STRAPPING MACHINE TRAINING REPORT

From: John Molson

Electrical & Instrumentation Technician

Employment Number: 0346

To: The head of Engineering Department

Alliance One Tobacco Limited

1 BACKGROUND
The three day training entitled “Strapping Machine Training” was held from 15/09/23 to
17/09/23 with an aim of equipping us technicians with technical-know-how of MOD 710 and
O.M.S strapping machine models. The training involved acquiring knowledge on the working
mechanism of the machine, Troubleshooting, good maintenance practices, as well as safety
issues when working with the machine.

The training methodology was interactive as the trainer (Mr. Blessing), ensured that knowledge
was not only disseminated but accurately perceived and understood by me as a participant and to
ensure this, I was involved in participating in dismantling and assembling of the machine,
making queries and suggestions where necessary.

2 TRAINING OBJECTIVES
 To increase the understanding of the machines both operational and technical.
 To understand necessary tools used when maintaining the Machine.
 To implement safety when working with the machine.

3 PROCEEDINGS
The training was divided into two sessions basing on the strapping machine model.
3.1 Session 1: MOD710 Strapping Machine
This session started by the trainer sharing the components which are found on the MOD 710
Strapping Machine model, then he demonstrated how each component integrate to each other to
work as a unit.

The MOD 710 strapping machine model, works on Friction mechanism in order to strap a
package, in our case, a tobacco case/carton and it has the following components.

3.1.1 Feeder/Tension Module

As the name suggests, this component is there to facilitate the feeding and tensioning of the
strap through the strap chute in order to wrap a tobacco case. This is done with an aid of a
DC motor which moves forward when feeding the strap and reverse when tensioning.

3.1.2 Strap Dispenser.

This part of the machine is used to hold the roll of the strap to be fed into the chute via the
feeder module.

3.1.3 Sealer Module

This part of the machine is used to seal the fed strap from the feeder module. It has two DC
inductive motors, “the Weld motor” which moves the weld pad up and down against a
middle gripper to produce heat hence sealing the strap and it also have an “index motor”
which not only moves the gripers in order to hold the strap against the anvil during
tensioning and sealing process, but also helps the opening and closing of the anvil.

3.2 My Participation
On this machine as a trainee, I had to participate in dismantling of the sealer module to view and
rubricate the internal parts such as the roller bearings, which aid the movement of the weld pad,
thrust bearing and also testing the resistance of the carbon brushes. Then I assembled the module
testing it to check if it is functional.

This has equipped me with knowledge on how I can dismantle the module in case of failure, new
spare replacement and maintenance routines.
3.3 Session 2: O.M.S Strapping Machine Model
This session also started by mentioning the components which are found on the OMS strapping
machine model, working mechanism of the machine was demonstrated and safety issues were
addressed.

Unlike the MOD 710 model which uses friction mechanism to weld a strap, the O.M.S model
uses heat and the following components plays an important role during the sealing of a package.

3.3.1 Thermo regulator

This is used to set and show the temperature of the weld blade

3.3.2 Motor
This facilitate the movement of clutches when feeding and tensioning of the strap

3.3.3 Micro switches

These send signals to the PLC when feeding of the strap is completed, end of tensioning and
during welding.

3.3.4 The Grippers:

These facilitate the holding of strap during, strap feeding, tensioning and sealing. They are
classified into three, which are 1st gripper which holds the strap when feeding, 2nd gripper which
holds the strap during tensioning and middle gripper which pound the strap to make a bond and
for strap cutting since it carries the cutter blade.

3.4 My Participation
I was involved in dismantling the anvil, to see how the grippers works, removed strap fibers
which accumulated inside the strapping machine. I also witnessed the adjustment of grippers via
the preload springs furthermore; I witnessed the movement of cams with the signal that SQ2 and
SQ3 proximity sensors send to the PLC, as these are the sensors which facilitate movement of
the grippers, movement of the weld blade and opening and closing of the anvil.
4 RECOMMENDATIONS
 The Management should purchase recommended and enough spare parts for both MOD
710 and OMS strapping machine model.
 The management should purchase WD40 Lubricant, for OMS machine as the current
lubricant tend to build dust, hence affecting the machine.
 Assignment of technicians during the weekend maintenance should be rotational as this
will help participants to put what has been learnt into practice.
 Technicians should have, and use recommended tools when dismantling the machines.

5 CONCLUSION
The training was a success, since it has equipped us with an understanding of the machine and
will be able to work with the machine as professionals. This will help us to easily rectify faults
when arise, proper preventive maintenance and also exercising safety when working on the
machine, hence, reducing down time caused by the machine failure.