What Is Packing Machinery?
Packing machinery wraps containers with PP bands at the end. Depending on the quantity, there are various types, such as manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. In the case of manual tightening, a fixing device made of resin or metal, called a band stopper, may be used.
The “PP” in PP band stands for polypropylene. The PP band has a mesh-like surface. It is wrapped around the packing equipment, tightened, and finally cut to secure the band to the equipment.
Uses of Packing Machinery
Packaging equipment is mainly used in the logistics and manufacturing industries. While manually tightening PP bands is cost-effective, if there is a high daily packing frequency, using packing machinery becomes very efficient.
In the manual method, after wrapping, the band can be cut while being tightened by pulling a lever, ensuring reliable packing. In the semi-automatic type, wrapping is done manually up to the wrapping point, and then tightening and cutting are done automatically after wrapping completion. The advantage is that wrapping timing can be controlled by sensor control.
Principles of Packing Machinery
A band stopper is used to stop the PP band manually. In contrast, when PP bands are stopped by packaging equipment, the PP band is cut to the required length and then welded. In other words, the surfaces of the PP bands are melted together. Packing machinery usually comes with a built-in heater, which heats and melts the PP band, welding it together.
Because of the welding principle in packing machinery, the accuracy of the welding process is affected by daily temperature fluctuations. If the heater temperature is low, the bands will not melt sufficiently to adhere. Conversely, if the heater is too hot, the band will not be fully welded and may come off. Packing machinery is designed to cut and weld PP bands instantly, so if the band’s surface is melted too much, it will peel off.
One drawback of welding is that it reduces strength. The tensile strength of a band stopper is about 1900 N, but when welded, the tensile strength is much lower, at approximately 1400 N.