belt - just powered by a mechanical head with tension controlled by a new fully electronic tension control. (GPSAS-303 & 303C)
• A side seal model where the adjustable strapping table is placed on the side of the machine, the benefits being that anything that may drop from the package (like water - fish, flowers - or splinters from wood) doesn't drop into the sealing head causing issues. (GPSAS28)