What is the most common bale tie used with vertical balers?

Vertical balers are features of low to medium-volume recycling operations. They also produce lighter bales than industrial two-ram balers. Medium-gauge single or double loop bale ties are the most common products used with vertical balers, but there isn’t a single most common product.

Recycling centers choose wire gauge and finish based on the materials they’re baling, the bale weight, and the bale’s storage conditions. Understand these factors to pick the right bale ties for your vertical baler.

About vertical balers

Vertical baling machines generally use a single ram and compact materials downward. They are cheaper than horizontal balers, and they use less floor space. Small businesses and recycling operations use them for low-volume recyclables baling, especially cardboard.

While automatic variations exist, most vertical balers require manual tying. After compaction, workers use bale ties (wire ties) made to pre-cut lengths to secure the bale. Both single and double loop bale ties are compatible with manual-tie vertical balers. The difference between the two is that single loop bale ties can better accommodate fluctuations in bale size, while double loop bale ties are quickly clipped together using fixed hoops.

The choice between single or double loop bale ties depends on bale consistency and daily throughput. Single loop bale ties are best for operations that produce different bale sizes, or materials that compact inconsistently. Double loop bale ties are best for higher-volume operations that require speed.

Read your vertical baler’s documentation or contact the baling machine manufacturer to learn which wire gauges work best with your machine.

How materials affect bale tie selection

Businesses choose wire gauge based on the weight and density of their bales. Heavier, more compact bales require smaller gauge (thicker) wire. Here are the most common wire gauges for baling recyclables with a vertical baler:

• Plastic film: 13–14 gauge
• Plastics: 12–13 gauge
• Cardboard: 12–14 gauge
• Newspaper and office paper: 12–13 gauge
• Foam: 11 gauge

If strength is your primary concern, our 9 gauge galvanized double loop bale ties feature an impressive tensile strength of 220,000 psi and a load strength of 2,150 lb. Our 11 gauge galvanized single loop bale ties offer 75,000–95,000 psi of tensile strength with a load strength of 848–1,074 lb. To save money on baling wire, select the highest gauge wire that will safely secure your bales.

Annealed bale ties are the best choice for expansive materials, such as rubber or foam. The annealing process improves the elongation and torsional strength properties of baling wire, allowing it to stretch and twist to accommodate shifting bales and expansive pressure.

Storage conditions and bale ties

Bales that will be quickly processed can be secured with uncoated regular baling wire. If bales are stored for long periods or outdoors, galvanized wire is necessary.

The galvanization process coats baling wire in a protective layer of zinc. Zinc provides cathodic protection, slowly degrading before the underlying steel begins to rust.

Galvanized bale ties can receive different galvanization classes to meet application requirements. For shorter storage durations, Class 1 galvanization is sufficiently reliable. For long-term outdoor use, heavy scrap metal bales, and prolonged chemical contact, Class 3 galvanization offers exceptional resistance to corrosion for 10+ years. We carry single and double loop bale ties with galvanized coats.

Our popular bale ties for vertical baler

Baling Wire Direct manufactures high-quality bale ties for recycled materials and vertical balers. Here are some of our popular choices:

• 13 gauge black annealed single loop bale ties provide a balance of strength and value. Black annealed wire withstands expansive materials and provides moderate rust resistance. It is popular for baling cardboard, plastic, and foam.
• 12 gauge bright double loop bale ties are uncoated (bright finish). They tie quickly and offer excellent value for short-term requirements.
• 12 gauge galvanized single loop bale ties are a popular choice for recyclers requiring long-term storage or handling abrasive scrap metal.

Contact us if you’d like help choosing the right bale ties for your recycling facility. Or, check out our guide to choosing the best wire for vertical balers.