Equipment for Banding

Get the best out of the banding process — what it can and what it can't do.

Typical equipment for banding

STEP Band 800

STEP Band 1000

STEP Band 1100

STEP Band 1200

Process

With the banding process, a paper or film tape is placed around the product. The tape is either heat-welded or ultrasonically welded, holding the product in place. Banding is done automatically or fully automatically only. Before banding, the product — whether a single unit or several items — must be in its final position, and that position must be geometrically stable. The product needs enough surface area against the banding spacer so the tape can release once tightened. Both hard and soft products can be banded within limits: the surface toward the spacer must be above 50mm and flat. Banding suits products with little strength, since tension can be set from zero up to about 18kg, depending on the machine.

Equipment types

Fully automatic

As with automatic equipment, ring banding is only possible using open/closing arches, and product size is limited to arch size and diagonal turning clearance.

Case — Tajco solution Tailpipe fixed to a cardboard back cover using band tape, sewing the tailpipe to the board. Fully automatic, capacity up to 16–20 per minute.

Case — Novo Nordisk Problem: an upright product on a Møller & Davids automatic line for packaging of insulin pens offered too little surface toward the spacer. Solution: a side-turned machine.

Case — Graphic product, 2-sheet A4 Problem: a graphic product of as little as two A4 sheets needed banding. Solution: tension against adjustable forming plates so the tape "breaks" around the edge and holds both sheets together.

Project-specific and more advanced banding solutions can be developed per trade as project solutions.

Tape types

Paper tape

PW "Paper White" or PB "Paper Brown", 70, 80 or 90 g/m², with polypropylene coating on 1 or 2 sides, approx. 20 micron, widths 20, 30, 40, 50mm.

Film tape

• FTN — ultrasonic welding, polypropylene, 125–135 micron, milky-clear or colour, prints 1–8 colours, widths 15, 20, 30, 40, 50mm.
• PEHD — ultrasonic welding, low-density polyethylene, 80–85 micron, very clear, widths 15, 20, 30, 50mm.
• FTB — heat sealing, polypropylene, 90, 100, 110 micron, widths 20, 30, 40mm.
• FWG — ultrasonic welding, foamed polypropylene, 120, 170, 210 micron, white silver look, prints 1–8 colours, widths 15, 20, 30, 50mm.

Coil types

When ordering, it's important to know which machine the tape is for. Inside core diameter Ø40, Ø50 or Ø76; tape widths 15, 20, 29, 30, 40, 47, 50mm and more.

Environmental conditions

PP and LDPE materials are of special interest, as they are often heat-welded.

Toxic and chemical reactions

Polypropylene and polyethylene are chemically and biologically inactive, and safe for contact with foodstuff.

Physical contact

No risk, except mechanical.

Welding of PP and LDPE

Keep the working area well ventilated at all times. Below 150°C, smoke and fumes are minimal and harmless. Both PP and LDPE can be ultrasonically welded without added ventilation, as fumes stay within the welding zone.

Fire risk

Polypropylene melts at approx. 165–170°C in air. Decomposition starts at 300°C, releasing low-molecule hydrocarbons. It self-ignites at 380°C.

Burning

Controlled burning is recommended. Once ignited, the material continues burning even if the ignition source is removed. Decomposition produces H₂O and CO₂; with low oxygen presence, it produces a toxic monoxide.

Reuse

PP and LDPE materials can be reused, similar to paper.

Related areas

Strapping — with strap that is welded or sealed with a seal.

String tying — using plastic, rubber or viscose to tie and hold the product.

Written by

Gunnar Salbæk

CEO / Industrial Design, 20 years of experience in the field.