The secure and efficient packaging of large coils – whether steel, aluminum, wire, or even tyres – presents a significant challenge in industrial environments. Ensuring product integrity during handling, storage, and transit requires robust and reliable packaging solutions. FHOPE addresses this need with its automatic orbital stretch wrapping machine, engineered for high performance and minimal operator intervention.
Video Caption: FHOPE's automatic orbital stretch wrapper in operation, demonstrating the coil packaging process.
This article delves into the technical specifications, operational benefits, and application scope of this automated packaging system, aligning with the practical focus often found in industry publications like Machine Design.
1. Operational Principles and Automated Workflow
FHOPE's machine employs an orbital wrapping technique. The coil is positioned either manually or via an automated conveyor system into the wrapping station. A rotating ring, holding the stretch film roll (or other wrapping materials like VCI paper or crepe paper), orbits through the center of the coil and around its outer circumference.
The typical automated workflow includes:
- Coil Positioning: The coil is loaded onto support rollers or a conveyor segment within the wrapping zone.
- Wrapping Cycle Initiation: Sensors detect the coil's presence, and the wrapping cycle begins based on pre-set parameters entered via an HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
- Orbital Wrapping: The ring dispenses the wrapping material under controlled tension, ensuring a snug fit and consistent overlap as it orbits the coil. The coil may slowly rotate on its axis simultaneously for complete coverage.
- Film Clamping, Cutting, and Sealing: Upon cycle completion, the machine automatically clamps the film tail, cuts it cleanly, and often uses a heat sealer or wiping mechanism to secure the end to the package.
- Coil Ejection/Transfer: The wrapped coil is then ejected or transferred to the next stage, typically an offloading conveyor or staging area.
2. Key Technical Specifications and Customization
While specific configurations vary based on application requirements, typical technical parameters for FHOPE's automatic coil wrappers include:
- Coil Size Handling:
- Outer Diameter (OD): Customizable range (e.g., 500mm - 2000mm)
- Inner Diameter (ID): Customizable range (e.g., 300mm - 1500mm)
- Width: Customizable range (e.g., 100mm - 800mm)
- Coil Weight Capacity: Typically ranges from 100kg up to 5000kg or more, depending on the model design.
- Wrapping Ring Speed: Adjustable, often up to 60-90 RPM, allowing for variable throughput.
- Wrapping Material: Primarily LLDPE stretch film; compatible with VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) film, paper, and other materials.
- Material Roll Specs: Defines acceptable core diameter, outer diameter, and width for the wrapping material rolls.
- Control System: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with HMI touchscreen for parameter adjustments, diagnostics, and cycle monitoring.
- Power Requirements: Standard industrial voltages (e.g., 380V/50Hz/3Ph or as per customer specification).
- Automation Level: Fully automatic operation requiring minimal manual intervention.
These parameters are often tailored during the consultation and design phase to precisely match the customer's product dimensions, weight, desired throughput, and existing line integration needs.
3. Enhanced Benefits Beyond Basic Wrapping
Moving to an automated orbital wrapping system delivers significant advantages:
- Superior Product Protection: Creates a tight, uniform barrier against dust, moisture, dirt, and handling damage. Crucially, it allows for the effective application of VCI films for enhanced corrosion protection, vital for metal coils.
- Increased Operational Efficiency: Significantly higher throughput compared to manual or semi-automatic methods. Continuous operation capability reduces bottlenecks.
- Labor Cost Reduction: Frees up personnel previously engaged in manual wrapping tasks for more value-added activities. Requires only supervisory oversight.
- Material Savings: Precise tension control and automated cutting minimize film waste compared to manual application. Optimized overlap settings ensure adequate protection without excessive material use.
- Improved Safety: Eliminates the ergonomic risks associated with manually manipulating heavy rolls of stretch film around large, heavy coils. Safety guarding and interlocks are standard features.
- Professional Package Appearance: Consistent, neatly wrapped coils enhance product presentation and customer perception.
4. Application Scope and Integration Insights
This type of automatic coil packing machine finds extensive use across various industries:
- Steel Industry: Wrapping coils of sheet steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel.
- Aluminum Industry: Packaging aluminum coils and rolls.
- Copper and Wire Industry: Securing coils of copper wire, cable, and other conductors.
- Tube and Pipe Industry: Wrapping bundles or coils of tubes and pipes.
- Tyre Manufacturing: While the video showcases a metal coil, similar orbital wrapping technology can be adapted for large individual tyres or bundles, providing protection and unitization. Explore specific solutions here: https://www.fhopepack.com/Tyre-packing-machine/
Integration Considerations: When implementing such a system, factors like upstream and downstream conveyor compatibility, coil loading/unloading mechanisms (e.g., tilting devices, cranes, forklifts), floor space requirements, and integration with existing MES/control systems need careful planning. FHOPE typically provides consultation to ensure seamless integration into existing production lines. Operator training focuses on HMI usage, material roll changes, and basic troubleshooting.
5. Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Packaging Automation
FHOPE's automatic coil packing machine represents more than just a wrapper; it's a strategic investment in packaging efficiency, product protection, and operational safety. By automating a labor-intensive process, businesses can achieve significant cost savings, improve throughput, and ensure their valuable coil products reach their destination in optimal condition. Its robust design, customizable parameters, and proven orbital wrapping technology make it a reliable choice for industries handling large, coiled materials.