Wired for Baling - Mid America Paper Recycling

Wired for Baling

Bale ties and baler wire are much more important to the recycling process than we may realize.

Without compacting recycled material into dense, easily stacked bundles, recyclers might not be able to move their materials easily and cost effectively. That’s why most recyclers use baling systems. A baler can be used in most secondary commodity markets, including paper, cardboard, plastic, and ferrous and nonferrous metals and some plastics. Recycling equipment like a baler helps efficiently organize, store, and prepare scrap for recycling.

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Perhaps just as important is the baling wire used to tie and secure the bales. Baling wire safely and neatly secures bales of recyclable material before it is moved on through the recycling process, preventing the bales from coming apart. 

Baling wire may be taken for granted, but it’s essential and vital to the entire recycling process. 

A plethora of types

There are a variety of different types and styles of baling wire used in the industry, and various prices to go with them. Some have black annealed finishes and others have galvanized or corrosion-resistant finishes, depending on the need and application. A coating may be used to adjust the surface properties of the wire to guard against corrosion, improve aesthetic appearance, and improve adhesion. Wire thicknesses and diameters are available in a range (typically 10, 11, 12, 14 and 14.5 gauges), and are selected based on the materials with which the wire will be used.

It’s important to consider your specific application when choosing the type of wire you need, emphasizes Jason Ramsey, President of Crawfordsville, Ind.-based Midwest Bale Ties, a leading manufacturer of bales ties and baling wire in the Midwest. Family-owned and operated, Midwest Bale Tie provides an assortment of quality wire products made from the best American-made raw materials. Its products are made from 100-percent U.S. steel, in 8- to 22- ft. lengths, and custom lengths. 

“There are basically three types of baling systems: vertical or horizontal manual balers, auto-tie balers and two ram balers,” Ramsey says. “Each requires a different wire product. Manual balers use single-loop bale ties, auto-tie balers take 50- or 100-lb. coils of wire and two ram balers require high tensile baling wire on a stem/stump.”

Often coated in zinc to provide excellent cathodic protection, galvanized wire is sometimes referred to as “clean wire,” and tends to be a preferred choice because it resists corrosion and outdoor storage conditions. Black annealed wire is quite pliable, which is convenient when some baled materials re-expand after unloading from the baler, so having a little extra flexibility can help prevent the wire from failing. Lightly coated with oil to resist corrosion, black annealed wire works well indoors but can sometimes rust when the bales are used and stored outdoors. “It’s important to consider your specific application when choosing the type of wire you need,” Ramsey adds.

There are also low, medium and high carbon versions, and wire with uniform strength and elasticity, which reduces breakage and machine downtime. When the wire is produced via a metal drawing process, its properties change in terms of strength, ductility, fatigue, and shape. The combination of these elements results in a broad range of products. 

Having the right size and specifications allows the customer to not over buy too large a size, Ramsey explains. “Baling wire is priced by weight. If a customer has too small of a product, they may have to use more of the lighter ties, which could be economically inefficient.”

Quality and pricing

“As with most everything, especially commodities right now, baling wire has seen a drastic increase in price dating back to August ,” Ramsey points out. “Wire rod, which is what our baling wire is made of, is driving the domestic wire market right now. Scrap prices have leveled off in the last two to three months, but rod prices continue to escalate five to six percent, monthly.”

Ramsey cautions that not all wire is not created equal. “Wire is sourced from many different countries and continents, and the quality of any bale ties and/or baling products starts at the steel mill. How that steel it is treated throughout the forming process will make or break the product.” 

So, what should buyers look for in terms of quality? American-made bale ties undergo stricter quality control standards than wire from other countries, and tends to be more durable. “Wire consistency is probably the best datum for quality,” Ramsey mentions. “If the wire has hard spots, that’s usually a result of a lower quality material, and it can break rather than stretch when being wrapped around a bale. This holds true for manual, auto-tie or two-ram baling.”

Another aspect is bale density. Density and bale sizing are important because they directly affect the use of baling wire. The old adage goes, the bigger the baler cylinder, the more the force, and consequently, the denser the bales. Bigger cylinders provide a denser, heavier bale, and yield fewer bales. That means less wire is used and there is less material handling, wear and tear, and semi loads to transport.

The baler also must use the proper number of wire ties – that number varies depending on the type of material being baled. If excessive wire is being used, wire costs could skyrocket. Many companies are now managing their wire through their baling machines’ automated tying features, which set the correct number of wires and spacing to properly tie off the bale.

Evaluate your baler wire

Thus, it’s wise to evaluate your bale ties and baler wire as part of your next waste audit. As Mid America Paper Recycling points out, if waste is compacted into neat bales before being sent to a sorting facility, it has a better chance of being sold for a profit. Wire ties securing those bales into safer, more easily sold units, allow them to be conveniently transported and reused, says Mid America President Paul Pirkle. “Baler wire is critical to a recycler or generator. Without it, the entire process stops at not only the generation spot but also with logistics to those that are producing tissue and toweling products and packaging materials. The greater the quality of baling wire, the higher the bale integrity, and better the movement of material through the logistics network.” 

Specializing in customer service, Mid America Paper Recycling offers baling wire for sale and can recommend baling equipment tips, models, and other recycling equipment, tools and supplies. Available to answer any questions or address concerns, we would love to help provide you with additional baling assistance. Contact us today to boost your sustainable business (773- 890-).

Guide to Tying Baling Wire Knots Like a Pro

If you work in the recycling, shipping or packaging business, you may have come across baling wire. Bale wire, also known as bailing wire or galvanized wire, is a flexible and strong material used to secure products like paper, cardboard, hay, metal and other recyclable materials. Properly tying baling wire knots is important to ensure the items stay bundled and ready for shipment. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tying baling wire knots like a pro.

What is Baling Wire and Why is it Important?

Understanding the Basics of Bale Wire

Baling wire is a thin, strong and flexible type of wire typically made of steel. It comes in different lengths, gauges and finishes, depending on the type of material being secured and the machine being used. Bale wire is commonly used in the recycling, shipping and packaging industries to tightly bundle and compress items for shipment or recycling.

Materials Used for Bale Tying

Baling wire is used to secure a variety of materials like cardboard, paper, hay and metal. The right baling wire gauge must be used based on the type of material being tied, to ensure the wire has the right tensile strength. Using the wrong wire gauge can result in the bale snapping or breaking apart during shipment, causing damage to products and loss of money.

How Recyclable Material is Secured with Baling Wire?

Recyclable materials come in different shapes and sizes, and tying them securely together is not always easy. Bale wire is an efficient and cost-effective material to use for securing them. This is done by wrapping the wire around the bundle of materials and tying it in a knot. Once pulled tight, the baling wire compresses the materials into a more manageable form, ensuring the items don’t move around during shipping.

Manual Hand Tools for Tying Baling Wire Knots

There are different types of manual hand tools needed for tying baling wire knots You’ll need pliers and wire cutters to help twist the ends of the baling wire and cut the excess wire once the knot is tied.

Types of Baler Machines

Automatic baler machines significantly reduce the amount of manual labor that goes into tying baling wire knots. There are two main types of baler machines: vertical and horizontal machines. Vertical machines compact materials in an up and down motion, resulting in smaller bales. Horizontal machines compress materials from the side, resulting in larger bales.

Different Types of Wire Used in Baling and Their Gauge Measurements

There are different types of wire used in baling such as galvanized wire, steel wire and even polypropylene straps. The right wire gauge must be used for effective baling. The wire gauge measurement determines the tensile strength and thickness of the wire. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire, and vice versa.

How to Tie Baling Wire Knots Manually?

The Loop Method of Tying Baling Wire

The loop method starts by feeding the loose end of the baling wire around the bundle, bringing it back to the front of the baler. This creates a loop through which the other end of the wire is fed. Pull both the ends of the wire in opposite directions and tie them in a simple knot. Finally, twist both ends together to tighten the knot.

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The Saddle-Bend Method of Tying Baling Wire

The saddle-bend method requires creating a “saddle” in the middle of the bale by folding the wire in half. Feed the folded wire underneath the bundle, leaving both ends loose. Cross both ends over each other in the middle of the bundle, creating a loop through which both ends are then fed. Twist both ends together to tighten the knot.

The Zigzag Method of Tying Baling Wire

The zigzag method is best for tying multiple bales to create a secure stack. Start by zigzagging the baling wire around the bales while making sure it is tight enough to hold the bales together. At the end of the wire, make a loop by bending it over on itself and then twisting both ends together to form a knot.

How to Tie Baling Wire Knots with Machines?

Vertical and Horizontal Baler Machines

When using a baler machine, the process for tying baling wire knots is simple. The machine compresses the material and automatically feeds the wire around the material bundle, and finally, ties the wire in a knot. With vertical machines, the wire is wrapped around the materials in a vertical direction, while with horizontal machines, the wire is wrapped around the materials horizontally.

Choosing the Right Baling Wire Tool for Your Application

Choosing the right baling wire tool is critical to ensuring the materials are tied securely. It is important to select a wire tool based on the type of machine being used and the type of material being bound. A wire tool should have adjustable tension, and the right gauge wire for the application should be selected.

Using a Wire Feeding Tool for Automatic Wire Tying

A wire feeding tool can be attached to the baler machine to cut, feed and tie the wire automatically. This reduces the effort, time and cost associated with manually feeding wire and tying knots. It is suitable for large-scale operations and high volume baling.

Common Problems with Baling Wire and How to Fix Them?

The Wire is Breaking Frequently

If the wire is breaking frequently, it could be due to using the wrong gauge wire for the application. The wire may be too thin or not strong enough for the material being bound. Another cause could be over-tension, which can put unnecessary stress on the wire. Switching to a thicker wire of the correct gauge or lowering the tension should solve the problem.

The Wire is Not Holding the Bale Together

If the wire is not holding the bale together, it could be due to using too little wire or insufficient tension. Ensure that there is enough wire around the bundle and that the tension is adjusted correctly. If there is still an issue, it could be due to the machine not compressing the materials enough.

Wire Ends are Protruding Out After Tying

Protruding wire ends can be a safety hazard as they can poke someone or get caught on something during shipping. To fix this issue, cut the wire at both ends to about 2 inches and tuck them under the knots, preventing them from sticking out.

Our Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about tying baling wire knots, feel free to contact us for expert help. We can advise you on the best baling wire to use for your business and help you automate your wire tying process. Our team has years of experience working with different types of materials in baling, shipping and packaging.

How to Choose the Right Type of Wire for Your Baler Machine?

Choosing the right type of wire is crucial for successful baling operations. With it being different types of baling wire, the type of wire you’re going to use depends on factors like the material being bound, wire gauge and the type of machine being used. Considerations like the bundle size, weight, and how the materials will be transported must also be factored in.

Tips to Secure Different Types of Materials with Baling Wire

Different materials require different tying methods for successful bundling. For example, paper and cardboard may require a single loop tie, while metal and hay may require multiple wire ties wrapping around the bundle. Understanding which types of tying methods work best for each material is essential to ensure successful baling for your business.

How To Tie Baling Wire 101 FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of this guide?

A: The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive and detailed understanding of tying bale wire, particularly in the context of balers and cardboard baling.

Q: What is a vertical baler?

A: A vertical baler is a type of baler that compresses and binds materials, such as cardboard, vertically. It is commonly used in commercial or industrial settings for efficient waste management and recycling.

Q: How do I choose the right bale tie for my vertical baler?

A: When choosing a bale tie for your vertical baler, consider factors such as the type of material being baled, the weight and size of the bales, and the intended application. Different bale ties, such as wire or poly strapping, may be suitable for different purposes.

Q: How do I tie a bale using baling wire?

A: To tie a bale using baling wire, feed one end of the wire through the slot or loop end of the vertical baler. Pull the wire through and wrap it around the bale multiple times, making sure to leave enough slack to allow for expansion and tightening. Secure the end of the wire using a knot or twist.

Q: Can I use poly strapping instead of baling wire?

A: Yes, poly strapping can be used as an alternative to baling wire for tying bales. Poly strapping is a durable and easy-to-use material that can provide secure packaging for various applications.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to tie bale wire?

A: While specialized equipment such as bale tie guns or tools can help simplify the process, they are not always necessary. Tying bale wire can be done manually using gloves and basic instruction.

Q: What are some safety precautions to consider when tying bale wire?

A: When tying bale wire, it is important to take safety precautions. These may include wearing appropriate gloves to protect your hands, receiving proper training on the tying process, and following any safety instructions provided by the baler manufacturer.

Q: Where can I find baling wire and other supplies?

A: Baling wire and other supplies can be found at various sources, such as specialized stores, online retailers, and industrial supply companies. It is recommended to check the availability and quality of the supplies before making a purchase. Contact us today to inquire about our inventory and your baling wire needs.

Q: Can I store baling wire in my facility or store?

A: Yes, baling wire can typically be stored in your facility or store, as long as proper storage guidelines are followed. It is important to keep it in a dry and secure area to maintain its quality and prevent any safety hazards.

Q: Are there any other uses for baling wire apart from tying bales?

A: Yes, baling wire can have various other applications apart from tying bales. It can be used for bundling or packing materials, reinforcing structures, securing items for transportation, or even for creative DIY projects.

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