US-3000 banding machine for packaging with paper

The US-3000 banding machine for packaging with paper stands for an approach that rethinks packaging. Instead of wrapping products completely, they are grouped together with a narrow band.

This principle reduces the amount of material used and at the same time changes the requirements for technology and processes. The terms banding machine, US-3000, packaging and paper do not just describe individual components, but a system that is geared towards efficiency and adaptability. At the centre is a machine that can work with different materials - primarily paper, but also film. The trend is clearly moving in the direction of paper-based solutions. This is precisely where the manufacturer comes in, positioning its technology as an alternative to traditional packaging processes.

ATS-Tanner US-3000 banding machine at a glance

The US-3000 is designed as an entry-level model for ultrasonic technology. ATS-Tanner utilises a process in which the band is not thermally sealed, but joined using ultrasound. This enables precise joints with low energy consumption. The machine works with different band widths and formats. In the set-up shown, the band width is 30 millimetres; other variants with 50 and 60 millimetres are available. There is also flexibility in terms of sheet sizes - from compact formats to larger applications with a width and height of up to 500 millimetres. This variability is crucial because it makes the machine suitable for different industries. It ranges from small printed products to industrial packaging tasks.

Packaging with paper instead of film as a strategic approach

A key aspect of the development is the change of material. While traditional packaging is often based on plastic film, paper is increasingly taking centre stage. ATS-Tanner is responding to this with a specially developed paper material that contains very little foreign matter. In concrete terms, this means that the sleeve can be disposed of together with paper waste without the need for time-consuming separation. Compared to coated materials, which are often in circulation, this simplifies the recycling process. At the same time, the machine remains open for other materials. PE and PP films can still be used, for example if specific requirements make this necessary. Recyclability also plays a role here, as many of these materials are already made from recycled raw materials or are recyclable.

Banding from printed matter to foodstuffs

The machine can be used for a wide range of applications. Banding is suitable wherever products need to be bundled or labelled without being fully packaged.

• Print shops for flyers, postcards or business cards
• Pharmaceutical industry for cardboard packaging and product bundles
• Food sector, for example vegetables such as courgettes
• Laundries for labelling and bundling textiles

Automated line with banding machine and conveyor technology

In addition to the tabletop machine, there are also automated solutions. In these systems, products are fed in via conveyor belts, positioned and then banded. A servo pusher ensures that the items are precisely aligned before the band is applied. The system can be integrated into existing production lines. Products are either transferred directly from a pre-machine or applied manually. Subsequent processing is continuous and accurate. An important point is the possibility of using pre-printed banderoles. This turns the packaging into an information carrier at the same time. Product labelling, brand image and packaging merge into a single step.

Integration of printing and packaging in one process

An extension to the system is the integration of a thermal transfer printer. This allows content to be applied directly to the band - in real time during the packaging process. This principle is often described as ‘banding with branding’. It means that labelling and packaging no longer have to take place separately. Instead of a downstream labelling step, a combined process is created. The advantages are obvious: fewer work steps, less space required and higher process speed. At the same time, flexibility is increased as content can be adapted at short notice.

Economic categorisation and technical positioning

With an entry-level price of around 14,000 euros, the US-3000 is positioned in the lower segment of professional packaging technology. It is aimed at companies that want to get into banding or convert existing processes. ATS-Tanner is supplementing the portfolio with additional machines, such as models with a thermal sealing process. The result is a graduated range that covers different requirements. It is striking that the technology is not considered in isolation. Instead, it is placed in the context of complete process solutions - from feeding and processing to labelling. This is precisely the difference to classic stand-alone machines. The banding machine thus becomes a building block in a structured production environment in which material utilisation, efficiency and flexibility are considered together.