No doubt that you have already encountered the problem that your strapping machine seemingly broke down and needed service. This is very natural, but sometimes it turns out that the experienced malfunctioning is not a failure in reality, but the result of a bad setting or the choice of a non-compatible strap.

Calling a specialist is not a profitable step in this case.

UNIOTECH POCKET GUIDE will help you solve the most frequently encountered problems.

Almost all tips are applicable for all types of semi-automatic strapping machines, so no specific type is mentioned.

1: The strapping machine pulls in the strap with difficulty, releases different quantities or extreme noise can be heard from the machine while strap feeding, maybe the strap runs off the pulley.

• Check whether the running direction of the strap and the marking on the strap holder are the same. When the threading direction is not good, the break works inefficiently or it does not work at all or quite the contrary, it works continuously.
• Check whether the strap is threaded into the roller of the brake lever.
• (Only in case of machines with mechanical locking system) check whether the stretching force is not too small. Some machines can have problems with feeding when the stretching force is too small.

2: When you insert the end of the strap and the cycle starts the machine immediately executes the strapping cycle:

• Too low tensioning force can prevent the machine from drawback, immediate execution of strapping happens.
• At electronic tensioning systems, check whether there is some dirt or a piece of strap under the electronic sensor (microswitch).
• At mechanic tensioning systems, check whether there is some dirt under the tensioning sensor microswitch or whether the silicone strap is not broken.

3: The machine cockles the strap at withdrawal:

• Dirt or a piece of strap in the mechanics. Try cleaning with compressed air. If unsuccessful, call our service.

4: At the end of tensioning, the machine does not strap, maybe extreme noise can be heard.

• Check whether the tensioning sensor works appropriately. In case of mechanic tensioning system check whether the narrow silicone belt is not broken.
• At excessive tensioning power, the stretching roller can slip on the strap before reaching the set value, in this case the machine stops tensioning. Reduce the tensioning force.

5: The strap breaks lengthwise, splits in two or sometimes bends.

• At excessive tensioning force, the damage of strap at strapping can happen. Reduce the tensioning force.

6: The strap breaks from time to time at its sealing:

• Unsatisfactory temperature can cause improper sealing. Maybe the error is dependent of the drop of ambient temperature or the increased frequency of strapping. Increase the sealing temperature.

7: Smoke from the machine at the strapping head:

• Exhausting ventilation works inefficiently. Clean the airway and ensure the free running. If the ventilation is not working, call our service regarded the replacement.

8: The tension is smaller on one of the boxes than on others:

• Sometimes the variable box size can cause tension differences. Try the machine in way that you do not change the box size during a series of strapping. If the error persists, call our service.
• Check whether the low limit for box sizes is not exceeded. In some machines this ranges between 120-150 mms. For packages smaller than this, the machine is unable to adjust strapping tension.

If problems other than listed above occur, (the machine is not working at all, the mechanics cannot move etc.) calling the service is recommended.

We hope that these tips are helpful for you.