With many manufacturing and light industrial businesses developing a growing reliance on the securing of shipments of cardboard and plastics products, the purchase and installation of a baling machine is a likely consideration. To ensure that you can successfully install a baler into your warehouse, follow the below guide.
Selection of the right baling unit
The selection of the most efficient baling unit for the needs of the operation is key. Some factors to consider include:
- The types of material intended to be baled – cardboards, plastics, etc.
- The frequency of use
- Future growth
A good equipment supplier will assess a business’s future demand as well as their current requirements when making unit recommendations.
Equipment location and site preparation
Prior to the delivery of the baling machine, the plant supplier will likely carry out a site assessment to ascertain the best location for the new installation. Several factorsshould be taken into account, including:
- The proximity of the proposed location to the working and loading area
- The structure and integrity of the proposed floor area
- Ventilation of the proposed location
- Access for maintenance and repair
- Clearance from other plant and equipment
Installation of the baling unit near the intended working area is a primary consideration. The area should allow for free unobstructed movement and should permit free movement of related equipment such as forklifts and pallet loaders.
The type of flooring in the proposed location should be considered as well. Generally, a sound reinforced concrete floor should be provided for the installation.
A larger high-volume baling unit may require the installation of additional footings and foundations. Once again, the equipment supplier will advise these specifications, depending on the unit selected.
Contracting tradesmen & ancillary equipment
Most commercial baling machines operate on three-phase power, so it may be necessary to contract an electrician to wire the proposed site. The baling machine supplier will be able to provide any necessary guidance together with specifics of circuit requirements for the selected unit.
Should it be necessaryfor the customer to arrange for transportation of the baling unit to the site, consideration should be given to the freight carrier for the task. It may be likely that the equipment supplier will recommend that the unit be shipped on an air ride vehicle for security.
Sourcing baling consumables
With bulk consumables like baling wire and packaging materials, relying on a good, cheap product may often prove to be a case of false economy. For example, some baling wire manufacturers may employ a relatively crude quality control, resulting in a higher than desirable variance in the final product’s actual gauge size and wire weight.
For the end-user, the bottom line can mean a hit to the company’s logistics and supply chain processes. Sourcing consumables of poorer quality and reliability could mean an increased likelihood of shipment problems and scheduling delays caused by product failure, undue consumable item wastage, and an attendant increase in overheads and operating costs.
However, suppliers such as Baling Wire Direct provide a durable product that is regulated by stringent quality control. You need to be reaching out to suppliers like these for all your baling wire needs, whether you need a 12 gauge wire or a 10 gauge.
Operator training
To ensure a smooth transition on the commissioning of the new equipment, a staff training plan should be formulated prior to installation. Dependent on the size of the operation in question, one or more training sessions may need to be arranged in order to ensure that all relevant personnel are conversant in equipment operation.
Taking some time in the pre-installation phases of the process will guarantee a more seamless equipment installation and cut-over regimen for your operation.
