Hose Wrapping Machine and Pipe Coil Packing Machine: Planning the Station

Executive summary FHOPE hose wrapping machines wrap stretch film, compound paper, or HDPE tape through the eye of a hose or plastic pipe coil. Wrapping takes 20–35 s per coil on the FPH-200N and 23–35 s on the FPH-300N, meaning cycle throughput is predominantly determined by coil handling, loading, and unloading ergonomics. We size the station around coil weight, dimensional envelopes, operator movement, and changeover flexibility.


Table of Contents


How the Coil Wrapper Works

The horizontal-axis orbital coil wrapper secures the pipe or hose coil on a set of motorized polyurethane-coated drive rollers. The coil cross-section sits directly within the throat of the circular rotating ring.

As the drive rollers rotate the coil around its central axis, the aluminum rotating ring drives a film dispenser carriage orbiting through the eye (center bore) of the coil. This synchronized dual-axis rotation creates a continuous, helical protective wrap covering both outer and inner coil faces.

                  [Rotating Ring Orbit]
                         │  ▲
                 ┌───────▼──┴───────┐
                 │   Film Carriage   │
                 └───────┬──▲───────┘
                         │  │
             ┌───────────▼──┴───────────┐
             │     Coil Cross-Section    │
             │   (Passes Through Throat) │
             └───────────┬──▲───────────┘
                         │  │
                 ┌───────▼──┴───────┐
                 │ Polyurethane Drive│
                 │      Rollers     │
                 └──────────────────┘

On the FPH-300N, an adjustable mechanical friction brake maintains constant film web tension (typically calibrated between 15 N and 45 N depending on wall thickness), preventing film neck-down or coil wall collapse. The surface overlap ratio is controlled through independent Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) coordinating the ring orbital speed and the roller drive linear speed:

Overlap Ratio (%) = [1 - (V_feed / W_film)] × 100%

Where V_feed represents the peripheral advance of the coil per ring revolution and W_film is the active width of the packaging film.


Which Model Fits the Coil Envelope

Choosing between the compact FPH-200N and the heavy-duty FPH-300N depends on outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), coil face width, and total weight.

Technical Parameter FPH-200N FPH-300N
Coil Inner Diameter (ID) 250–650 mm 300–700 mm
Coil Outer Diameter (OD) 450–800 mm 500–1,000 mm
Coil Face Width (W) 120–280 mm 100–300 mm
Maximum Load Capacity 5–30 kg 10–100 kg
Pure Wrap Cycle Time 20–35 s 23–35 s
Max Ring Rotation Speed 100 RPM 120 RPM
Drive System Rating 1.5 kW 1.9 kW

Selection Scenarios:

  1. Lightweight Extruded Hose: A 15 kg garden hose coil (300 mm ID × 500 mm OD × 160 mm width) fits squarely within the FPH-200N footprint, maximizing bench space and reducing electrical service requirements to 1.5 kW.
  2. Heavy Corrugated or Conduit Pipe: A 60 kg cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or HDPE coil requires the structural frame, heavier shafting, and drive power of the FPH-300N, as it exceeds the 30 kg structural ceiling of the FPH-200N.
  3. Boundary Envelopes: Coils falling within 500–800 mm OD and 10–30 kg can operate on either unit. Select the FPH-200N for compact footprints and narrow 60–80 mm film consumption. Opt for the FPH-300N if your operation requires wider tape (up to 100 mm), a higher overlap range (10% to 90%), or future capability for agricultural and industrial coils up to 100 kg.

Throughput and Coils per Shift

With wrap cycles running 20–35 seconds, mechanical wrapping is rarely the bottleneck. Overall line throughput is defined by station ergonomics: coil presentation, staging, manual lifting, and discharge.

The table below outlines nominal production capacities based on an illustrative 30-second load/unload cycle:

Operational Phase High-Speed Cycle (Light Coil) Extended Cycle (Heavy / Large OD)
Mechanical Wrap Time 20 s 35 s
Coil Loading & Unloading 30 s 30 s
Total Single-Station Cycle 50 s 65 s
Theoretical Output / Hour 72 coils ~55 coils
Gross Output / 8-Hour Shift 576 coils ~443 coils

Note: Calculations reflect gross run-time before material replenishment (film roll changes), planned operator breaks, or scheduled cleaning.

Industrial Ergonomics & Fatigue Allowances:

  • A continuous 30-second manual handling cycle is feasible for coils under 12 kg.
  • For coils approaching 30 kg on the FPH-200N, or 30–100 kg on the FPH-300N, operator fatigue drastically reduces hourly yields past the second hour of a shift.
  • Integrating a zero-gravity pneumatic vacuum lifter, scissor-lift indexing table, or gravity roller feed preserves the cycle pace and mitigates repetitive-strain injury risks under OSHA standard 1910 Subpart I and ISO 11228-1 guidelines.
  • Adding an automatic pneumatic film clamp-and-cut unit eliminates manual film tacking and severance, cutting handling time by approximately 8–12 seconds per cycle.

Changeovers Between Coil Sizes

Coil packaging stations frequently process variable SKU batches. The FPH series incorporates rapid changeover features to minimize changeover downtime:

  • Home Position Homing: The FPH-300N features an automatic electronic homing routine that returns the ring film carriage to its 12 o’clock loading position upon cycle completion, preventing interference during coil placement.
  • Dual VFD Adjustments: Independent potentiometers or HMI presets control ring RPM and drive roller speed, allowing operators to transition from a light domestic transit wrap (10–20% overlap) to a heavy marine-export seal (70–90% overlap) in seconds.
  • Guide Roller Centering: Side support rollers feature quick-release locking pins or hand-wheel adjusters to center different coil widths over the drive axis without specialized hand tools.

Film and Packaging Consumables

The orbiting carriage accepts multiple commercial packaging substrates depending on corrosion resistance, UV exposure, and puncture prevention requirements.

Consumable Parameter FPH-200N Specification FPH-300N Specification
Stretch Film Width 60–80 mm 90–100 mm
Film Roll Outer Diameter (OD) 100–140 mm 100–180 mm
Film Core Inner Diameter (ID) 50 mm (standard) 50 mm (standard)
Alternative Substrates Compound crepe paper (optional) Woven HDPE tape, paper, or VCI (optional)
Standard Overlap Span Pre-configured to order 10% to 90% variable

Utilities, Layout, and Safety

Utility Requirement FPH-200N FPH-300N
Electrical Supply 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3-Phase (Regional options available) 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3-Phase (Regional options available)
Connected Power Load 1.5 kW 1.9 kW
Pneumatic Supply 0.4–0.6 MPa (Only if pneumatic hold-down / cut-clamp option fitted) 0.4–0.6 MPa (Required for automated cut and clamp options)

Functional Safety & Compliance

  • Standard Guarding: The FPH-300N is equipped with perimeter safety guardrails and dual-channel safety interlocks.
  • Optical Guarding (Optional): Class 4 safety light curtains can be integrated to halt ring rotation instantly whenever an operator enters the loading envelope.
  • Harmonized Standards: Machine design references ISO 12100:2010 (Risk Assessment and Reduction) and EN 415-10:2014 (Safety Requirements for Packaging Machines). Destination electrical cabinets conform to EN 60204-1 for CE regions or NFPA 79 for North American installations.

Engineering Selection Checklist

Verify the following production parameters prior to station sizing:

  1. Dimensional Min/Max Matrix: Minimum and maximum inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and width/height.
  2. Gross Weight Bounds: Bare coil weight range (minimum vs. peak).
  3. Required Line Output: Required throughput per hour or per 8-hour shift.
  4. Material Presentation Method: Manual placement, overhead spring balancers, vacuum lifters, or conveyor integration.
  5. Automation Options: Requirement for pneumatic film tail cutting and clamping arms.
  6. Packaging Substrate: Standard LLDPE stretch film, VCI anti-rust film, crepe paper, or woven HDPE bands.
  7. Branding Needs: Inclusion of an automated synchronous logo tape applicator.
  8. On-Site Plant Utilities: Exact voltage, phase rating, and frequency (e.g., 208 V / 230 V / 400 V / 480 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz), plus clean dry compressed air availability.

Engineering FAQ

Q: What is the pure mechanical wrapping time per hose coil? A: Mechanical wrap duration ranges from 20 to 35 seconds on the FPH-200N, and 23 to 35 seconds on the FPH-300N, dictated by coil circumference and target film overlap.

Q: How many coils can one operator realistically wrap per shift? A: Approximately 440 to 570 coils per 8-hour shift, assuming consistent 30-second manual loading and unloading without external automation aids.

Q: What factors dictate shifting from the FPH-200N to the FPH-300N? A: A move to the FPH-300N is required whenever coil weight exceeds 30 kg, outer diameter exceeds 800 mm, or when wrapping wide coils requiring 100 mm film rolls.

Q: How are different outer diameters accommodated without re-tooling? A: The coil centers automatically between the lower polyurethane drive rollers. The operator simply adjusts the manual side containment rollers to keep the coil vertical and perpendicular to the ring.

Q: Can identification tape or branding be applied beneath the stretch layer? A: Yes. An optional logo tape dispenser mounts onto the frame, applying printed adhesive branding or barcode tape directly onto the coil perimeter during the wrap cycle.


Next Steps

We assist packaging engineers and plant managers in planning dedicated hose coil wrapping cells:

  1. Submit Dimensional Data: Send your coil size distribution (ID, OD, width, weight) and target line throughput to info@fhopepack.com.
  2. Layout & Functional Proposal: Our engineering group generates a formal proposal specifying model sizing, roller surface coatings, and material compatibility matrices.
  3. Ergonomic & Line Integration Analysis: We coordinate with your plant engineering staff to review infeed conveyors, lifting assists, and safety zone requirements.

Related Technical Documentation


References

  • FHOPE FPH-200N Machine Specifications and Functional Envelope
  • FHOPE FPH-300N Heavy-Duty Coil Wrapper Specification Register
  • ISO 12100:2010 – Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
  • EN 415-10:2014 – Safety of packaging machines — Part 10: General requirements
  • Direct equipment demonstration: Hose Wrapping Machine Video Archive