Lumber Strapping Bottlenecks: Solved with Automation
Time is a luxury in the forestry industry, and your mill can't afford to waste a single moment. You need to meet your production quotas. As a result, you’re always looking for ways to upgrade your current capabilities.
One aspect of mill operations you may not have given much thought to is the packaging process. You strap lumber together before shipping it out to your clients. At many mills, this process is still handled manually, which means you’re using handheld tools and relying on your employees to complete the task.
A lumber strapping machine could speed up operations and reduce costs. Here’s how you can benefit from one of these machines and how you can upgrade your operations to incorporate an automated solution.
The Benefits of a Lumber Strapping Machine
Why should you invest in a strapping machine for your mill?
There are many benefits to adopting one of these machines. First, using the machine can speed up the process of strapping and improve productivity.
It can also reduce worker fatigue and improve safety. If you make the switch to durable, high-strength polyester strapping, you can also avoid the issues associated with steel strapping, such as a lack of strap flexibility, damages, and worker injuries. You may also be able to save costs on time, materials, and more.
Quality also improves as the process is automated. Once an automated machine is set up, the strap tension remains consistent across all bundles. Workers using handheld tools cannot possibly get the same consistency performing the process manually.
Addressing the Unique Needs of a Lumber Mill
You may hesitate to adopt a lumber strapping machine because you’re not sure it can address the needs of your mill. Lumber mills face unique challenges when it comes to strapping forestry products and getting wood ready for shipping.
Lumber comes in many different shapes and sizes, so you need a machine that’s equipped to handle all of these dimensions. Luckily, strapping machines designed for lumber are up to the task.
You’re aware that lumber both shrinks and expands, which can pose challenges to the integrity of your strapping job. Again, the lumber strapping machine takes these factors into account. Using the right machine and PET strapping, you can actually improve the load holding capability and retained tension of the strapping on each load of lumber, making it more durable and less likely to break, even as the lumber expands and shrinks.
Finding the Right Strapping Machine for your Mill
Now that you know some of the major benefits of adopting a lumber strapping machine, you want to be sure you’re finding the right model for your mill.
Start by assessing your needs. What kinds of lumber do you produce? What dimensions are the bundles you need to strap? What is the volume of strapping you do per day?
Next, you’ll want to look at different machine models. What do they offer? Can they handle different sizes and different strapping materials? Are they fully automated or semi-automated?
Ask about the manufacturer too. What kind of support services do they provide? Do they perform maintenance and repair services? Can they customize your solution?
Lumber strapping cost vs benefit
With your top machine choices in hand, it's time for on-site quotes. Invite manufacturers to your mill for tailored recommendations and compare their proposals. Don't just look at price – factor in the machine's long-term value.
Calculate your potential cost savings from increased efficiency and reduced waste; a lumber strapping machine likely pays for itself surprisingly quickly.
Plan the Solution Roll out and Training
Once you’ve decided on a lumber strapping machine, it’s time to create a plan for implementation. Be sure to work with your solution provider to train employees and provide support throughout this process.
Adopting a strapping machine just makes sense in an industry where time and production are key. If you’re ready to upgrade your mill, get in touch with the experts.
