System for compressing and strapping loads with press-type strapping machines having improved platen control

A system comprising:

• a first strapping machine comprising a first frame, a first platen supported by the first frame, a first load supporter below the first platen, a first platen actuator operably connected to the first platen to move the first platen toward and away from the first load supporter, and a first strapping head;
• a second strapping machine downstream of the first strapping machine, the second strapping machine comprising a second frame, a second platen supported by the second frame, a second load supporter below the second platen, a second platen actuator operably connected to the second platen to move the second platen toward and away from the second load supporter, and a second strapping head;
• and
• one or more controllers configured to:
• control the first platen actuator to move the first platen toward the first load supporter and a load positioned in a first strapping area on the first load supporter and beneath the first platen;
• monitor a compressive force the first platen applies to the load;
• responsive to the compressive force reaching a target compressive force:
• stop moving the first platen, wherein when stopped the first platen is in a first strapping position at which a strapping distance separates the first platen and a first support surface of the first load supporter;
• control the first strapping head to strap the load;
• and
• control the first platen actuator to move the first platen away from the first load supporter and disengage the load;
• move the load to a second strapping area on the second load supporter and beneath the second platen;
• control the second platen actuator to move the second platen to a second strapping position in which the second platen and a second support surface of the second load supporter are separated by a distance substantially the same as the strapping distance;
• and
• control the second strapping head to strap the load.