Automatic Bundle Handling & Strapping for Cardboard Edge Protection
Bespoke conveyor automation connecting production, strapping and collection.
Central Conveyors Ltd has proposed an automatic bundle-handling system for Gordian Strapping, supporting an undisclosed end customer’s cardboard edge-protection production process. The opportunity covers potentially five production lines, with each system configured around the existing machinery and available factory space.
The aim is to create a controlled flow from the forming machine through to strapping and bundle collection, reducing manual handling between processes and presenting bundles consistently for the next operation.
Project status: proposed system. The photographs in this article illustrate CCL’s conveyor and controls capability; they do not show the proposed cardboard edge-protection system.
Watch CCL conveyor handling in action
40-second demonstration of a CCL pallet conveyor and turntable installation. This video illustrates CCL’s handling capability; it does not show the proposed cardboard edge-protection bundle system.
Handling a challenging product
Long, lightweight cardboard edge-protection sections require careful support. Without suitable guiding, loose sections can spread, cross or lose alignment as they move between machines.
CCL’s proposed solution combines automatic bundle extraction, guided conveyor transfer, positive positioning and controlled outfeed accumulation.
Once the existing forming machine has collected a complete bundle in its V-shaped channel and indexed it to the discharge position, a purpose-designed pusher would transfer the bundle onto the receiving conveyor. Guides would help retain its shape and alignment throughout the movement.
The pusher would return before the indexing machine is permitted to advance, coordinating the two machines through an agreed controls interface.
Accurate presentation for automatic strapping
A dedicated transfer conveyor or table would move each bundle into the Gordian-supplied StraPack SQ-800Y strapping machine. Adjustable guides and positive positioning would locate the bundle against the agreed reference face, providing consistent presentation for strap application.
CCL’s controls would coordinate bundle arrival, positioning, the strap-cycle request and confirmation of completion before releasing the strapped bundle to the outfeed.
Illustrative CCL installation: conveyor controls and guarded handling equipment.
Controlled collection ready for palletising
After strapping, a powered outfeed conveyor and buffering section would collect completed bundles in a controlled manner, ready for an operator to remove and manually palletise them.
This arrangement is intended to reduce the need to handle each bundle immediately as it leaves the strapping machine. Buffer capacity would be agreed around product dimensions, production requirements and available floor space.
Designed around the production line
The proposed CCL scope includes mechanical design, manufacture, assembly, controls integration and testing of the handling equipment. The strapping machine would be supplied by Gordian.
Final transfer arrangements, guarding, bundle capacity and operating speeds would be confirmed through site assessment, interface discussions and product trials.
Illustrative CCL installation: roller conveyor transfer and product detection equipment.
From automatic product extraction to strapping-machine integration and outfeed accumulation, CCL designs conveyor systems around the practical demands of your process.
Looking to automate your packaging line?
Speak to CCL Automation about bespoke conveyors, automatic bundle handling and integrated packaging-line controls. Share your product dimensions, target output and factory layout with our team.
Start your project: call 01509 816064 or email sales@central-conveyors.co.uk.
Comments