Executive summary A pallet of plastic bottles is tall and stacked in layers, so it must be held together without being crushed. Our gantry strapping machine drops two vertical straps over the load, pulls them tight, then seals and cuts them with no operator at the pallet. In our video a pallet about eight layers high is strapped in one cycle. Strap count, frame height and tension are set per project to your pallet.
Table of Contents
- What the video shows
- Why strap a bottle pallet
- Setting strap tension on plastic bottles
- Planning straps per hour
- Controls and safety
- Selection checklist for a pallet strapping machine
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources
What the video shows
A full pallet of dark plastic bottles, about eight layers high on a blue pallet, stands under our grey gantry frame. Two straps come down from the top beam, close around the load and are pulled tight. The beam then lifts clear, and the strapped pallet is ready to leave. Nobody touches the pallet during the cycle.
The bottles stay upright and in their layers because the straps hold the whole stack against the pallet.
Why strap a bottle pallet
Bottles are often shipped in layers, with a sheet between each layer. Without straps, the top layers can slide during forklift moves or on a truck. Vertical straps over the top press each layer down onto the one below, so the stack moves as one block.
| Load issue | What the straps do |
|---|---|
| Layers sliding | Press the layers onto each other |
| Top layer lifting | Hold a top sheet or frame down |
| Pallet separating from load | Tie the load to the pallet |
| Film-free loads | Let the pallet ship without stretch wrap |
Setting strap tension on plastic bottles
Plastic bottles give under load. Too much tension pulls the straps into the top layer and crushes the bottle shoulders under them. Too little, and the stack can still slide. A top frame or board spreads the strap load across the top layer, so the tension can be set high enough to hold the stack without marking the bottles.
Try the tension on a full pallet of your own bottles before production. Set it per bottle type, because a thin-walled bottle needs less than a heavy one.
Planning straps per hour
Illustrative cycle with two straps per pallet:
| Step | Time (illustrative) |
|---|---|
| Pallet in and positioned | 20 s |
| Two straps, 12 s each | 24 s |
| Pallet out | 20 s |
| Total cycle | 64 s |
| Pallets per hour | about 56 |
A four-strap pattern needs the pallet indexed forward between straps, or turned for cross straps. That adds strapping and handling time, which we plan per project. Feeding the pallets by conveyor shortens the in and out time more than a faster strapping head would.
Controls and safety
The frame is a gantry over the conveyor, and the beam moves up and down above the pallet. Keep people clear of the frame while it runs, and add guarding to suit your line layout.
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 a pallet strapping machine
- Pallet length, width and full height.
- Load type: bottles, cans or cartons.
- Number of vertical straps per pallet.
- Pallet base, so the strap can pass under or through it.
- Strap material: PP or PET.
- Pallets per hour.
- Conveyor feed or forklift loading.
Engineering FAQ
Q: How many straps does a bottle pallet need? A: Our video shows two vertical straps. Larger or less stable loads use four, with the pallet indexed or turned between straps.
Q: Will the straps crush plastic bottles? A: They can if the tension is too high. Use a top frame or board and set the tension per bottle type.
Q: How long does one pallet take? A: In our two-strap example the cycle is 64 s, or about 56 pallets per hour.
Q: Does the operator need to touch the pallet? A: No. The gantry places, tightens, seals and cuts the straps automatically.
Q: Can the pallet ship without stretch film? A: Strapped layered bottles can, if your transport allows it. Film can be added for dust protection.
Next step
We plan your pallet strapping machine in three steps:
- Submit your layout drawing with pallet sizes, load heights and output to info@fhopepack.com.
- Receive a proposal within 48 hours, with the frame size and strap pattern.
- Book a site survey to check the conveyor line and floor space.
Related reading
- Automatic strapping machines
- Video: dual-clamp 180° pallet changer for glass bottle loads
- Video: V-shape pallet changer
Sources
- Machine content: FHOPE engineering team, 2026-10-04
- Cycle examples: our worked examples, illustrative values
- Machine in action: our video on YouTube
- Standards scope: ISO 12100:2010, EN 415-10:2014
Last reviewed: 2026-10-04
