Operation of a paper banding machine and band materials

A paper banding machine wraps a flat strip of paper or OPP film around a stack or pack. The operator places the item, or the belt transports it beneath the frame. The machine tensions the band up to 5 kg, seals the ends, and cuts it from the roll.

All three machines in this range accept both paper bands and OPP film bands.

The ECOBAND-S joins the band ends using a thermal seal.

Tension can be set up to 5 kg on all three models. This is suitable for holding together stacks of leaflets or food trays, while gentle enough to avoid crushing soft packs or marking the top sheet. Adjust the tension lower for lighter or softer items, and higher for firmer stacks.

Paper band is ideal for printed materials and items destined for paper recycling. It resembles paper packaging and can be recycled with cartons or leaflets. However, paper band loses strength when wet, so it is best for dry goods and dry environments. OPP film band is transparent, allowing the product and its label to remain visible, and is suitable for plastic recycling. You can switch between paper and OPP bands as needed, provided the band width and roll core are compatible with the machine.

On the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, the band is positioned in a track within the frame. When the cycle starts, the machine draws the band around the pack and applies a second pull to reach the set tension. The ends are sealed on a heated plate and the band is cut. Corner pins then release the band from the track so it closes around the pack.

When using a paper band, set the tension to a soft or medium level. Both the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 manuals advise that excessive tension may break the paper band or result in a poor seal. The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 offer two operating modes. In automatic mode, a sensor triggers the cycle after a set delay when it detects a pack, and the frame remains open for a set time after cutting to allow pack removal. In manual mode, each band is started using the Start button or foot switch.

Selecting an automatic paper banding machine for your products

The ECOBAND-S is a compact paper banding machine for use on a packing table, using a 12 mm band and handling items at least 30 mm wide. The ECOBAND-B4620 is mounted on a wheeled base, uses a 30 mm band, and features a 460 × 200 mm arch, suitable for products from 30 × 10 mm up to 473 × 206 mm. The ECOBAND-A is on castors, with a belt feed and top press, uses a 20 mm or 30 mm band, and has a 460 × 200 mm frame, for items at least 50 mm wide.

The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 both achieve up to 26 bands per minute, while the ECOBAND-A operates at up to 20 bands per minute. All three machines are automatic: the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 are started by pedal or sensor, and the ECOBAND-A feeds products in via a belt.

The ECOBAND-S uses a 0.12 mm thick band on a 40 mm core, with rolls up to 160 mm in diameter. The working table height is 215 mm, and tension is set via the touch screen. Typical applications include banknotes, labels, envelopes, pharmaceuticals, business cards and printed materials.

The ECOBAND-B4620 takes a 30 mm band on a 40 mm core, with the band roll stored in its wheeled base. It is suitable for printing, bookbinding, textiles, multipacks and promotional sets, as well as food items such as dairy, fruit, vegetables and snacks.

On the ECOBAND-A, a belt transports the product beneath the frame, and a top press holds it in place while the band is applied. The working height is 600 mm. The production counter records the number of bands applied and can be reset, which is useful for monitoring output during a shift or for a specific order.

The method of feeding products into the machine affects daily operation. With the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, the operator places each pack manually. The ECOBAND-A uses a belt feed to move products automatically under the frame, with the top press keeping loose stacks together during banding.

Choose band width according to your product. The ECOBAND-S uses a 12 mm band for smaller stacks and packs, while the ECOBAND-B4620 and ECOBAND-A use a 30 mm band for larger items. At 26 bands per minute, the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 apply a band every 2.3 seconds. In practice, this speed is achieved only if packs are ready to hand, and if a pack requires two bands, it takes two cycles. Plan your workflow so the machine is not left waiting for the next pack.

Comparison of the three paper banding machines

The table below compares the three paper banding machines by construction and feed method, band width and material, frame or arch size, product size range, speed and power supply.

To use the table, first check whether your product will fit within the frame or arch dimensions. The ECOBAND-B4620 and ECOBAND-A both have a frame size of 460 × 200 mm; for the ECOBAND-S, please refer to its product page. The ECOBAND-S requires products to be at least 30 mm wide, while the ECOBAND-A needs a minimum width of 50 mm. Next, confirm the band width and roll core are suitable for your machine. Then consider the build and feed method: whether packs are placed manually or carried in by a belt. Finally, compare the speed and power supply with your operational needs.

Banding machines and strapping machines: how they differ

A banding machine applies a flat band of paper or OPP film at low tension to group and secure items such as printed materials, food packs or trays. The band keeps the stack together without causing any crushing.

A strapping machine applies a plastic strap made of PP or PET at much higher tension and seals it, securing cartons, bundles and pallets for transport. Banding machines are suitable for soft or delicate products that need grouping, while strapping machines are used for loads that must be held tightly for shipping.

Select a banding machine where a plastic strap would risk crushing, denting or cutting the product. Typical examples include printed materials, envelopes, textiles, food trays, fruit and vegetables, as the lower tension will not damage the goods.

Strapping machines are used when the strap must support weight or withstand transport, such as for cartons, bundles of profiles or pallets. A band with up to 5 kg of tension is not suitable for securing loads for shipping. In many cases, banding replaces rubber bands, parcel tapes, shrink film or a cardboard sleeve around grouped products, using less material than a box or shrink film and, with OPP film, keeping the product visible.

The width of the band determines how it supports soft items. A 30 mm band, as used with the ECOBAND-B4620 and ECOBAND-A, spreads the tension over a larger area than a 12 mm band. The ECOBAND-B4620 product page highlights this wide contact area for soft materials.

A paper band can be torn open by hand at the shelf or packing table, so there is no need to use a knife near the product. In contrast, a PP or PET strap from a strapping machine must be cut with a tool. In many workflows, both banding and strapping are used: the band groups items into sets, which are then packed into a carton, and the carton or pallet is strapped for transport.

Band rolls for each machine

The band must match the machine in width, core size and material. The ECOBAND-S uses a 12 mm band on a 40 mm core. The ECOBAND-B4620 uses a 30 mm band on a 40 mm core. The ECOBAND-A accepts 20 mm or 30 mm bands on a 76 mm core. The Paper strapping category includes a 12 mm paper band on a 40 mm core for the ECOBAND-S, and both a 30 mm paper band and a 30 mm OPP tape on 40 mm cores for the ECOBAND-B4620.

The category offers a 12 mm paper band, 150 m per roll on a 40 mm core, in boxes of 100 rolls, suitable for the ECOBAND-S. There is also a 12 mm OPP band, 150 m per roll, 100 rolls per box, with the core size detailed on its product page. For the ECOBAND-B4620, a 30 mm paper band, PE-coated, 150 m per roll on a 40 mm core, is supplied in boxes of 56 rolls. OPP tape, 30 mm wide and 150 m per roll on a 40 mm core, is available in boxes of 40 rolls.

The ECOBAND-A uses rolls with a 76 mm core and up to 300 mm in diameter. The band rolls listed in the Paper strapping category are on 40 mm cores, so please request the ECOBAND-A band together with the machine. To estimate your band usage, measure the girth of your pack and add a small overlap for the seal. For example, a pack with a 0.6 m girth will use just over 0.6 m of band per cycle, so a 150 m roll will provide fewer than 250 bands. Store rolls dry, in their box and off concrete floors, as damp paper bands lose strength.

Typical uses for a banding machine

A package banding machine groups and secures products with a narrow band of paper or OPP film. It is used for counted stacks of leaflets, sets of business cards, bundles of vegetables, and trays or packs of food. The band identifies the unit and keeps items together without crushing them.

Banding is not intended for securing cartons or pallets for transport. The band tension is up to 5 kg, which is suitable for holding soft or delicate items but not for securing heavy loads. For transport, a strapping machine with a tightly pulled plastic strap is required. Banding machines are designed for grouping and presenting products, not for transport security.

Banding is used to group products by count, such as a stack of leaflets or envelopes counted to a set quantity, a set of products sold together, or a pack of trays. The band keeps the unit together both on the shelf and in the shipping carton.

In food and fresh produce, banding is used to hold items such as carrots or noodles together, as shown in the ECOBAND-S product images. The ECOBAND-B4620 product page lists dairy products, fruit, vegetables and snacks as common applications. The band keeps the bundle intact without crushing or marking the contents.

Banding is a standard method in printing and paper industries. Bundles of printed materials, envelopes, business cards and labels are often banded, as the low tension does not mark the top sheet.

The bands available in this shop are plain: the 12 mm paper band is natural brown, the 30 mm paper band is white, and the OPP band is clear. Only the clear OPP band allows the product and its label to be seen through the band.

The ECOBAND-S product page describes single, double and cross banding. A single band across the centre suits a compact stack. Two bands side by side prevent a long pack from splaying at the ends. For cross banding, the pack is turned a quarter turn and banded again, so the stack is held in both directions.

A band can also secure a box with its lid, or a tray with its cover, without using parcel tape. The band keeps the lid in place and can be removed without damaging the box. The ECOBAND-A page lists boxes and trays among its typical uses. Where the band marks a counted unit, the machine can also count: in addition to the production counter on the ECOBAND-A, the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 display the current output on the touch screen, which can be reset to zero at the start of each order.

Daily operation and care of a banding machine

Set the tension using an actual pack as a test. Begin with a low setting and increase it until the band holds the stack securely without denting the top sheet or deforming the tray. On the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-A, tension is adjusted via the touch screen.

Place each pack against the guide or end stop so the band is applied in the same position every time. On the ECOBAND-S, the end stop is adjustable and can be removed for longer products.

Replace the roll before it runs out during a packing job. Keep a spare roll of the same width and core size next to the machine for quick changes.

If bands are coming apart or the band does not feed properly, check the band first. A damp paper roll or a roll of the wrong width can cause feeding or sealing issues. Swap the roll for a dry, correct one to restore normal operation.

Keep the band path and frame clear of paper dust and film residue. Always switch the machine off before cleaning or clearing a jam, and allow the sealing area to cool down. On the ECOBAND-A, the production counter records the number of bands and can be reset, for example at the start of a shift or a new order. This helps you plan your supply of band rolls.

When loading a new roll, ensure the band feeds from the roll in the direction shown in the manual. On the ECOBAND-S, the roll sits on a tray that slides into the machine. After closing the doors, use the button on the touch screen to feed the band in. If the band runs the wrong way, it will not feed correctly.

On the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, if a joint does not hold, the heater may be too cold or too hot: adjust the heating time on the touch screen, but avoid setting it too high, as this reduces the life of the heater plate. The ECOBAND-B4620 needs a longer warm-up time in cold rooms. If the band jams or wrinkles, the tension may be set too high, or there may be burrs or dirt in the band track. Lowering the band return speed can help control a fluttering band. If the cut is uneven or fails, the middle or front blade may be worn; these are separate parts and can be replaced individually.

If the ECOBAND-S or ECOBAND-B4620 does not start, first check that the front door is closed, as a safety switch prevents power if it is open. Then check the fuse, plug and power cord. Use the Reset button or switch the machine off and on to return it to its starting position. The manuals also recommend cleaning the inside of the machine daily, checking blades and other moving parts for wear, ensuring bolts and nuts are tight, and lubricating moving parts regularly. On the ECOBAND-A, check the belt regularly. The ECOBAND-S allows you to lock the touch screen settings with a password, so only the person in charge can change the tension or heating. The ECOBAND-B4620 has a Restore factory settings button to return to the original settings.

Factors affecting the price of a paper banding machine

The main factor in the price is the build: a compact table-top machine (ECOBAND-S), a machine on wheels (ECOBAND-B4620), or a stand-mounted model with belt feed and top press (ECOBAND-A). Band width and frame size also influence the price. Running costs depend on the band material and roll size. Each product card shows the price.

Running costs are determined by the band, which is supplied by the box. A box contains 100 rolls of 12 mm band, 56 rolls of 30 mm paper band, or 40 rolls of 30 mm OPP tape, each roll 150 m. All three machines operate on single phase: ECOBAND-S on 110 V or 220 V, ECOBAND-B4620 and ECOBAND-A on 110–120 V or 200–240 V. Product cards include a Get offer button for quotations and an Add to inquiry button to collect several products in one request.

The ECOBAND-B4620 product page lists an alternative arch size in addition to the standard 460 × 200 mm frame. If your products require a different arch, include this information in your inquiry with the machine.

In addition to band material, running costs include wear parts. For the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, these are the middle and front blades. The ECOBAND-B4620 also lists the heater plate and driven wheels as wear parts. On the ECOBAND-A, the belt should be checked and replaced as needed.

What to consider before ordering a paper banding machine

Measure the largest and smallest products you need to band. Check the width and height against the frame, and the minimum width against the machine’s limits. The ECOBAND-S handles products from 30 mm wide, the ECOBAND-A from 50 mm wide, and the ECOBAND-B4620 packs from 30 × 10 mm. Make sure your products fit within these specifications before selecting a model.

Decide which band you require: paper or OPP, 12 mm or 30 mm wide. Check the roll core size the machine accepts before ordering band. The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 use a 40 mm core, while the ECOBAND-A uses a 76 mm core. You can switch between paper and OPP as long as the width and core match the machine.

Calculate the number of packs you need to band per hour and the number of bands per pack. Compare this with the machine’s speed: 26 bands per minute for the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, up to 20 for the ECOBAND-A. If each pack needs two bands, the number of packs per hour is halved.

Plan how the packs will reach the machine. On the ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620, packs are placed by hand. On the ECOBAND-A, the belt feeds them in. Arrange floor or table space for the machine and for packs before and after banding. Check the power supply at your packing area against the table above.

Check the room where the machine will be located. The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 manuals specify an ambient temperature of -10 to +40 °C and advise against placing the machine in a cold store or in areas with sharp temperature changes, as condensation may form on electrical parts. Keep the machine away from oil and water.

Plan the power connection before installation. The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 manuals require an earthed socket on a circuit with a residual-current circuit breaker. Always unplug the machine before moving it. For the ECOBAND-A, allow space for a machine measuring 570 × 750 × 1080 mm, plus room for the operator and the roll holder at the front. Its castors allow it to be moved between workstations. If your largest pack does not fit the ECOBAND-B4620 arch, include the dimensions of your smallest and largest pack with your inquiry.

Frequently asked questions about paper banding machines

Which band width and material does each paper banding machine use?

The ECOBAND-S uses a 12 mm wide band of paper or OPP film. The ECOBAND-B4620 uses a 30 mm wide band of paper or OPP film. The ECOBAND-A uses a 20 mm or 30 mm wide band of paper or OPP film. All three machines accept both materials.

What is the maximum pack size each paper banding machine can handle?

The ECOBAND-S handles products at least 30 mm wide; its frame size is listed on its product page. The ECOBAND-B4620 packs from 30 × 10 mm up to 473 × 206 mm. The ECOBAND-A handles products at least 50 mm wide, with a frame of 460 × 200 mm.

How many bands per minute can each paper banding machine apply?

The ECOBAND-S and ECOBAND-B4620 both apply 26 bands per minute. The ECOBAND-A applies up to 20 bands per minute.

What power supply do the paper banding machines require?

The ECOBAND-S operates on 110 V or 220 V, 50–60 Hz, and the ECOBAND-B4620 and ECOBAND-A on 110–120 V or 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz; all three are single phase.