Executive summary Heavy pallet loads such as blocks or bricks need straps as well as film, so the load stays tied to the pallet when it is lifted. Our automatic pallet strapping machine in this video centres a pallet on a roller conveyor, lowers its yellow arm over the load and runs vertical straps round it. Strap per pallet follows from the load size and the number of bands. We set both per project.
Table of Contents
- What the video shows
- How the pallet strapping cycle works
- Strap per pallet
- When to strap as well as wrap
- Controls and safety
- Selection checklist for an automatic pallet strapping machine
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources
What the video shows
A green plastic pallet stacked with dark blocks runs in along the roller conveyor inside a yellow safety fence. It stops at the centre of the machine, and the yellow arm comes down above it while the lights on the control cabinet come on.
The arm’s end unit reaches out to the sides of the load and then returns to its start height. The pallet now carries film and two yellow straps running vertically down its sides. Large strap coils sit at the back of the machine.
How the pallet strapping cycle works
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Infeed | The pallet runs in on the roller conveyor |
| Centre | It stops at the strapping position |
| Arm down | The yellow arm lowers over the load |
| Strap | The strap runs round the load and is tensioned and sealed |
| Arm up and out | The arm returns and the pallet leaves |
Strapping on the conveyor means no forklift is needed between wrapping and strapping. For the wrapping side of such a line, see our fully automatic pallet wrapping machinery line.
Strap per pallet
Each vertical band runs over the top of the load and under the pallet. Illustrative example:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Load width (illustrative) | 1,000 mm |
| Load and pallet height (illustrative) | 1,800 mm |
| Nominal band length, 2 × (1,000 + 1,800) | 5,600 mm |
| Bands per pallet | 2 |
| Strap per pallet, 2 × 5.6 m | 11.2 m |
Add the seal overlap to each band when you order strap.
When to strap as well as wrap
| Load | Why straps help |
|---|---|
| Heavy blocks and bricks | Straps hold the load to the pallet when lifted |
| Loads shipped by truck | Straps resist shifting under braking |
| Tall stacks | Bands stop top layers sliding |
| Wrapped loads | Straps over film add holding force |
For light cartons, film alone is often enough; our automatic pallet stretch wrapping machine with film cutter covers that case.
Controls and safety
The arm lowers over the load and the strap is under tension. Keep people outside the yellow fence while the machine runs, and enter only with it stopped.
The standards that apply depend on the destination market. For CE markets, ISO 12100 sets the risk-assessment method and EN 415-10 sets general requirements for packaging machines.
Selection checklist for an automatic pallet strapping machine
- Pallet size and load height.
- Heaviest load.
- Bands per pallet and direction.
- Strap type and width.
- Pallets per hour.
- Conveyor height and floor space.
Engineering FAQ
Q: Why strap a load that is already wrapped? A: Straps over film add holding force, so heavy blocks stay on the pallet when lifted and tall stacks do not shift in transport.
Q: How much strap does a pallet take? A: About 11.2 m for two bands on a 1,000 mm wide, 1,800 mm high load in our example.
Q: Do I need straps as well as film? A: For heavy blocks, bricks or truck shipping, yes.
Q: How many bands does a pallet get? A: Our video shows two vertical bands; we set the count per load.
Q: Is the machine guarded? A: Yes. A yellow fence surrounds the strapping area.
Next step
We plan your pallet strapping machine in three steps:
- Submit your layout drawing with pallet sizes, weights and output to info@fhopepack.com.
- Receive a proposal within 48 hours, with the band layout and conveyor plan.
- Book a site survey to check the line layout and floor space.
Related reading
- Automatic strapping machines
- Video: bottle pallet strapping machine
- Video: horizontal orbital stretch wrapper for pallet loads
Sources
- Machine content: FHOPE engineering team, 2026-10-04
- Strap example: our worked example, illustrative values
- Machine in action: our video on YouTube
- Standards scope: ISO 12100:2010, EN 415-10:2014
Last reviewed: 2026-10-04
