The strapping requirements in the timber industry are diverse and range from very small timbers to loads weighing tonnes but highly sensitive to building materials with particularly unwieldy dimensions, each of which requires the right transport securing. At this year's LIGNA, Mosca GmbH from Waldbrunn will be showcasing three solutions with new features and customisation options to meet the diverse strapping needs of the construction industry.

While the KOV-111 secures loads weighing several tonnes for onward transport, the SoniXs MP-6 T in the wooden version is suitable for particularly narrow products. The final product is the SoniXs M-RI, which is designed for bulky dimensions with its ring-shaped frame.

Securing sensitive goods with angular edge protectors and squared timber feeders

The KOV-111 will be presented at the trade fair with a new angular edge protector feeder and the tried-and-tested squared timber feeder. According to the manufacturer, this ensures that sensitive materials for furniture production or other processing are optimally secured for further transport. The strapping machine supports angular edge protectors in all common formats and standardised sizes; the magazine holds up to 250 protective boards. ‘This number is sufficient for a complete shift and minimises the need for refilling during operation.

If there are only a few edge protectors left in the magazine, the machine notifies the operator,’ explains Sandra Andelic, Industry Manager for Building Materials at Mosca. ‘Users can also easily adjust the magazine to the size of their respective angular edge protectors.’

For lines with high throughput

Before strapping, the feeder moves the edge protector up to the stacked timber and holds it in place. At the same time, the squared timber slides under the stack at a 90-degree angle and takes on the function of a pallet. Thanks to the groove in the squared timber, the strapping should then fit perfectly around the product and on the edge protector without leaving scratches or dents on the sensitive material.

Even large, heavy products can be easily moved later using a stacker or forklift truck. The solution is especially designed for lines with high throughput and can handle up to three strappings per minute with angular edge protectors and squared timber inserts.

Solution for products that are difficult to strap

The wooden version of the SoniXs MP-6 T, also on show in Hanover, has been developed for strapping small, narrow wooden products: For this purpose, it is accessible from both sides and equipped with hold-down devices and side levellers. ‘Thanks to the narrow unit with ultrasonic technology, users can strap products from a width of just 65 millimetres,’ says Andelic. ‘The machine can be operated by hand or foot switch and can also be integrated into a fully automatic line - the interfaces for this can be customised as an option.’

Users can also open the table plate for quick and easy maintenance of the unit. Thanks to the ultrasonic technology, they don't have to wait for the unit to cool down if necessary: the heat is only generated in the strapping band. ‘However, the unit itself is very low-maintenance thanks to the small number of wearing parts installed,’ says Andelic.

Specialist for bulky products

The SoniXs M-RI 7 is equipped with a cycle time of 18 strappings per minute and a ring-shaped frame for a wide range of applications: It is suitable for automatic lines and especially for very long products such as guttering, pipes and hoses or wooden slats and beams. The belt dispenser can be positioned on the right or left depending on the available space and process. ‘The current version is much more compact because the previous external control cabinet has been removed and we have moved the interface inside. An overhead version is also possible, for example when chain conveyors are used,’ says Andelic.

Both PP and PET belts can be used in operation, with the PET belt being particularly suitable for heavier products. Thanks to the integrated WebHMI and new, optional Mosca Digital package, users can monitor machine performance and status from anywhere via tablet or smartphone.

User needs at the centre of discussions

At LIGNA, Mosca also wants to talk to users on site about their needs - especially when it comes to automation. ‘It is important to us to continuously develop our automation services. We want to continue to offer solutions that are really needed in the field and that enable our customers to implement their processes at the end of the line as efficiently as possible,’ says Andelic.

Video