Executive summary Adding an automatic bundle strapping machine to an older packing line removes manual strapping without replacing the whole line. Our machine in this video lowers its clamp onto a bundle of steel rods and presses the bundle into position under a blue gantry frame. Strap length follows from the bundle diameter times π, and strap use from the straps per bundle.
Table of Contents
- What the video shows
- How the bundle is clamped and positioned
- Strap per bundle
- Controls and safety
- Retrofit checklist for a bundle strapping machine
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources
What the video shows
A bundle of green-coated steel rods stands on a grey support tray under our blue gantry-frame machine. The tray is brought in on the track under the clamp.
The arm comes down from above, the clamp closes on the top of the bundle and the cross beam presses down to hold and position it. The arm then rises and opens again, leaving the bundle in place. A drive unit and a large cable reel sit on the left, and red and green status lights are fitted under the top beam. We filmed this machine at a customer site.
How the bundle is clamped and positioned
Times are read from the video timestamps.
| Step | What happens | Video time |
|---|---|---|
| Infeed | The bundle on its tray is brought under the clamp | about 0–16 s |
| Clamp and press | The arm comes down, clamps and presses the bundle | about 20–44 s |
| Release | The arm rises and opens | about 48–56 s |
The video covers the clamp-and-press step that comes before strapping. A bundle held tight and compact before strapping gives straps that stay tight in transport.
Strap per bundle
Illustrative example:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bundle diameter (illustrative) | 400 mm |
| One strap round the bundle, π × 0.4 m | about 1.26 m before seal overlap |
| Straps per bundle (illustrative) | 3 |
| Strap per bundle, 3 × 1.26 m | about 3.77 m before seal overlap |
The seal overlap adds to each strap; set it from the strap and sealing method.
Controls and safety
The arm comes down and the clamp and beam press the bundle with force. Keep people out from under the gantry while the machine runs, and work at the bundle only with it stopped and isolated.
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.
Retrofit checklist for a bundle strapping machine
- Rod diameter, length and bundle size.
- Heaviest bundle.
- Strap material and straps per bundle.
- How bundles reach the machine on the existing line.
- Bundles per shift.
- Space and power at the existing line.
Engineering FAQ
Q: What does the machine add to an old line? A: It clamps, presses and positions each bundle for automatic strapping.
Q: How long is one strap? A: π times bundle diameter: π × 0.4 m gives about 1.26 m before seal overlap in our example.
Q: How much strap does a bundle take? A: Straps times length: 3 × 1.26 m gives about 3.77 m before seal overlap.
Q: Why press the bundle before strapping? A: A tight, compact bundle keeps the straps tight in transport.
Q: Can it fit my existing line? A: Send the bundle sizes and line layout and we plan the retrofit.
Next step
We plan your bundle strapping machine in three steps:
- Submit your layout drawing with rod and bundle sizes and weights to info@fhopepack.com.
- Receive a proposal within 48 hours, with strap material and straps per bundle.
- Book a site survey to check existing line layout and space.
Related reading
- Steel tube strapping machine
- Video: automatic steel tube bundling and strapping machine
- Video: automatic light gauge steel bundling and wrapping line
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