Executive summary
An online pipe strapping line takes cut lengths of small plastic pipe straight from the extruder, counts them, arranges them in rows into a bundle and ties the bundle. It can tie with PP strap through a strapping arch or with stretch film. Our online line handles pipe of 20–50 mm OD in 2, 3 and 4 m lengths, forming bundles of 160–250 mm at over one bundle a minute. A worked example counts the pipes in a hexagon bundle and checks the line against the extruder.
Table of Contents
- Why bundle pipe online
- How the line works
- Bundling methods: PP strapping vs stretch film
- Online line data
- Worked example: a 37-pipe bundle
- Selection checklist
- Safety: EN 415-10 and ISO 12100
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources
Why bundle pipe online
Small PVC, PPR and PE pipe comes off the cutter one length at a time. Counting and tying it by hand takes people at the end of every extruder, and miscounts are common. Bundling online counts every pipe, makes every bundle the same, and ties it as the line runs, so finished bundles leave without being handled again.
How the line works
Cut pipes land on a run-out of yellow rollers on a blue frame. In the test run shown, an operator lays the pipes on by hand; in production the run-out takes them straight from the cutter. The pipes are lifted one by one, counted and laid side by side into rows. Row arrangement builds the bundle layer by layer in a forming trough.
When the count is reached, the bundle moves along the line under a strapping arch, which ties a strap round it at each set position. The tied bundle then runs out for stacking or bagging. A control cabinet beside the line sets the count and strap positions.
Bundling methods: PP strapping vs stretch film
Both tie methods work on our line:
- PP strap, as shown here. A strapping arch ties a band round the bundle at several points along it. It gives a firm, rigid bundle.
- Stretch film strapping. A band of stretch film is wound round the bundle at each tie point. It costs less to run, so where a rigid tie is not needed we usually recommend it.
The film strapping can have 1, 2 or 3 stations, chosen for the output needed. Bundles can then go on to a bagger.
Online line data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Pipe OD | 20–50 mm |
| Pipe length | 2, 3 and 4 m |
| Bundle OD | standard 160–250 mm; built to order 100–400 mm |
| Bundle weight | 5–50 kg |
| Counting | automatic, by program |
| Pipe lifting | up to 50–60 pipes per minute |
| Bundling | over 1 bundle per minute |
| Tie | PP strap or LLDPE stretch film |
| Air | 5–7 bar |
Worked example: a 37-pipe bundle
Illustrative job: 32 mm pipe in 4 m lengths, from an extruder running at 20 m/min, tied in a hexagon bundle with 4 pipes on each side.
| Check | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pipes per bundle | 3n(n − 1) + 1, n = 4 | 37 |
| Bundle width | (2n − 1) × d = 7 × 32 | 224 mm |
| Bundle height | d + (2n − 2) × d × √3/2 | ≈ 198 mm |
| Pipes per minute from the extruder | 20 ÷ 4 | 5 |
| Time to fill one bundle | 37 ÷ 5 | ≈ 7.4 min |
Result. The 37-pipe bundle is 224 × 198 mm, inside the 160–250 mm range. At 5 pipes a minute the extruder fills a bundle every 7.4 minutes. The line can count up to 50–60 pipes and tie over one bundle a minute, so one strapping station is ample. A second station only pays off on fast lines with short pipe. Ask us for the tie cycle time for your strap and tie count, which sets that limit.
Selection checklist
- Pipe OD, wall and length.
- Pipes per bundle and bundle shape.
- Extruder speed and cut length.
- PP strap or stretch film, and tie points per bundle.
- Bagging, labelling and stacking after tying.
Safety: EN 415-10 and ISO 12100
We design the line to EN 415-10 and assess its risks to ISO 12100. The main hazards are the lifting and row-forming parts, the moving bundle and the strapping arch. The strapping area is guarded, and the control cabinet carries an emergency stop.
Engineering FAQ
Q: Is film or PP strap better? A: Film strapping is cheaper to run. PP strap gives a stiffer bundle. Both work on our line.
Q: Can it run offline? A: Yes. We also build offline bundling and strapping machines fed from cut stock.
Q: How is the count set? A: In the program, per bundle.
Q: Which standard applies? A: EN 415-10 for the machine, and ISO 12100 for the risk assessment.
Next step
- Send pipe OD, wall, length and pipes per bundle to info@fhopepack.com.
- We match the tie method and stations to your extruder.
- We reply within 24 hours with a layout and quotation.
Related reading
- Online pipe bundling and bagging machine (product)
- Off-line PVC pipe bundle forming and strapping machine
- On-line PVC, PE and PPR pipe bundling and PP strapping packing line
- Automatic online plastic pipe bundle and bag packing machine
Sources
- FHOPE product page: online pipe bundling and bagging machine
- FHOPE project notes on pipe strapping methods
- The online pipe strapping line shown above
- Worked example: illustrative figures
- Standards: EN 415-10; ISO 12100:2010
Last reviewed: 2026-10-19
